Only a few days ago, BMW revealed the M5 CS. The most powerful series-production car from the Bavarian automaker develops no fewer than 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet (750 Nm) of torque from a twin-turbo V8, but Cadillac isn’t exactly awestruck by these output figures.
Just like the CTS-V it replaces in the lineup, the CT5-V Blackwing combines a small-block V8 engine with a thumpin’ great supercharger for superlative performance. The 6.2-liter lump and Roots-type blower develop 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet (893 Nm) of torque at the crankshaft, according to Cadillac. All that fury is handled by either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic tranny with blistering upshifts and downshifts.
The most powerful road-going Cadillac ever hits 60 mph (96 kph) in 3.7 seconds thanks to clever electronics and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer-only tires calibrated specifically for the CT5-V Blackwing. The 15.7-inch front rotors are said to be the largest brakes ever fitted to a series-production Cadillac, and you definitely need those big boys considering this car’s top speed.
Capable of more than 200 miles per hour (322 kilometers per hour), the CT5-V Blackwing comes standard with fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control magnetorheological dampers. Lots of high-gloss carbon fiber is available for the exterior and interior, and the forged aluminum wheels can be swapped for magnesium wheels in order to reduce unsprung weight.
“As the ultimate performance versions of our V-Series lineup, the prime directive for their designs was to maintain authenticity and integrity, while also raising the bar,” declared design head Andrew Smith. “Everything new and unique on these vehicles was only included if it served a functional purpose, while simultaneously creating a powerful signature look.”
Similar to the CT4-V Blackwing that challenges the BMW M3, the mid-sized sibling is available to reserve in limited numbers. Only 250 units can be pre-ordered with a $1,000 refundable deposit, and every single example is unique thanks to a serialized plaque on the high-performance steering wheel.
A two-day experience at the Cadillac V-Series Academy driving school is included in the purchase price, which starts at $84,990 excluding freight.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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