2024 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Overview
We all share a common desire with the 472-hp Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing—a daily commute fraught with hairpins and climbing esses instead of construction cones. Thankfully, the CT4-V Blackwing is an incredibly balanced machine capable of handling both realities. When asked, the twin-turbo V-6 under the hood is prompt at delivering up to 445 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The gear shifting in between bouts of excitement is handled by a choice of either a 10-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The Blackwing’s adaptive dampers are the perfect tools for soaking up little bumps and keeping the chassis under control during normal or high-performance track driving. This best-of-both-worlds capability makes the CT4-V Blackwing one of the top two sports sedans sold today. Would you believe the other is also a Cadillac? Queue up one thunderous crackle from the 668-hp V-8-powered CT5-V Blackwing. What will go down as one of the best cars we’ve ever driven, the CT4-V Blackwing won’t be around for long, as it will eventually be replaced by a next-generation all-electric Caddy.
What’s New for 2023?
Cadillac celebrates two decades of V-series hot rods with 20thAnniversary graphics and new colors for the 2024 CT4-V Blackwing. The new paint options include Velocity Red, Cyber Yellow Metallic, Coastal Blue Metallic, and Black Diamond Tricoat. The CT4-V Blackwing also gets an additional “Blackwing” badge under the V logo, just to rub it in.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Starting just above $60,000, the 2024 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 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’s on our skidpad, 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. With the 10-speed automatic transmission, the CT4-V Blackwing narrowly beat its EPA estimates with 25 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. 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 the 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 and 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 with 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 Arrow pointing downArrow pointing down
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $61,890/$84,715
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
10-speed automatic
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: 255/35ZR-18 (94Y) TPC Spec 3164
R: 275/35ZR-18 (99Y) TPC Spec 3165
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: 3904 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.0 sec
100 mph: 9.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.4 sec @ 114 mph
130 mph: 17.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 189 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 158 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 303 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.04 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 25 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 430 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 19/16/24 mpg
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
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
