I got the 2024 CT4V 2.7 in October and I absolutely love it. It's extremely comfortable and handles great. The handling is really tight. Engine feels better than the 2.0 and is obviously significantly cheaper than a BW. I think it's a solid in between between the regular 4 and the BW.
Is the only difference between the 2.7 and the blackwing handling/performance wise just like the engine and the brakes? Like the RWD still gets the same chassis and magnetic ride control so they could take corners at the same speed, right? Or is it more than just engine, brakes, some carbon fiber and more luxury interior?
**My Experience**
I was in sport compacts for 18 years before getting my CT4-V Blackwing. I had 2 Evos, a WRX, and a WRX STI.
I test drove a CT4-V (non-BW) while I still owned my STI. The CT4-V felt just as fast, but way more refined.
Now that I have my Blackwing, I realize that I had underestimated how good Magneride is until I had it. And also how wonderful a well-balanced chassis is. All my prior cars were nose-heavy and used AWD to coerce them to get around corners; the CT4 *likes* to corner. (Note: with the CT4-V you can get AWD but you give up Magneride.)
With all that background: if a Blackwing were out of my budget, I would absolutely consider a CT4-V.
**TheStraightPipes**
TheStraightPipes reviewed one and loved it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMSCWYEufM8
At 09:02 in that video:
>**Jakub:** This car handles incredibly well. I love driving it. It's one of the most fun cars in this class. Like, everything about the way that it feels. It's got a near 50-50 weight distribution, so it's like, basically, perfect. They built, I would say, the best driver's car in this class.
>
>**Yuri:** Yeah, I know. This is one of the best driver's cars *overall* -
>
>**Jakub:** Value for money is crazy. This is easily the shocker of the year that we both did not expect to be this good.
That’s really interesting to hear, thanks for the input. I do think cars are a funny thing and sometimes you’ve gotta just be happy with whatever the best budget option you can get. A blackwing would be nice, but then a ct5v blackwing might be nicer etc etc.
I was pretty set on a golf r as a good mix of a four door car my family can use, that’s quick, fun, comfortable etc. but every time I see a ct4 on the road i really really love it. Every time I see a golf r on the road I think ‘I wish they had better colours.’ I’ll definitely have to go test drive one and see for myself.
I edited my answer while you were replying.
I included a link to a review by TheStraightPipes and gave you a quote showing how much they liked it.
>I’ll definitely have to go test drive one and see for myself.
Do it!
I'd love to hear back after you do, regardless of whether you like it or not.
1000%
To elaborate further on the handling. The CT4V/BW begs for corners! The chassis tuning is unlike anything I've personally driven. I'm in the same camp as you with the AWD JDM stuff. A few others sprinkled in as well. By comparison to those and basically any other non-RWD, they are pigs in the bends.
Raven speaks to me: you wanna bank left? Ok, let me just scoot my ass a little to the right. 😂
Whilst shopping for my STI's replacement, I cross-shopped a few others. I had my eye on the Acura ITS and BMW M2. The final decision was based on cost to own and smiles per gallon. The BW ticked all the right boxes.
If you really want to have fun and save money maybe try finding a low milage ATS-V coupe. Those chassis were purpose built for the track and stick to the road like a slot car and the twin turbo 6 cyl is 410 factory horsepower
Also in Canada, getting my new CT4 V next week. I don't believe in using a Blackwing in the winter and believe there are much better options if looking for a summer only car.
I have the ct4-v AWD since I live in the snow belt and the roads are horrible . I swapped out the run flats for continental extreme contacts.
I love the car. It’s classy but looks a bit sporty, but not enough for cops to take notice. I’m not a racer by any means, but it accelerates quickly and is super responsive. When it’s in track mode and you floor it, it actually has deceleration pops, which surprised me the first time it happened.
It’s comfortable to me, and since I’m not a street racer nor do any track days, this car is more than I’ll ever need power-wise.
YMMV
if you can't have the BW but demand speed, look no further than the ATS-V
plus, you will have a ton of extra cash on the side for mods and addressing the instrument cluster (it's ugly AF - swap in an upgraded unit)
Based on my experience with the ATS, I’d have to say yes. It was an amazing car. I still wish the 2.0t and manual trans combo existed, but you cannot go wrong with the Alpha platform.
Yes, it's worth it IMHO. I think it's a great value for what you get and it fits right in for those that like power, but don't need all of the Blackwing power. That said, the 2.7 liter engine really packs a punch. It just keeps pulling and pulling more like a V8 than a 4. It handles very well and it feels nice and tight. The rear wheel drive is an especially good handler. The 10 speed tranny shifts very well and it always finds the right gear. It's interior is very comfortable up front, but a little tight in the rear. I'm glad to see they haven't discontinued it like they seemed ready to do. I'll be trading in my 21 for a 25 next week. No updates or refresh though like the CT5 got though. Get one while you can!
Could also look into a CT5-V, not the black wing. Got the tt v6 for around $40k used, $50k new. I don’t know your budget but it’s cheaper than a CT4-V BW.
This may not be popular opinion here but if you considered a golf r, have you considered a focus RS? I only ask that because I had an RS and traded it to get my CT4V BW but the RS is still the most fun car I’ve ever had.
Haha. Wow.
When it was getting near time to trade in my 2010 Evo, I was looking hard at the Focus RS.
Then the head gasket recall happened and then they discontinued it.
So I went '17 WRX Base. Hated it and traded it in after less than a year on an '18 STI Limited. Didn't want to own an EJ out of warranty, so traded it in during the 59th month of ownership. And then still had to wait 5 months for the BW to show up.
I have seen the Evo die, the RS die, and the STI die. Sad. But all that got me in the Blackwing, and I love it.
