TRACK-READY CADILLAC CT4-V BLACKWING PACKS A PUNCH!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com

Now here’s an American-made ride that can give tough competition to its European rivals. The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is not just a stunner but also loaded with classy and tech-laden cabin accoutrements. Step on the gas and the Caddy will catch you off guard, as it lunges forward with a fervor you wouldn’t find in most luxury sport cars. It’s quick on its feet, reaching 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds with top speed at 189 mph! A Performance Data Recorder for use primarily on the racetrack monitors lap times, speed, braking force, steering wheel angle, throttle so you can play back on the 8-inch touch screen.

Under the hood of the compact rear-wheel-drive sedan resides a direct-inject 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine belting out 472 horsepower @ 5700 rpm and 445 pounds-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm. The luxury sports car is mated to a 6-speed manual (which is awesome!) though a 10-speed auto gear box is also offered.

LED headlights border high-performance dual-mesh grilles, which direct air to the main radiators, cooler and airflow ducts. You cannot miss the centered but familiar crest emblem. Climb into the car and you will find that the fit and finish, gloss levels and materials are first-rate. The exquisitely-executed interior is equipped with the hands-on CUE (Cadillac User Experience). And yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. Dripping of opulence, the driver and front passenger are coddled by 18-way power supple leather bucket seats. In fact, there is enough head and leg room for five adults to relax and sit in comfort. Standard perks include dual auto a/c, thick power- adjustable steering wheel with V and My Modes (to customize vehicle settings), AKG premium 14-speaker audio, split-fold rear seat, alloy pedals and a 12-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, Brembo brakes with four-wheel antilock, forward collision and rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist/departure warning and lane change/side blind zone alerts, night vision, front pedestrian brakes, rear camera, remote start, active front head restraints, electronic limited-slip rear differential, front/rear park assists, stability and traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard. Magnetic Ride Control keeps body roll to the minimum while ensuring a safe, firm and smooth ride.

The CT4-V packs plenty of punch, displaying amazing nimbleness and grip as you pitch

it through corners and turns. It is one luxury sports car you should feel comfortable cruising down on your street or heading for the highway. And, of course, you can always celebrate 70 years of the legendary Cadillac racing heritage by taking the speed demon to the track for an even more entertaining and electrifying experience.

CT4-V Blackwing

Tires: P255/35ZR18 front, P275/35ZR18 rear

Wheelbase: 109.3 inches

Length: 187.6 inches

Width: 71.4 inches

Height: 56 inches

Weight: 3,860 pounds

Suspension: McPherson strut front, 5-link independent rear

Steering: electric power, variable-assist

Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons