I hate what Cadillac has develop into within the final couple of many years. The model’s resolution to compete with the Europeans by turning into edgier and sportier is, for my part, one of many trade’s larger blunders. The present Escalade is principally good. There’s additionally Caddy’s resolution to spend a boatload of money on a twin-turbo V8 engine known as the Blackwing, after which scrap it after placing it in a single mannequin for 2 years of manufacturing, after which inexplicably reusing that identify on V8 efficiency fashions with out that engine. Bizarre flex, GM.

With that mentioned, it could stand to purpose that I’d hate the a number of weeks I spent with the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, with its 668-horsepower supercharged LT4 V8, proper? Nope. Unsuitable. It’s an incredible automotive, and I detest the truth that I needed to give it again. However why?

Whereas the common Cadillac choices have largely develop into muddled through the years, the sporting V model has all the time had a fairly clear thought of what it needs to be. It has leaned into GM’s core competencies, and the entire Cadillac branding factor has all the time simply been sprinkled on high, making the vehicles nicer to stay with. The CT5-V Blackwing is an ideal instance of this.

The bottom CT5 is a profoundly unexciting and not-especially-competitive automotive. It affords meh powertrains, a dated inside and good, if not distinctive, exterior styling. It’s not vastly costly, however it’s additionally not tremendous low cost, with a beginning value round $40,000. For those who spend one other $10,000 you’ll be able to have the twin-turbo V6-powered CT5-V (which I can’t actually make a case for), however the true magic occurs whenever you open your pockets broad sufficient to permit no less than $93,000 to fly out, netting you the V8-powered Blackwing model.

GM’s 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 debuted within the C7-generation Corvette Z06, making 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Within the Blackwing – it’s second-most highly effective model of the engine behind the one within the Escalade V – it makes 668 hp and 658 lb-ft. That is arguably one of many biggest engines ever conceived of by humanity. It affords an unparalleled mix of energy, torque, driveability and effectivity that the majority different efficiency engines can solely have a look at and weep. On this automotive, it’s pure pleasure.

The LT4 could be had within the Blackwing with both a six-speed guide or a 10-speed computerized transmission driving the rear wheels solely. Most keyboard warriors would likely say that the six-speed is the way in which to go right here as a result of guide is all the time higher. They’re flawed, and never solely as a result of getting the automotive with three pedals prevents you from getting a ton of superior security and comfort tech. Despite the fact that it’s not one of the best torque converter auto round, the auto is the transfer right here as a result of it most accurately fits the automotive’s character. It permits you to drive like an escaped lunatic whenever you need and casually and comfortably cruise the massive CT5 when it is advisable to. It’s simply the best instrument for the job.

(Editor’s observe: Kyle has not pushed a guide CT5-V Blackwing and is deeply flawed about this.)

Whereas the powertrain has all the time been the star of the present when it got here to V fashions, the chassis has all the time felt like an actual precedence for the engineers. It’s like The Miracles to the LT4’s Smokey Robinson. This technology of V advantages from GM’s extraordinarily well-calibrated MagneRide suspension, which, like the automated transmission we mentioned, utterly fits this automotive’s twin natures. Even within the softest suspension setting, although, the automotive’s physique feels well-controlled, even with its over-4,000-pound curb weight. The steering is direct and correct, if not notably communicative, however that is, at its coronary heart, a luxurious automotive.

Braking is dealt with both by nice massive metal brakes (Brembo 15.67-inch rotors up entrance, 14.7 inches within the rear), or, when you’ve got cash to burn and ego at stake, you’ll be able to spend $9,000 on a set of carbon ceramic brakes. My check automobile had the latter, and so they had been nice with out the overly grabby really feel that carbon brakes can typically have on the preliminary chew level. I believe, nevertheless, that the automotive could be equally nice with out this improve, however fuck it, we ball.

The inside is arguably the CT5-V’s weakest level. Whereas it has all of the mod-cons like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a fairly accountable touchscreen, it feels lightyears away from Caddy’s greatest interiors just like the one within the Escalade. The supplies don’t really feel spectacular, and the match and end is okay however not nice. The high-performance bucket seats are snug sufficient, and so they’re each heated and cooled, which is nice. In comparison with the depressing BMW M Carbon Buckets with their #grundlebusters, the Caddy’s seats are each cheaper and significantly extra habitable. Security tech is first rate and comparable with different vehicles within the class, although, as I discussed beforehand, a lot of it’s only accessible on automatic-equipped vehicles.

The 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing begins at $93,390, together with a $1,395 vacation spot cost. My check automobile stickered for $110,280 and got here with these carbon ceramic brakes, the high-performance bucket seats, premium paint and wheels and the efficiency knowledge recorder. The ten-speed auto is a $2,275 choice, and the motive force help bundle is $900.

The good factor concerning the CT5-V Blackwing is that there’s nothing else in its speedy value vary providing the identical sort of energy, chassis tech and carbon brakes. If you need one thing comparable from BMW, the M8 Competitors Gran Coupe has much less energy and torque, all-wheel drive and a greater inside for an addition of just about $40,000. Audi will promote you the RS 7 Efficiency, which has much less energy and extra torque and can set you again simply shy of $130,000 with no choices, and as for Mercedes-AMG, good luck getting an E63 now.

Whereas the CT5-V Blackwing is in some ways the antithesis of what I believe Cadillac needs to be doing, it’s an nearly inconceivable automotive to hate. It has one of many world’s biggest engines, which makes an nearly violently pleasant noise, an excellent chassis and a killer value for what you’re getting. Is it good? Nope. Do I actually, actually need to stay with one? You guess your ass I do.