2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Overview

Greatness is often measured in physical strength and the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing’s punch is Herculean. Its superpowers include communicative steering, a well-balanced ride, race track- capable handling, and a 472-hp twin-turbo V-6 that pairs nicely with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and rear-wheel drive. While not as brazen as the bigger 668-hp CT5-V Blackwing, a six-speed manual-equipped model we tested did post an impressive 4.0-second launch to 60 mph and crossed the quarter-mile mark in 12.4 seconds at 116 mph. Unfortunately, in the mythos of top-tier sports sedans, the CT4-V Blackwing isn’t immortal; along with its CT5-V Blackwing big brother it’s likely the final chapter of high-octane, gas-fed performance from Cadillac. The next generation of hot Caddys will be electric. One thing’s for sure, though: the CT4-V Blackwing will be remembered as a hero, one of the best driver’s cars of all time.

What’s New for 2023?

To celebrate Cadillac’s success in the IMSA SportsCar Championship racing series, the 2023 CT4-V Blackwing receives three Track Editions that are limited to 99 units each. The three trims differ visually, representing the Sebring, Watkins Glen, and Road Atlanta racing circuits that the IMSA series visits. The Sebring IMSA Edition has dark Maverick Noir Frost paint and Tech Bronze brake calipers with interior accents in either Signet or Sky Cool Gray. The Watkins Glen IMSA Edition uses the same interior trim but wears Electric Blue paint with Royal Blue brakes as an ode to the track’s blue guardrails. Road Atlanta IMSA Editions have a Rift metallic paint job with either Adrenaline Red or Sky Cool Gray interior accents. These special editions come standard with carbon-fiber front seatbacks and are offered with either the 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Starting just above $60,000, the 2023 CT4-V Blackwing is priced between cheaper alternatives such as the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 and more expensive ones such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. We like that the Caddy comes standard with a stick-shift transmission and track-ready hardware. The CT4-V Blackwing also offers sportier front seats with some luxury amenities that sound appealing but increase its bottom line. Likewise, Cadillac offers several expensive packages that aim to elevate its sports-sedan status.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The CT4-V Blackwing packs a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 472 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. That power is routed to the rear wheels through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is not available. Our first driving impressions revealed the Blackwing sounds better than its ATS-V predecessor, has loads of steering feedback, and possesses one of the best ride-handling balances in its class. Every model is fitted with adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a powerful braking system that make it racetrack-ready. At our own test track, we saw the CT4-V Blackwing with the manual ‘box hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, post 1.01 g on our skid pad, and stop from 70 mph in 153 feet. While all three stats trail the 503-hp, automatic-only BMW M3 Competition we tested, the Caddy feels more alive and does a better job of communicating with the driver.

More on the CT4-V Blackwing Sedan

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The CT4-V Blackwing with the automatic transmission is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The manual-equipped model loses 1 mpg in both metrics. Once we test the CT4-V Blackwing on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Blackwing’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The CT4-V Blackwing’s interior has some additional frills compared with the regular CT4 lineup—think carbon-fiber trim, microsuede accents, and more supportive front seats. Otherwise, the design and layout are identical to its toned-down siblings’. Cadillac hasn’t exactly exceeded expectations with the quality of Blackwing’s cabin, but there’s certainly no shortage of fancy features on the roster. The ‘Wing comes standard with a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and specially bolstered front seats with 18-way power adjustments and heated cushions. These front thrones can be upgraded to a snazzier set with even more aggressive bolstering as well as ventilation and lumbar massage. The Blackwing has the same interior layout and cargo space as the regular CT4, with useful cubby storage as well as a trunk that held five carry-on suitcases in our testing.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every CT4-V Blackwing features an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and multiple charging ports. Mercifully, Cadillac has moved on from its old CUE interface, which relied almost entirely on unintuitive touch-sensitive controls and introduced a handy rotary knob and physical buttons to help operate its infotainment system. The Blackwing also comes standard with a 14-speaker AKG stereo that has brushed aluminum grilles and lightweight components.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Cadillac’s little high-performance sedan comes standard with a plethora of driver-assistance technology. Extras such as adaptive cruise control and rear automated emergency braking are part of the optional Driver Assist package. For more information about the CT4-V Blackwing’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features should include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

While Cadillac’s limited warranty aligns with most luxury competitors, its powertrain coverage stretches longer than Audi’s or BMW’s. However, those German alternatives have better complimentary maintenance, especially with BMW’s three years or 36,000 miles.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE

Base/As Tested: $59,990/$76,040

Options: Jet Black leather interior with microfiber inserts and performance steering wheel, $4900; Carbon Package 1, $4350; Carbon Package 2, $2650; performance data and video recorder, $1600; Technology package, $725; Electric Blue paint, $625; Satin Graphite wheels, $600; Climate package; $600

ENGINE

twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 218 in3, 3564 cm3

Power: 472 hp @ 5750 rpm

Torque: 445 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

TRANSMISSION

6-speed manual

CHASSIS

Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink

Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc

Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

F: 255/35R-18 (99Y) TPC

R: 275/35R-18 (99Y) TPC

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 109.3 in

Length: 187.6 in

Width: 71.5 in

Height: 56.0 in

Passenger Volume: 90 ft3

Trunk Volume: 11 ft3

Curb Weight: 3851 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 4.0 sec

100 mph: 9.4 sec

1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 116 mph

130 mph: 16.2 sec

150 mph: 23.4 sec

Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.

Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.3 sec

Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 9.6 sec

Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 7.2 sec

Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 189 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft

Braking, 100–0 mph: 309 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.01 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 18 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 18/15/23 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs