Blackwing Refuses to Fly Away
Even as Cadillac expands its electric vehicle lineup, the luxury automaker appears poised to keep its high-performance combustion program alive. Cadillac is reportedly bringing back the CT5-V Blackwing for the midsize sedan’s next generation.
Citing inside sources, GM Authority reports that a second-generation CT5-V Blackwing is in the pipeline. It should be welcome news for enthusiasts, as the current model stands as America’s last traditional V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan offered with a manual gearbox – a worthy alternative for buyers who may not fancy the BMW M5 or Audi RS 7 performance.
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The Platform Points to Possibility
Details remain limited. However, the next-generation CT5 is expected to ride on the updated Alpha 2-2 platform, which will also reportedly underpin the returning Chevrolet Camaro. That makes the prospect more promising because the Camaro is expected to offer a manual transmission, suggesting that stick shift could also be available in the CT5-V Blackwing.
Manual transmissions are a dying breed, with the 2027 Volkswagen Jetta GLI dropping its stick and the current BMW M3 expected to be the final generation offered with one. Keeping a manual in a car as enthusiast-focused as the CT5-V Blackwing would therefore be a rare treat in the EV era. Cadillac, however, has not confirmed whether the next-generation model will retain the CT5 name.
There is also no word on the powertrain. For reference, the current CT5-V Blackwing uses a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with the 10-speed automatic or 3.6 seconds with the 6-speed manual.
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Performance Enters the Electric Age
The CT5-V Blackwing’s old-school formula – supercharged V8 power, rear-wheel drive, and a stick shift – could face growing pressure to incorporate some form of electrification. Looking at performance sedans, the BMW M5 already has a plug-in hybrid system, while the Dodge Charger is available as a fully electric model. It may be reassuring to know that a fully electric CT5 successor is unlikely, as the Alpha 2-2 platform is primarily designed around a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive combustion layout.
While the CT5 is getting another life, its smaller sibling was not so lucky. CT4 production ended in June 2026, with no successor announced. That leaves Cadillac without an entry-level combustion sedan and could steer some customers toward its growing EV lineup, which includes the Optiq, Lyriq, and Vistiq.
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