The more things change, the more they stay the same. While most of the industry focuses on new autonomous technology and electric drive systems, Cadillac is spreading the good word “V-8” with this latest 1-minute video featuring it’s new Blackwing powerplant.
The New School Meets Old School
We’ve heard rumblings and rumors that Cadillac is looking into broader electrification of the brand, but even with a greener approach elsewhere in the Cadillac stable, the luxury Crest isn’t divorcing itself completely from V-8 power just yet. As such, we have the new 2019 CT6 V-Series, which will offer high-end power seekers the new Blackwing powerplant.
The Blackwing is previewed in the short video featured above, set in GM’s manufacturing plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the same factory where GM builds the blown 6.2-liter V-8 used to power the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06.
Details revealed in the video include a note that the Blackwing is put together by a single technician, and is even signed with a unique placard, which reminds us a bit of what Nissan does with the GT-R’s V-6 powerplant.
Standout features on the Blackwing include twin turbochargers with a hot-vee placement situated between the cylinder banks, making for sharper throttle response thanks to less piping between the turbo and intake. Displacement comes to 4.2 liters, while forged steel components and sand-casted manufacturing keep it strong and sharp.
The CT6 V-Series will put the turbocharged ’eight to work through a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard high-spec AWD system. To help haul it down, the CT6 V-Series will come with oversized Brembo brakes for the front axle, while a Magnetic Ride Control system will find a balance between ride quality and on-track performance. There’s also a dedicated track mode for more fun on the weekends.
While the Cadillac CT-6 V-Series is the first to receive this new engine, it’s also quite possible we’ll see the 4.2-liter make its way into the mid-engine Corvette C8 later this year.
If you’re interested in picking up a CT6 V-Series for yourself, you’re too late, as all 275 units are already out the door. Pricing for those lucky few who managed to snag one starts at $88,790, which is quite a bit more than the standard CT6’s MSRP of $50,495. However, for the money, CT6 V-Series owners also get a two-day experience at the Cadillac V-Performance Academy in Nevada, plus accommodations.
We’re loving that Caddy is leaning on its heritage like this, despite the industry’s obsession with greening all segments. Indeed, we think the Blackwing should do well to underline Cadillac’s excitement aspirations, especially when you consider Cadillac was the first brand to offer a V-8 engine configuration in a mass produced vehicle way back in 1914. Interestingly, the CT6 V-Series will not come with GM’s Super Cruise tech like the standard CT6, further indication that Caddy is focused on offering this new school luxury car with a more old school “driver’s” approach.
Further Reading
Read our full review on the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport.
Read our full review on the 2018 Cadillac CT6.