Most track-capable cars force you to choose between performance and practicality. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing laughs at that compromise. This supercharged luxury sedan delivers 668 horsepower while hauling five passengers in leather-wrapped comfort. Drop the kids at school on Monday, hit the race track on Saturday. The same car handles both without breaking a sweat. This machine proves American performance engineering still knows how to build a proper driver’s car.
- The CT5-V Blackwing uses a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 that rockets to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with the manual transmission.
- Cadillac offers an optional Precision package that borrows components from the discontinued Camaro ZL1 1LE for enhanced track performance.
- Starting at $102,795 for 2026, the Blackwing costs significantly less than rivals like the BMW M5 while delivering comparable or better track capability.
668 Supercharged Horses in Business Casual
The LT4 supercharged 6.2-liter V8 puts down 668 horsepower to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. Testing shows the manual-equipped version hits 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, only 0.1 seconds behind the quicker-shifting automatic. Top speed? Try 205 mph, placing it among the fastest sedans anywhere.
This engine shares its DNA with the Chevrolet Corvette, giving you actual sports car guts wrapped in a luxury sedan body. General Motors once built a more powerful supercharged V8, the 2019 Corvette ZR1’s LT5 with 755 horsepower, but the LT4 delivers more than enough thrust to pin you back in those leather seats.
One professional tester put it bluntly: “You don’t drive the Blackwing so much as you hold on for dear life” once you mash the throttle. That supercharger whine and surge of power feels like getting rear-ended by a freight train, except you’re grinning the whole time.
Track Hardware Borrowed From GM’s Best
Cadillac dropped the “Le Monstre” edition for 2026, but the standard Blackwing already handles track duty without complaint. For drivers who want every last tenth of a second, the Precision package delivers.
Available on 2025 and later models, the Precision package raids the parts bin from the discontinued Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. GM engineers transplanted suspension components, wider wheels, and stickier rubber to make the Blackwing stiffer, wider, and grippier on track.
These upgrades come from one of GM’s most capable track weapons, giving the Blackwing hardware that lets it run with dedicated sports cars costing twice as much. Add the Precision package and this sedan becomes shockingly agile through tight corners.
Actually Comfortable When You’re Not Attacking Corners
Two-seat sports cars make terrible daily drivers. The Blackwing solves that problem by offering five real seats with enough rear legroom for adults. The 11.9 cubic feet of trunk space falls short of competitors, the Audi RS7 and BMW M5 offer 25 and 17 cubic feet respectively, but you can still pack for a weekend getaway. The rear seats fold down when you need to haul longer cargo.
Take your kids to school in the morning. Stop for groceries on the way home. Head to the track on Saturday. Same car handles all three without complaint.
Inside, you get leather upholstery, massaging seats, and enough room for the whole family. Manual transmission fans can row their own gears through that six-speed box while enjoying the same comfort features as the automatic.
The Price Actually Makes Sense
The 2026 model starts at $102,795, roughly $3,600 more than last year. Compare that to the 2026 BMW M5 at $125,175, you’re saving over $22,000 before adding any options.
Options can increase the price quickly, especially the Precision package for track junkies. Even fully loaded, you’ll spend less than German competitors while getting equal or better performance numbers.
Production might end after 2026 for both the CT5-V and CT4-V Blackwing. This could be your last chance to buy a manual transmission, supercharged V8 sedan from a major manufacturer. That combination probably won’t exist much longer.
Your Last Shot at a Dying Breed
Cadillac has built high-performance sedans since 2006, each generation pushing power and speed further. The CT5-V Blackwing represents the peak of that 18-year evolution, a car that delivers everything without compromise.
Show up to track day in this five-seat sedan and watch the reactions. Porsches and Corvettes expect to have the field to themselves. Then you start setting competitive lap times in a car with a back seat. The surprise never gets old.
This car hits the target for enthusiasts who need practicality but want genuine performance. Weekday family sedan meets weekend track weapon. Few cars can honestly do both jobs well. Even fewer can do it at this price point while offering a manual transmission and supercharged V8.
If you’ve been searching for Cadillac dealers near me to see one in person before they disappear, you better move quickly. These machines won’t be around forever, and neither will your chance to own one.
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