Like most of you, we too were confused when Cadillac launched the less-than-stellar CT4-V and CT5-V last year, but it didn’t take long for us to learn that hotter versions, with the name “Blackwing” were on the horizon. We’ve yet to see these hotter, flagship sedans, but new information has finally come to light and now we have a slightly better view of what’s coming.

The CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing Will be Offered With a Manual Transmission

In a new report from Muscle Cars and Trucks, “sources familiar with the matter” have disclosed that both the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing sedans will be offered with your choice of a 10-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual, the latter of which is toast-worthy to say the last. It also comes as a surprise as the CT5-V definitely wasn’t expected to sport a manual as its predecessor, the CTS-V also wasn’t offered with one. This news, however, doesn’t come without sacrifices and, the truth is, the Blackwing name, might not mean too much at all.

The “Blackwing” LTA V-8 is Dead, But It’s Not Entirely Bad

When the CT5-V Blackwing was said to be resting atop the Omega platform – the same that underpins the CT6 – the Blackwing LTA V-8 was at least on the list as a potential engine. The CT5, however was shifted to the Alpha platform and that tall, wide DOHC Blackwing just won’t fit. It’s unfortunate, and it leads us to wonder if the hotter CT4-V and CT5-V models will even wear the Blackwing name when all is said and done.

So what will power the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwings? Well, the same report tells us that we’ll be seeing some very familiar engines.

The CT4-V Blackwing will be powered by the LF4, 3.6-liter V-6. This is the same twin-turbo engine that was found in the old ATS-V. It’s also not that surprising at the CT4-V Blackwing is a direct replacement for it. In the ATS-V, that engine was good for 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. In coupe form that same power was good enough for a sprint to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph. Expect the CT4-V Blackwing to be slightly more powerful but offer similar performance.

This engine has been used in the C7-generation Corvette Z06, Chevy Camaro ZL1, and the old CTS-V. In the Camaro ZL1 1LE, for example, it’s good for a whopping 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. There’s no word on any potential power upgrades for this engine but since the CT5-V sits on a smaller, lighter platform, a mild increase in straight-line performance isn’t off the table.

Final Thoughts

I have to admit that I have no worries about either LT4 or LF4 engines being used in the new Cadillac flagships, however, its kind of sad to see that the Blackwing V-8 won’t find its way into the CT5-V. After all, both of these cars will sport the Blackwing name, and let’s be honest, that Blackwing V-8 is one impressive piece of hard-hitting machinery. The good news is that both models will be offered with a six-speed manual, and in the case of the CT5-V, that’s a big deal. For now, all we know is that both models will be limited to sedan form, so don’t expect to see coupe or wagon models of either come to life anytime soon.