The Next Cadillac CT5 Might Keep Its V8 and Manual Transmission - Here’s What We Know
While Cadillac’s CT5 is set to return for a new generation as a gas-powered car, initial reports from insiders suggest that its most powerful engine and a manual gearbox might also survive the transition. Cadillac has confirmed that the CT5 sedan will return as an internal combustion vehicle in its next iteration, but additional information from insiders and dealers sheds light on what powertrains the car might have on offer in the future.
While Cadillac has not officially confirmed the details, there are multiple reports that give credence to the claims, and it is worth summarizing the situation both to separate the facts from the speculation and provide a context for those who are unfamiliar with the technical aspects of the situation.
What Has Been Confirmed by Cadillac
Firstly, it is important to separate the facts from the speculation for both clarity and context. Cadillac has confirmed that the CT5 sedan will return as an internal combustion vehicle in its next generation. Other than this, however, the company has remained silent on the specifics, including the powertrain options, transmissions offered, or even the release date for the new car. The information about the possible inclusion of the V8 and manual transmission comes from unofficial sources.
The History of Cadillac’s CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing
An informal report by U.S. Cadillac dealer Andrea.sells.cadillac on social media claimed that her sources within Cadillac stated that the next CT5-V will feature a naturally aspirated V8 engine that can be had with either a manual or an automatic transmission. If this is true, then this would represent a significant shift for the mid-level performance sedan, which previously did not have the largest engine option available in the U.S. luxury car market. The current CT5-V is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 and only comes with an automatic gearbox.
In addition to this report, however, another informal source, the specialist automotive publication GM Authority , has reported that a successor to the top-level CT5-V Blackwing is also in development. This comes as a surprise to many, as there have been suggestions in the past that the Blackwing model would be discontinued in favor of more practical performance cars, such as SUVs. The Blackwing is currently the most powerful four-door car in the Cadillac lineup, being powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 that makes 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque and can be had with a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The special F1 Collector Series version of the Blackwing makes 685 horsepower.
Why This Might Be Possible – The Engineering Background
The reason why this might be possible is down to the technical specifications of the drivetrain that both the CT5 and the Camaro, GM’s other performance-car marque, are expected to use in the future. The new CT5 is expected to use a variation of the Alpha rear-wheel-drive platform that the outgoing CT5 and the previous-generation Camaro used, the latter of which is known to be capable of handling high-performance V8 engines.
This is significant in another regard, as GM recently announced that it would be launching a new six-generation small-block V8 engine, marketed as the LS6 , in the 2023 Corvette Grand Sport. Although the 6.7L V8 makes 535 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque in the Corvette, it is reasonable to suggest that a supercharged variant of the engine could make its way into a performance car in the future. In a similar vein, GM’s recent updates to the Silverado 1500 lineup saw the introduction of a new standard 5.7L V8 engine and a larger 6.6L V8 engine that replaces the outgoing 6.2L L87 from the previous generation.
The Rumors Explained – What Has Been Said and What Has Not
With the technical background on GM’s current and future V8 offerings, it is easier to understand why rumors of the Blackwing and the CT5-V getting a naturally aspirated V8 engine and a manual gearbox might have emerged. However, it is also important to note that they originate from unofficial sources. Specifically, when The Drive published an article that summarized the reports from the U.S. Cadillac dealer and GM Authority , the original social media post that included the claims had been taken down without an explanation.
When contacted for a response, a Cadillac spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the rumors and only reiterated that the company had no official comment to make beyond the information about the CT5 returning as a gas-powered vehicle. As such, while the general direction of the rumors may align with what insiders from credible outlets have said, it is still important to treat them as such. This is especially true for the reports that the next CT5-V will come with a naturally aspirated V8, as they only originate from a single dealer. In addition to this, although the reports about the Blackwing variant having a V8 motor survive from a credible source, GM Authority , the power output figures and the details about the manual gearbox have not been officially confirmed by Cadillac. Other outlets, including the website Motor1 and AutoGuide , have reported similar things in regards to the Blackwing’s rumored engine and transmission options.
Conclusion – What This Means for GM and Cadillac Performance Cars
The overall situation represents a potential rebirth for rear-wheel-drive performance cars at GM, with the upcoming CT5 and the potential return of the Camaro both signaling the company’s return to performance-car production. At the same time, other Detroit automakers are also expected to release performance vehicles in the near future, with reports suggesting that Ford is working on a four-door Mustang-based sedan that is set to debut as soon as 2028. All things considered, performance-car fans can reasonably expect to see several new sedans with powerful V8 engines in the coming years, even as the automotive industry undergoes a wider transition towards electric vehicles.
However, the potential return of performance cars also has implications for the future of performance-driving in general, as both manual and V8 engines become increasingly rare. If the reports about the next CT5-V and the Blackwing variant are true, then they represent a chance for drivers to enjoy the mechanical nature of a stick-shift gearbox and the unique sound of a naturally aspirated V8 engine. Such powertrains are increasingly unavailable in modern performance cars, particularly outside of trucks and SUVs and among luxury automakers, where electrification and automatic gearboxes dominate the market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1..Q...Is the Cadillac CT5 being discontinued?
No, the Cadillac CT5 is not being discontinued. The automaker has confirmed that the car will return for a new generation as a gas-powered, internal combustion vehicle.
2...Q....Will the next Cadillac CT5-V have a V8 engine?
As of now, it has not been officially confirmed, but one Cadillac dealer has reported that the next CT5-V will feature a naturally aspirated V8 engine in place of the current turbocharged V6. This has not been officially confirmed by Cadillac.
3...Q....Will the next-generation CT5-V Blackwing still be available?
According to reports from GM Authority, yes, the next-generation Blackwing model is set to arrive, but this has not been officially confirmed by Cadillac.
4...Q...Can you still get a manual transmission in a Cadillac?
Yes, in the current Blackwing model, you can choose between a six-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It has been reported that a manual gearbox will likely be available for the next generation of the Blackwing as well.
5...Q...What engine powers the current CT5-V Blackwing?
The current CT5-V Blackwing is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine that makes 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque, with an option for a wider 685-horsepower F1 Collector Series version.
6...Q..What platform will the new CT5 use?
The new CT5 is expected to use an updated version of the Alpha rear-wheel-drive platform, which is also the rumored foundation for the new Camaro.
7...Q...When will Cadillac officially confirm these details?
The automaker has not revealed an official timeline as of yet, only stating that the CT5 will return as a gas-powered vehicle and that it has no official comment to make about the rest of the rumors.
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