In an era where V-8 engines are fading into memory and manual transmissions are nearly extinct, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands tall as a defiant masterpiece. This isn’t a car that bows to trends-it’s a four-door beast that laughs in the face of electrification and celebrates the raw, unfiltered joy of driving.
For 2025, Cadillac has polished this gem with subtle yet meaningful updates. The styling gets a sharper edge, the tech takes a leap forward, and an optional Precision package dials up its track-ready attitude. Yet, at its core, this Blackwing remains a tribute to American muscle-a rare breed with a supercharged heart and rear-wheel-drive soul.
| Quick Specs | 025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing |
|---|---|
| Engine | Supercharged 6.2-Liter V-8 |
| Power Output | 668 Horsepower / 659 Pound-Feet |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 (Auto) / 3.6 Seconds (Manual) |
| Base Price | $96,990 / $99,090 (est.) |
Under the hood lies a hand-built 6.2-liter V-8, pumping out 668 horses and enough torque to twist the pavement. Pair that with a six-speed manual-yes, a manual-and you’ve got a recipe for pure exhilaration. Want to hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds? Row your own gears. Prefer the automatic? You’ll shave that down to 3.4 seconds. Either way, this sedan surges past 200 mph like it’s on a mission.
The standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires cling to the road with authority, though they’re happy to break loose into a smoky burnout if you ask nicely. For those chasing apexes, the Precision package swaps in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires-track-focused rubber that elevates this Caddy’s cornering game.
Living with a Legend
Don’t let the muscle-car vibes fool you-the CT5-V Blackwing is a shockingly civilized companion. It’s whisper-quiet at a cruise, only unleashing the supercharger’s banshee wail when you stomp the throttle. The high-performance bucket seats hug you tight without punishing your back, striking a balance BMW’s hardcore options can’t match. This is a sedan you could drive to work, then shred a canyon road after clocking out.
Inside, a stunning 33-inch display dominates the dash, blending the gauge cluster and touchscreen into one sleek unit. It’s intuitive, gorgeous, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical buttons for essentials like climate and volume stick around-a nod to practicality in a digital age. For track enthusiasts, the optional Performance Data Recorder (developed with Cosworth) captures your laps in video and data, complete with a lap timer to fuel your competitive streak.
A Fresh Face
The 2025 refresh brings a bolder front end-vertical headlights, slick daytime running lights, and a reworked grille give it a menacing stare. Is it prettier than the old model? That’s subjective. But the new Typhoon metallic green paint (a $625 upgrade) is a knockout, joining the equally vibrant Cyber Yellow. Our tester rocked that green hue, pushing the price to an estimated $99,090-and it felt worth every penny.
The Last of Its Kind
At $96,990 to start, the Blackwing undercuts rivals like the Porsche Panamera ($104,795), BMW M5 ($120,675), and Audi RS7 Performance ($131,195)-none of which offer a manual. Add the $18,000 Precision package and it climbs, but even in base form, this car delivers thrills that justify the cost. It’s a final salute to a dying breed: a V-8 sedan with a stick shift, built for drivers who crave connection over convenience.
The 2025 CT5-V Blackwing doesn’t just rock-it roars. It’s a love letter to an era slipping away, wrapped in modern refinement. Whether you’re carving corners or cruising home, it’s a reminder that some things-like the rumble of a V-8 and the click of a gearshift-are worth holding onto.
