The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, set to begin arriving at dealerships in late summer, has a track-tailored chassis and suspension features that deliver the highest downforce in a V-series vehicle to date, allowing it to reach an estimated top speed of 189 mph.
Both available aero packages were developed using a new five-belt rolling-road wind tunnel at the GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, as well as the Windshear wind tunnel used by Cadillac Racing in North Carolina. The result is high levels of downforce, which reduce lift and increase the vehicles connection to the ground leading to higher top speeds.
“Aero performance was key to helping deliver the uniquely agile, engaging driving experience in the CT4-V Blackwing,” says Scott Sier, aerodynamics performance engineer at Cadillac. “Thanks to components like the underwing, we were able to work with design to generate downforce without the use of large wings that didn’t fit with the design.”
The available aero packages are inspired by the Cadillac Racing DPi-V.R race car. More than 500 hours of wind tunnel testing and 300 simulations using advanced computational fluid dynamics technology honed the carbon fiber packages on CT4-V Blackwing. The use of virtual reality headsets also allowed Cadillac engineers to identify opportunities in real-time to exploit additional aerodynamic efficiencies.
Carbon Fiber Package #1 includes:
- Front dive planes
- Underwing strakes
- Extra-aero front splitter
- Front wheel deflectors
- Extra-aero rear spoiler
Carbon Fiber Package #2 includes:
- Rocker extensions
- Rear valance diffuser
Aerodynamic components include:
- The front underwing, inspired by the Cadillac DPi-V.R race car, creates a low pressure zone that helps press the car into the road and directs air to cool critical components.
- Air strakes control airflow, directing air away from the underbody, helping create downforce and balance the vehicle.
- Front dive planes Increase grip to front tires by pushing the front down. An 18 mm sidewall controls air and directs vortices downstream to better manage airflow.
- The rear spoiler is integrated to balance the car for greater stability. The curvature tuned for the creation of downforce without the addition of bolt on components. It also features a functional 3 mm Gurney flap that helps direct airflow and assists in creating more downforce.
- The V-Series Blackwing grille mesh has V-shaped inlets tuned to optimize airflow.
- The brake cooling ducts were 3D-printed in the General Motors Additive Manufacturing facility, these ducts keep the front and rear rotors cool even in extreme track conditions.
- Front fender vents release pressure built up within the front wheel well to reduce lift and drag and aid in removing hot air from the engine bay.
The CT4-V Blackwing has the Cadillac 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 under the hood, which is rated at 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. There’s an advanced, track-tested high-performance braking system, as well as an enhanced electronic limited-slip rear differential, optimized for each driving mode and each performance traction management setting.
While initial V-Series Blackwing reservations are sold out, a limited supply of vehicles are still available to order. To configure your CT4-V Blackwing or CT5-V Blackwing and connect with a preferred dealer to place an order, visit here.
