In a world stuffed with hybrids, EVs, SUVs, trucks, and crossovers, it's refreshing to see that GM is still making a true rear-wheel drive V8 sports sedan with three pedals and a stick shift. That car is the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and it's positively glorious. The GM luxury brand has seen fit to give it new life for 2025 by refreshing the styling and adding a massive panoramic touchscreen and instrument cluster. The 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing models get these changes.
The exterior refresh of the Blackwing version isn't small, but you have to look at both the current model (below) and the 2025 model (above) side by side to tell the difference. The new grille is larger, and the vertical daytime running lighting element is no longer bi-sected by the grille frame. The outboard intakes are larger, and the headlights are now vertically stacked. It's a more aggressive look, for sure. We really like it. It's still very recognizable as the CT5-V/Blackwing.
The new headlights receive new approach and departure lighting sequences that should add visual drama to the CT5-V/Blackwing. There are also new ground effects, an updated front fender design, as well as a new front splitter for the optional carbon fiber package. Even the exhaust tips get redesigned. It's probable that only enthusiasts will notice the difference there. New paint colors have been added, too: Drift Metallic, Deep Space Metallic, and Typhoon Metallic. We were hoping for matte paint.
The regular CT5-V gets an updated grille that's a tad different from the Blackwing version. The vertically stacked headlights are the same, but there are black moldings, rocker panel extensions, and a rear spoiler. The engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine good for 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft. of torque is still mated to the 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters. You can still configure it with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Both cars get a new and gigantic 33-inch diagonal touchscreen display that incorporates the instrument cluster and infotainment system. It's really one of the most stunning panoramic screens in the industry. The OS runs Google Built-In software, along with Google Maps for navigation and the Google Play Store for additional third-party apps. For those who order either car with the automatic transmission, the excellent semi-autonomous Super Cruise driving tech is now standard equipment. It's obviously available with the manual transmission.
The Performance Data Recorder also gets updated, and there's a new Lap Analyzer, new Speed Tips, and a live data screen. There's a lot of information provided to help the driver (and coach) improve on the track. There are also a ton of new features that include a head-up display with a new interface and lap delta data. The infotainment system also now provides car performance data that was previously only viewable if you connected a laptop. Talk about way better. Gotta love that!
The powertrain for the CT5-V Blackwing carries over, but that did NOT need to change all. It's still that raucous and powerful 6.2-liter supercharged V8 good for 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, Buyers can still choose between the six-speed manual or the 10-speed automatic transmission. The cars will be available for sale sometime this year as 2025 models.
