2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: the full story
The 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a luxury sedan that combines bold design with advanced technology. The CT5 base model was introduced in 2019, replacing the CTS while high performance CT4-V and CT5-V models followed the CTS-V and XTS-V Sport. The Blackwing arrived in 2022 as an even athletic flagship of the CT5-V, succeeding the CTS-V with premium options, including Brembo front brakes and unique interior embellishments that are exclusive to this model. With 10,547 total units of the CT5 and its variants produced in 2024, the CT5-V Blackwing stands as Cadillac’s final gasoline-powered V-Series sedan.
Originally equipped with GM’s supercharged LT4 6.2-liter V8 and paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, the CT5-V Blackwing already offered exceptional power and refinement. This particular car has been elevated to an entirely new category of performance thanks to a comprehensive Hennessey H1000 upgrade package. This engineering transformation dramatically amplifies its capabilities without compromising performance. As John Hennessey himself states: “Cadillac's CT5-V Blackwing, fitted with GM's supercharged LT4, was a natural candidate for our EXORCIST upgrade as it improved power considerably without affecting drivability.”
Hennessey’s engineering team enhanced GM’s 6.2-liter V8 with a robust high-flow supercharger upgrade, a custom HPE camshaft, and a high-flow air induction system. Complementing these modifications are ported cylinder heads, an auxiliary fuel system upgrade, and strengthened internals including upgraded valve springs and retainers, intake and exhaust valves, and lifters and pushrods. Exhaust flow is optimized through long-tube stainless steel headers and high-flow catalytic converters, while thermal efficiency is supported by an oversized heat exchanger. HPE Engine Management Calibration and chassis dyno tuning ensure that every component delivers reliably under extreme loads.
This CT5-V Blackwing’s rear-wheel-drive configuration delivers a blend of raw muscle and all-weather stability. The chassis features a sport-tuned suspension, while the available carbon-ceramic Brembo front brakes provide confident stopping power. This first-ever brake package from Cadillac is copper-free and approximately 64 lbs lighter than the standard cast-iron system.
Stylistically, the 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing retains a fastback body style compared to the CTS and CT6. Special aerodynamic enhancements take the CT5-V design to another level. Each external element serves a purpose, channeling airflow, increasing downforce, and refining the car’s already commanding aesthetic.
The Blackwing’s exclusive styling elements, enhanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge technology make it a standout in Cadillac's lineup, offering both excitement and comfort. Whether navigating tight city streets or stretching its legs on open highways, this Hennessey-enhanced 2024 CT5-V Blackwing delivers an engaging driving experience that balances elegance and sportiness. Built in limited numbers with bespoke interior materials,
trims, and customizable options tailored to each owner’s taste, every CT5-V Blackwing represents an individual expression of Cadillac’s highest ideals: style, performance, innovation, and American luxury.