Form and function compose a symbiotic relationship in the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing.
Descended from the brand’s racing-derived V-Series legacy, the design elements of the new V-Series Blackwing sedans support and complement their track-capable performance, while advancing the V-Series’ motorsports-inspired heritage of styling and enhanced refinement.
“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,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. “Everything new and unique on these vehicles was only included if it served a functional purpose, while simultaneously creating a powerful signature look.”
On the exteriors, wind-tunnel testing and extensive racetrack validation refined the designs to optimize the balance of form and function. On the inside, every unique V-Series Blackwing element, from the available carbon fiber accented seats to track-specific layouts for the driver information center, was developed for its contribution to driver control.
Highlights include:
The CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing benefit from extensive aerodynamic development and testing, with unique exterior features designed to reduce lift, and support propulsion system and drivetrain cooling needs.
“The openings in the grilles are larger in order to direct airflow to the multiple radiators, as well as the brakes,” says Josh Thurber, exterior design manager, Cadillac. “It’s all functional and it contributes to a purposeful, racing-inspired look for both cars.”
Development started with extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations, along with wind-tunnel testing on reduced-scale and full-size models featuring clay, foam and 3D-printed prototype components.
Additionally, full-scale testing was also conducted at GM’s upgraded full-scale rolling-road wind tunnel, designed to simulate conditions up to 180 mph. The refinements made during the testing resulted in a tailored, unique exterior package consisting of:
The CT5-V Blackwing also incorporates air deflectors for the front wheels. These deflectors are designed to decrease drag, but can be removed to maximize cooling airflow to the brakes, if desired.
Both V-Series Blackwing models are available with a functional carbon fiber aero package that generates a significant reduction in lift, compared to the standard aero package. On the CT4-V Blackwing, it provides a 214-percent reduction in lift; and a 75-percent reduction on the CT5-V Blackwing.
Forged aluminum, staggered-size wheels are standard on both models. On the CT4-V Blackwing, they measure 18 x 9 inches wide in the front and 18 x 9.5 inches wide in the rear; and on the CT5-V Blackwing, they measure 19 x 10 inches in front and 19 x 11 inches in the rear.
The wheels share a similar, motorsports-inspired multi-spoke design and are offered in two appearances: a premium satin Graphite painted finish with a laser-etched V-Series logo or a polished face with Dark Android-painted pockets, also with a laser-etched V-Series logo.
A bronze appearance is also available on the standard Brembo brake calipers, along with red, blue and the standard grey finish. The choices offer greater personalization options for customers, allowing them to tailor the calipers with the exterior color of the car and its wheels.
The interiors of the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing are elevated to new levels of functionality, finish and refinement.
Available high-performance seats and a high-performance steering wheel contribute function to the equation, while elements such as an available sueded microfiber headliner and Opus leather trim amplify the cars’ aura of handcrafted sophistication and technical precision.
There’s also a standard AKG premium audio system, with 14 and 15 speakers for CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, respectively. The AKG sound system also features, brushed aluminum grilles with laser etching, and Neodymium magnets to reduce weight while still producing a premium sound experience.
Both models are offered with three interior trim levels, starting with standard performance front seats, performance steering wheel and unique additional interior trim. High-performance seats, including available carbon fiber seatbacks on the CT5-V Blackwing, a high-performance steering wheel and additional carbon fiber interior trim are available.
A bolstered performance front seat is standard on CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, with a high-performance front seat design included on the upper trim levels.
Both versions represent the next step in seat design for Cadillac V-Series, with greater comfort and added features, along with reduced weight. They’re designed to provide exceptional lateral support during spirited driving, while also offering a high degree of adjustability to accommodate varying driver and passenger sizes.
All of the seats feature heat, driver’s memory settings and up to 18 power adjustments. The upgraded high-performance seat features a slim headrest design to comfortably accommodate helmets when at the track, along with the crafted V-Series logos and bolster ergonomics for more comfortable manual shifting.
Additional available seat features, depending on the trim, include ventilation, lumbar massage and custom perforations, quilting or sueded microfiber trim. On the CT5-V Blackwing, the high-performance semi-aniline leather front seats include a lightweight carbon fiber seatback.
Complementing the up-level seats is a thick, 14.5-inch-diameter (370 mm) high-performance steering wheel that is standard on the mid and upper tier CT4-V Blackwing trims and all of the CT5-V Blackwing trims. It features carbon fiber trim and additional fingertip controls, including a quick-access V-Mode button and Performance Traction Management witch. It also includes magnesium shift paddles when the vehicle is equipped with the available 10-speed automatic transmission.
This wheel will come with a serialized number plate that corresponds with each vehicle’s unique VIN sequence.
Standard | Available | Available |
Leatherette seating appointments with heat and 18-way power adjustmentsPerformance steering wheel with leather trimCarbon fiber console trimTaffeta headlinerColor: Jet Black | Level 1 Performance front seats with leather and sueded microfiber appointments; with heat and 16-way power adjustmentsHigh-performance steering wheel with additional controls and carbon fiber trimCarbon fiber console trimTaffeta headlinerColors: Jet Black or Sky Cool Grey | Level 2 Performance front seats with leather and sueded micro-fiber appointments, including back panel; with heat, ventilation and lumbar massageHigh-performance steering wheel with additional controls and carbon fiber trimCarbon fiber console trimLeather and sueded microfiber door trimSueded microfiber headlinerColors: Jet Black, Sky Cool Grey or Natural Tan |
Standard | Available | Available |
Leather front seating appointments with heat, ventilation, lumbar massage and 18-way adjustmentsLeather-appointed rear seatsHigh-performance steering wheel with additional controls and carbon fiber trimCarbon fiber interior trimTaffeta headlinerColor: Jet Black | Level 2 Performance front seats with leather and sueded micro-fiber appointments, including back panel; with heat, ventilation and lumbar massageHigh-performance steering wheel with additional controls and carbon fiber trimCarbon fiber interior trimLeather and sueded microfiber door trimSueded microfiber headlinerColors: Jet Black or Sky Cool Grey | Level 2 Performance front seats with leather and sueded micro-fiber appointments, and carbon fiber back panel; with heat, ventilation and lumbar massageHigh-performance steering wheel with additional controls and carbon fiber trimCarbon fiber interior trimOpus leather and sueded microfiber door trimSueded microfiber headlinerColors: Jet Black, Sky Cool Grey or Natural Tan |
The functional beauty of the V-Series Blackwing models extends to the configurable in-vehicle technologies that support the cars’ performance and personalized driving experiences. Unique, tailored features involve drivers and help focus attention on driving, while also offering feedback on their drives on the track and on the road.
Highlighted features:
The CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be available in late 2021.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact Fadi Tadros at fadi.tadros@gm.com or +971 50 106 5926.
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