We Test Drive A 2022 CT5-V Cadillac Blackwing That’s Up For Grabs

The folks over at the Dream Giveaways Garage are known for offering some serious muscle through their annual drawings and the broad scope of cars will appeal to just about any enthusiast on the road today. We recently received a call about one of their latest offerings and couldn’t pack our camera bags quick enough to get a look at it.

Anyone left scratching their heads asking why there is so much hubbub over a Cadillac simply hasn’t experienced the new CT5-V Blackwing. It took two decades of tweaking Caddy’s DNA to create such a sinister car on so many levels. At first glance, its size can be a bit daunting. Sure, it’s a big Cadillac with seating for five, but as a nod to its performance bent, it is available standard with a six-speed manual gearbox; our test vehicle was ordered with the optional, fast-shifting 10-speed auto. 

Before you opt to take away this Blackwing’s man card, we’re convinced the auto variant doesn’t leave anything on the bench when it comes to having fun and putting the power down. In fact, the auto variant has proven itself to be 0.1-second and three MPH quicker than the row-your-own variant in the quarter-mile. And, with the supplied paddle-shift, the auto blends the many driving modes and fun bits, such as rev-matching, to elevate the car’s operation beyond the cog-and-slot operation of yesteryear.

2022 CT5-V Blackwing Specs:

  • Horsepower: 668
  • Torque: 659 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
  • Quarter-mile: 12.14 seconds
  • Top speed: 200+ mph

Is the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing a performance pinnacle, or a cliff?

Make no bones about it, the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing is a performance car. Its supercharged 6.2L LT4 powerplant kicks out 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque, but this car is more than just tire-shredding performance. Sure, it’ll do it, but if that’s all you’re looking for, perhaps a Challenger or one of the other hell-bent Mopar variants might be sufficient. This Cadillac goes far beyond tire-smoke, with a fit, finish, and finesse that transcends throttle position or 0-60 times.

One of the comments from a recent review for the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing stated, “At some point, every single reviewer became a 12-year-old behind the wheel during their review. I don’t know any other car I’ve ever seen do this.” I can attest to that same feeling during our time reviewing this particular car. Yet, somehow, everything comes together, and you forget about the two tons of vehicle connected to that nicely apportioned steering wheel in your hands. It’s pliable yet responsive on every axis.

GM’s LT4 now powers the Blackwing CT5-V. Cadillac dropped the twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter DOHC engine, in favor of the familiar Gen-V powerplant. The 6.2L V8 boasts 668 horsepower, more than even found in the Corvette or Camaro!

We definitely are not a proponent of distracted driving, but when it came time for our drive, we were as enamored with the option-riddled, carbon-fiber trimmed steering wheel as a kid with a smartphone running on their parents’ data plan. Blackwings offer four standard driving modes: tour, sport, snow/ice, and track. More than just changing boost levels or making the exhaust louder, switching through the various modes noticeably changed the car, refining it perfectly for the intended purpose.

Much like a video game controller, there are many options available for those who know the right combination of buttons to push. With the “V-mode” button, it’s like bumping all the settings to 11, and you can even customize your CT5-V to your specific liking with “My Mode.” Everything, from steering feedback, road feel through the chassis, exhaust note, and even the level of burbles emanating from those quad-tipped exhausts, can be changed by flicking the small switch located on the wheel. We couldn’t help but wonder if this might be how some Le Mans Prototype drivers might feel making their way around the racetrack. Granted, we’re not that good, but you don’t have to be to enjoy this Blackwing.

There are a lot of controls on the carbon fiber-clad steering wheel. The lower "V" button and similar rotator switch on the opposite side control much of the car's attitude.

The car is clearly at the pinpoint tip of technology when it comes to performance. The way the entire vehicle blends with those 668 horses is simply reassuring, and looking down at the speedometer could surprise you. Cruise control will be your wallet’s friend on long highway runs. The car is so well-tuned and adjustable through the various modes that it seamlessly blends the luxury end of the spectrum — where Cadillacs have resided for decades — with performance characteristics not usually found in the segment.You can be in full-on tire smoke mode and still enjoy all the comforts found beneath the brand’s wreath and crest.

This IS a Caddy, and as such, the trim and fit of the interior are first-rate. Those heated and cooled 18-way seats also offer lumbar massage!

Many have stated the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing is likely one of the best sports sedans, not just in the modern era but ever. That final caveat creeps ever closer as GM has committed to pitching internal combustion engines from its lineup, and Cadillac has committed to be all-electric by 2030. And the argument of manual versus auto may become moot before long.

Here’s your chance!

We’d have to agree with the many reviewers before us who have made such statements about the greatness of the current CT5-V Blackwing. It has the power, performance, handling, comfort, and adjustability to suit your desires no matter how you’re driving. But, of course, it also still carries the Cadillac brand proudly and needs no excuses for lack of comfort and coziness.

Rotating through the various modes and performance settings changes the car for each application. The display shows each configuration's settings and you can even custom-tune your own config if you like.

You still have an opportunity to latch on to one of these Hi-Po beauties, thanks to the folks at Dream Giveaway Garage. This 2022 CT5-V Blackwing is the grand prize in the 2022 Cadillac giveaway going on right now. Tickets are available here, and if you use the promo code LSX3, you’ll get double your tickets on any amount over $25. On top of that, you’ll get $29,000 to put toward the taxes! When you consider the 2022 CT5-V Blackwing MSRP begins at over $80,000, and there is over $20,000 worth of options on this particular car, you can see how much of a bargain this opportunity can be.

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The winner will enjoy all the standard Blackwing options, as well as the additional extra-cost options such as:

  • Jet Black Paint w/black accents ($6,090)
  • Carbon Fiber 1 package ($5,230)
  • Carbon Fiber 2 package ($1,300)
  • 10-speed automatic ($2,275)
  • Ultraview sunroof ($1,450
  • Parking package (a $1,010 extra cost)
  • Driver-assist package (a $900 extra cost)
  • 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (a $600 extra cost)
  • Brake calipers, red (a $595 extra cost)
  • Seat belt color, Torch Red (a $400 extra cost)


When it comes to value-per-dollar, it’s hard to argue with the Dream Giveaways option. You could walk away as the winner of this 2022 CT5-V Blackwing Cadillac with a total MSRP (including options) of over $107,000 and $29,000 for the taxes. Since Cadillac has already committed to an all-electric future, picking up one of the best-ever hot sedans just makes all the more sense. So, check out the Dream Giveaways special offer for LSxmag.com readers, and good luck. We’ll be watching for our lucky numbers to be drawn as well!

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About the author

Andy Bolig

Andy has been intrigued by mechanical things all of his life and enjoys tinkering with cars of all makes and ages. Finding value in style points, he can appreciate cars of all power and performance levels. Andy is an avid railfan and gets his “high” by flying radio-controlled model airplanes when time permits. He keeps his feet firmly grounded by working on his two street rods and his supercharged C4 Corvette. Whether planes, trains, motorcycles, or automobiles, Andy has immersed himself in a world driven by internal combustion.
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