Cadillac celebrates the 20th anniversary of the V Series with the introduction of the 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing. The cars follow in the footsteps of the facelifted luxury sedan and feature revised sports styling and a modernized interior.
From the CT5-V onwards, the model has a new front that gives the car a lower and wider appearance. The sports sedan also features a revised grille, which is flanked by new headlights with a vertical design. The lights contain Mondrian etchings and welcome and farewell animations.
The changes don’t stop there, as the CT5-V has a new front bumper with gloss black accents. They are accompanied by gloss black rockers and a matching rear spoiler. Other highlights include 19-inch wheels and a revised color palette that now includes Drift Metallic, Deep Space Metallic and Typhoon Metallic.
The interior was a weak spot and designers have addressed the shortcomings with an all-new 33-inch curved display that combines a digital instrument cluster with an infotainment system. The latter has Google built-in, which provides access to Google Assistant, Google Maps and the Google Play Store. It’s also worth noting that the display features an illuminated Cadillac emblem on the rear, which is visible from outside the car at night.
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Additional changes are limited, but there are updated controls and a plethora of standard equipment. We’ll learn the full details closer to launch, but the CT5-V comes with heated, massaging front seats and an AKG audio system.
More: Move Over Escalade, the CT5 was Cadillac’s best-selling model worldwide
Drivers will also find the semi-autonomous Super Cruise driving system, which comes standard and features a new driver attention assist feature. Speaking of new safety technology, the model now features traffic sign recognition technology, blind spot steering assist and automatic emergency braking at intersections. Buyers can also benefit from forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic braking, an upgraded automatic emergency braking system and enhanced automatic parking assist.
The CT5-V Blackwing builds on this with an aggressive appearance that is more distinguishable from the CT5-V. As you can see, the top model has a sportier front end with special air ducts and a unique mesh grille. It rides on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires.
If the standard model isn’t aggressive enough, Cadillac offers an assortment of carbon fiber styling packages. We can expect more in the coming months, but the automaker mentioned an updated package with a splitter.
The interior is largely carried over from the CT5-V, but the Blackwing features additional equipment, including a head-up display and heated, ventilated and massaging front seats. They are accompanied by a unique steering wheel with specialized controls.
New performance app and improved performance data recorder
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Returning to the 33-inch display, it has a new in-vehicle performance app that can be used to display real-time power, boost and torque information. It can also display a live ‘dynograph-style track of power and torque with interactive analysis’, as well as ‘performance gauges such as g-force, tire temperature and vital engine data’. The gauges are reconfigurable, so drivers can customize the experience to show what they want.
Sticking with the technical theme, customers can get an improved Performance Data Recorder. In addition to a modern interface, the PDR has a handful of new features.
Highlights include a Lap Analyzer that provides “powerful data analysis features previously only possible in laptop programs, such as custom reference laps, speed analysis and a direct shortcut to video playback.” There’s also a Speed Tips tool, which shows where significant lap time improvements can be made using “sector analysis and side-by-side video viewing.”
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The PDR also boasts a host of other features, including a live data screen, the ability to display information on the head-up display, and the ability to display information on the AliveDrive mobile app.
Well-known engines with up to 668 hp
2025 Cadillac CT5-V
The engine is the heart of a V-series and the CT5-V has a familiar 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 360 PS (268 kW / 365 hp) and 548 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which can be paired with an optional all-wheel drive system.
In addition to being a capable all-rounder, the CT5-V also features launch control, magnetic ride control and an electronic limited slip differential. They are joined by a driving mode selector and a performance traction management system.
More: 2025 Cadillac CT5 debuts with sportier styling and new 33-inch curved display
With the Dodge Charger going the way of the dodo, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the undisputed king of the American four-door. Availability will be “extremely limited,” but those lucky enough to get their hands on one will be rewarded with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces 668 hp (498 kW / 677 hp) and 659 lb-ft (892 Nm) of torque. In addition, customers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The Blackwing has rear-wheel drive only and is equipped with Brembo brakes on all four corners. Six-piston calipers grip 15.7-inch (399mm) discs at the front, while at the rear there are four-piston calipers and 14.7-inch (373mm) discs. Both sets are approximately 51mm larger than that of the standard V. It’s also worth noting that the car has a unique launch control system with a line lock function for epic burnouts.
The 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing will celebrate their public debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the latter model will serve as the official safety car. Production will begin this summer and the cars will continue to be built at Lansing Grand River Assembly in Michigan.