Hennessey Performance Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Review
The Cadillac CT5-V is among the few muscle cars you can buy with four doors, and if you want better, you should go for the Blackwing spec. But if you want the best, you turn to Hennessey for one of their CT5 Blackwings, which is guaranteed to leave you in awe. How much power does the Hennessey CT5-V Blackwing have? Read on to find out.
Hennessey Performance Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Review
Introduced in 2019 to replace the outgoing CTS, the CT5 brought a modern edge to the midsize sedan segment. But Cadillac wasn't content with just creating a sleek, comfortable car. They saw an opportunity to inject some serious performance into it, and the result was the CT5-V, which joined the lineup a few months after the car's unveiling. It was followed by the CT5-V Blackwing in 2021 being unveiled for the 2022 model year, and when production units started rolling out, Hennessey was one of the first large-scale aftermarket tuners to get their hands on it. It wasn't before it was dubbed the Charger Hellcat in a suit, thanks to its refined aesthetic that leans more towards luxury than performance, which is one of the things we love about it. However, before we turn our attention to its refined aesthetics, let's break down the Hennessey Cadillac CT5-V's performance and interior.
M5 CS Who? More Like M5 Goodbye
Stock, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is already a major step up from the CT5-V with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that makes 668 horsepower and 659 lb.ft. Hennessey manages to increase that to 1,000 horsepower and 966 lb.ft thanks to a supercharger upgrade, a high-flow air induction system, custom camshaft, ported cylinder heads and more. For a car weighing nearly 4,100 pounds, that power increment might seem ineffective in this day and age. However, the performance figures say otherwise. 0-60 in the Hennessey CT5-V Blackwing takes 2.6 seconds, and the top speed maxes out at 205 mph, which shames a lot of supercars and high-end sports cars out there. It's no surprise that Hennessey describes it as the fastest combustion-only luxury sedan in the world. M5 CS who?
All About Luxury And Comfort, Nothing Less
No muscle car screams luxury like the Cadillac CT5-V, and even though it's a performance-oriented trim level, the CT5-V Blackwing does it better than its siblings, receiving upgraded finishes to align with its premium status. However, some reviews have hinted that compared to a majority of cars in its class, such as the Mercedes-AMG E 63 and BMW M5, it comes across as lacking in quality craftsmanship. With Hennessey keeping the cabin unchanged, the CT5-V Blackwing inherits both its ups and downs. But let's leave the flaws behind and get into the highlights. The seats are lined with leather, which extends to the dash, steering, wheel, doors and center console. Complementing it are soft-touch plastics and aluminum finishes, giving the cabin an overall refined feel. Seating space is ample for five, and the trunk is spacious for a car of its size.
It Really Is A Hellcat In A Suit
Thanks to good DNA, the Hennessey Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing's aggressive appeal tempts a second glance after seeing the car since it gives the impression that it is no ordinary sedan. But it's as refined as it is aggressive, so it's easy to underestimate if you're cruising alongside one on the highway. Its elements are designed to fit its performance nature, from the massive gloss black mesh grille upfront with that beautiful Cadillac badge to the subtle carbon fiber rear spoiler. The side profile has a similar sharp athletic profile as other angles, showcasing the car's low stance, which perfectly fits its dimensions. If the ride height was higher, we know Hennessey would have thrown in a suspension upgrade or lowered the car.
Ready For Anything, Whether A Commute Or A Track Day
Being a flagship sedan, at least for the United States, as China still gets the CT6, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing gets a thoroughly equipped tech suite, which it carries over to the Hennessey variant. Inside, you get a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability and more. Sound comes from a premium 16-speaker AKG sound system that sounds great even with the windows down and that upgraded exhaust screaming. The infotainment display is complemented by a 12-inch infotainment display that is highly customizable and changes accents depending on the car's driving modes. We'll let you explore those once you get the car. We'll finish by highlighting the V-mode button on the steering wheel that, when pressed, sharpens the car's performance by adjusting the throttle response, transmission feel, suspension, and exhaust note.
Because Ordinary Is Never Enough
The price for the upgrades the Hennessey Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing gets is $54,950, which means if you'll be buying one, you're looking at spending around $160,000 considering the standard car's near $100,000 MSRP. That might make you shy away from getting the upgrade kit or buying the car itself, but we think either is a fantastic purchase. Take a look at our Cadillac CT5-V listings to see what's waiting for you.
Final Thoughts
The Hennessey Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is an alteration of an already impressive performance luxury sedan, taking all its best attributes, maintaining them, and adding more excitement. Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag, but when you consider its power, luxury, and performance, among other attributes, it's a purchase that pays off with every mile. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today.
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