The 2005 CTSV was Cadillac’s pioneering approach for a sports sedan capable of conquering the Nürburgring. Featuring a 400 horsepower engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, this sedan would solidify itself as a high-performance contender from a brand most notably known for luxury, sophistication, and over a century of tradition.
Nearly 16 years after, Cadillac brings us the CT5-V Blackwing, The faithful, 668-horsepower successor to the CTS-V.
While the CT5-V exudes a capable combination of brawn and refinement, how does it stack up to one of the most well-known domestic muscle sedans, the Dodge Charger Hellcat? Introduced in 2015, The Hellcat’s popularity exploded, and the hype has continued to live on through its no-nonsense 707 horsepower (Now 717) through a 6.2L Supercharged V-8, macho bodylines, and track-ready features, like Pirelli P Zero Tires and a speedometer that reads up to 220 mph.
With the published horsepower figures, the Hellcat seems to out-muscle the V by nearly 60 horsepower, but how exactly do these figures hold up? Youtuber Fasterproms ran the 2022 CT5-V on a dyno and recorded 624-wheel horsepower, which is the advertised crank horsepower minus drivetrain loss.
On the other hand, Youtuber MDG Collections dyno tested the Hellcat, and it ran 661-wheel horsepower. This shortened the difference between the two to a mere 37-wheel horsepower. Additionally, when you compare the curb weight of the Cadillac’s thick 4142 lbs. Versus the Hellcat’s hefty 4654 lbs., it becomes a tighter race than previously thought. The last Charger, tested by Car & Driver, the 2020 widebody hellcat, shows a 3.8-second run to 60 mph, and an 11.9-second-quarter mile in the 8-speed automatic model, while Cadillac estimates point to 3.7 seconds and 11.3 respectively. While the 2020 charger model had 10 less horsepower than it does now, this drag race against the two will continue to be close, and only time will tell until we get a true answer at the track.
Where else does the CT5-V reign supreme? Let’s begin with the optional 6-speed manual transmission, a diamond in the rough in a field of dwindling manual sports sedans, led by BMW’s famed M3. The Charger does not have a manual option, only its counterpart does, the Challenger. The interior is based on the standard CT5, however with a high-end twist to coincide with the higher price tag. Genuine leather upholstery is included with 18 adjustable power seats and high-performance bucket seats as an option. Cadillac CUE infotainment interface is standard on the 10” touchscreen display as well as a 15 speaker AKG sound system as standard.
To conclude Cadillac’s conquers all competitors with its Limited warranty covering four years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty covering six years or 70,000 miles.
As Cadillac’s last hoorah to V8, manual-equipped sports sedans, this entry is unlikely to disappoint.