The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a 668bhp supercharged V8 with a manual transmission, a winning formula that takes on the BMW M5 Competition. The CT5-V Blackwing is made by Cadillac and features a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 producing 668bhp at 6500rpm and 659lb ft at 3600rpm.
First impressions of the Blackwing don’t concern its full performance potential, but its design and features are enough to wipe away travel weariness and send a welcome shot of adrenaline. It seems exotic and has a tension and aggression seeping silently from every line, crease, and curve.
Cadillac’s design is easily on a par with an M3 and not too far off an M5 CS. Carbon fibre trim abounds, and the steering wheel and short, simple gearlever are tightly bound in alcantara. The CT5-V Blackwing also features Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, an excellent e-diff, and is capable of over 200mph.
The Blackwing is relatively compact, with more power than a Ferrari Enzo and similar torque to a LaFerrari. It’s not a Hellcat, but it’s smaller, lighter, and more sophisticated, with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.
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The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a strong contender to the BMW M5 Competition, with its manual transmission and supercharged V8. While it may not have the same level of complexity or high-strung nature as the M5, it makes up for it with its poise, agility, and muscularity, making every millimetre of the throttle pedal energise the entire car, much like a supersaloon should.
In terms of specs, the Blackwing has a length of 4923mm, a height of 1453mm, and a wheelbase of 2946mm, compared to the E39 M5 which has a length of 4780mm, a height of 1430mm, and a wheelbase of 2830mm.
The Cadillac is enormous fun, deeply involving, and so keen to cut clean lines that it’s a bit of a shock. With its wild V8, mind-altering acceleration, and simple act of changing gear, the Cadillac is a whole lot of fun, and it’s good enough to stand toe-to-toe with a BMW M3 Competition or an M5 CS on UK roads.
It is fun.
