The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing stands out as a pinnacle of Cadillac’s track-focused engineering. It boasts an impressive 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, known as the LT4. Enthusiasts familiar with GM’s engine lineup might wonder why Cadillac opted for the LT4 instead of the equally impressive, and even more potent, supercharged 6.2L V8 LT5. The LT5 engine, found in the C7 Corvette ZR1, delivers a staggering 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. To understand this decision, we delve into a conversation with Cadillac’s V-Series Blackwing Chief Engineer, Mirza Grebovic, who shed light on the strategic choice.
Balancing Power and Drivability: The Engineer’s Perspective
Grebovic explained that while the initial impulse was to maximize power by incorporating the most potent engine available, the ultimate goal was to create a balanced and driver-centric car. “When we initially started working on this project, obviously we were super excited to shove any engine in there and make as much power as possible,” Grebovic stated. “But in the end what we have to balance is a driver’s cars.” This highlights Cadillac’s focus on delivering a holistic driving experience rather than simply chasing horsepower figures.
Visibility Constraints with the LT5 Engine
A key factor in choosing the LT4 over the LT5 was the practical issue of visibility. The LT5 engine, designed for the Corvette ZR1, employs a dry sump lubrication system, which necessitates a taller engine profile. Fitting the LT5 into the CT5-V Blackwing would have led to significant visibility compromises.
“So if you put the LT5 in the CT5, we ran into simple issues – you can’t see out of the car. In the ZR1, you can notice that it’s a dry sump system and it uses that shaker hood. We couldn’t put a shaker hood on the CT5,” Grebovic elaborated. He further noted that accommodating the LT5’s height without a shaker hood would have raised the engine to a point where it would obstruct the driver’s view, failing to meet regulatory vision requirements.
Dry Sump and Chassis Dynamics
Another consideration was the LT5’s dry sump lubrication system. While beneficial for the extreme cornering forces experienced by the Corvette ZR1 on the track, it was deemed unnecessary for the CT5-V Blackwing. Grebovic pointed out that the CT5-V Blackwing utilizes different tires compared to the ZR1 and wouldn’t generate the same level of lateral G-forces that mandate a dry sump system. Furthermore, the design differences meant that omitting the dry sump allowed for a lower engine mounting position, which was not achievable with the LT5 architecture. “Not doing a dry sump didn’t allow us to drop the engine as low, because the architecture is very different,” Grebovic added.
Horsepower vs. Track Performance
Beyond engineering constraints, Grebovic argued that simply adding more power wouldn’t necessarily translate to improved track or quarter-mile times for the CT5-V Blackwing. The chassis and tire setup are designed to effectively manage the LT4’s output. Increasing power to the LT5’s level would require significant chassis modifications and wider tires to maintain traction and handling.
“So yes, we considered the LT5, but aside of just engineering issues, let’s say this car did make 760 horsepower. We wouldn’t have the right chassis for it,” Grebovic clarified. “It would have been a powerful car, but it probably wouldn’t be any faster at the track or the quarter mile, because 305 [rear] tires with that much power would be very tough to manage.”
The Right Engine for the Right Car
In conclusion, while the LT5 engine is undeniably a powerhouse, the decision to equip the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing with the LT4 engine was a strategic one rooted in optimizing the vehicle’s overall performance, drivability, and engineering feasibility. It underscores that in the realm of high-performance vehicles, more power isn’t always the singular determinant of superior performance. The LT4 provides an ideal balance for the CT5-V Blackwing, ensuring it remains a track-capable and driver-focused machine.
Stay connected with Cadillac Society for the latest Cadillac CT5 news and comprehensive Cadillac updates. Join our Cadillac forums to engage in discussions with fellow enthusiasts.
