Cadillac’s Blackwing Sedans to Get Standard Manual Gearbox, 3D-printed Parts
Back in April, we learned that Cadillac’s upcoming high-performance sedans will carry the “Blackwing” name. Now, the company has confirmed that they will go on sale next summer as 2022 models.
And more importantly for driving purists: similar to the next-gen BMW M3, both the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox.
- Also: 2021 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 Get Techier and More Refined
- Also: Cadillac’s Blackwing Sedans Will be Manual and Damn Fast
According to Cadillac, this transmission may not have been possible without new additive manufacturing applications that will bring 3D-printed parts into the models. In fact, the Blackwing cars will be the first GM products to have 3D-printed parts.
One example is the unique medallion atop the manual shifter knob (pictured above) that is hand-finished by a Cadillac craftsman. Two HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket are also 3D-printed.
The resulting cost reduction allowed the team to innovate and deliver a modern manual transmission that will meet the expectations of enthusiasts and customers, says Mirza Grebovic, Cadillac performance variant manager.
Those who prefer to let the car do all the work will be able to select a 10-speed automatic transmission at an extra cost.
As for the engine that will motivate the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, nothing has been officially announced yet. Look for way more power than the existing CT4-V (320 hp) and CT5-V (355 hp).
During track tests at the Virginia International Raceway earlier this year, prototypes of the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing completed laps seconds faster than the almighty ATS-V (464 hp) and CTS-V (640 hp). That sounds exciting enough!