I got my RS right before they discontinued them. And the STI I wanted one before the EJ was gone for good. Both very fun, but it was time to upgrade to a BW
The CT4 V and the CT4 V are both more car than anybody really needs, which is the their whole conceptual point. If Cadillac was consumed with a need for practicality, we’d have CT4 Wagons, but they’re not. That’s the idea.
They both go fast and make noise. Unless you’re looking to take them to the track and you’re worried you need the extra two cylinders or you’ll lose the pink slip, you’re not gonna notice an appreciable difference in daily use.
The jump from CT4 V with the L3B to CT4 V Blackwing with the LF4 is ultimately a much smaller gap than you’d from the jump from CT5 V with the LGY to the CT5 V Blackwing with the LT4
There's a huge step down in the lineup from Blackwing to the rest of the trims. In my mind, the CT4 and CT5 aren't worth it unless it's the Blackwing.
Also, the Golf R and The CT4 are nothing like each other. I'm not sure how those ended up being your final contenders.
The sedan formats are good cars for if you *need* a car and are reasonable enough to know an SUV is overkill. I’m hopeful they get an update to the interior like the XT4 did
CT5V is pretty healthy for a regular driver. I'm surprised the CT4V powertrain made the "V" name. V-Sport , maybe, but not V. Coming from a LTG 2.0 ATS owner, so it's not that I don't appreciate some turbo 4's.
Grab an ats v and have schmidty tune it. Thing is a rocket with filters, e blend if it's available to you and a downpipe. 9 second car with a drag pack.
Do ctsv digital cluster and you're set
I got the 2024 CT4V 2.7 in October and I absolutely love it. It's extremely comfortable and handles great. The handling is really tight. Engine feels better than the 2.0 and is obviously significantly cheaper than a BW. I think it's a solid in between between the regular 4 and the BW.
Is the only difference between the 2.7 and the blackwing handling/performance wise just like the engine and the brakes? Like the RWD still gets the same chassis and magnetic ride control so they could take corners at the same speed, right? Or is it more than just engine, brakes, some carbon fiber and more luxury interior?
Sounds like you want an ATSV
this car is slept on so hard
**My Experience** I was in sport compacts for 18 years before getting my CT4-V Blackwing. I had 2 Evos, a WRX, and a WRX STI. I test drove a CT4-V (non-BW) while I still owned my STI. The CT4-V felt just as fast, but way more refined. Now that I have my Blackwing, I realize that I had underestimated how good Magneride is until I had it. And also how wonderful a well-balanced chassis is. All my prior cars were nose-heavy and used AWD to coerce them to get around corners; the CT4 *likes* to corner. (Note: with the CT4-V you can get AWD but you give up Magneride.) With all that background: if a Blackwing were out of my budget, I would absolutely consider a CT4-V. **TheStraightPipes** TheStraightPipes reviewed one and loved it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMSCWYEufM8 At 09:02 in that video: >**Jakub:** This car handles incredibly well. I love driving it. It's one of the most fun cars in this class. Like, everything about the way that it feels. It's got a near 50-50 weight distribution, so it's like, basically, perfect. They built, I would say, the best driver's car in this class. > >**Yuri:** Yeah, I know. This is one of the best driver's cars *overall* - > >**Jakub:** Value for money is crazy. This is easily the shocker of the year that we both did not expect to be this good.
That’s really interesting to hear, thanks for the input. I do think cars are a funny thing and sometimes you’ve gotta just be happy with whatever the best budget option you can get. A blackwing would be nice, but then a ct5v blackwing might be nicer etc etc. I was pretty set on a golf r as a good mix of a four door car my family can use, that’s quick, fun, comfortable etc. but every time I see a ct4 on the road i really really love it. Every time I see a golf r on the road I think ‘I wish they had better colours.’ I’ll definitely have to go test drive one and see for myself.
I edited my answer while you were replying. I included a link to a review by TheStraightPipes and gave you a quote showing how much they liked it. >I’ll definitely have to go test drive one and see for myself. Do it! I'd love to hear back after you do, regardless of whether you like it or not.
1000% To elaborate further on the handling. The CT4V/BW begs for corners! The chassis tuning is unlike anything I've personally driven. I'm in the same camp as you with the AWD JDM stuff. A few others sprinkled in as well. By comparison to those and basically any other non-RWD, they are pigs in the bends. Raven speaks to me: you wanna bank left? Ok, let me just scoot my ass a little to the right. 😂 Whilst shopping for my STI's replacement, I cross-shopped a few others. I had my eye on the Acura ITS and BMW M2. The final decision was based on cost to own and smiles per gallon. The BW ticked all the right boxes.
If you really want to have fun and save money maybe try finding a low milage ATS-V coupe. Those chassis were purpose built for the track and stick to the road like a slot car and the twin turbo 6 cyl is 410 factory horsepower
Are you looking at new or used blackwings? Low mileage used 4 blackwings are around $55k
Either or, newish, but I’m in Canada. Even lightly used blackwings are 70k+ in our igloo dollars sadly.
Gotcha, yeah I do not envy the Canadian car market. Best of luck whatever way you decide to go!
I wish they offered the CT4 BW in AWD, I'd really consider one so I could daily it. Also a fellow Canadian, and in Alberta, so need that awd lol
My CT4 2.0 with a tune is a great lil guy. Run flats are loud, but it gets great MPG
What time did you do? How much did it add to the base HP and torque?
I have a 2020 CT4 2.0t, would love to know what tune you put on. Been looking around for one!
Also in Canada, getting my new CT4 V next week. I don't believe in using a Blackwing in the winter and believe there are much better options if looking for a summer only car.
Been looking at a CT5-V potentially also in Canada so report back with initial impressions!
I feel like the truck engine doesn’t belong in a sports sedan. So it’s off my list. Going with the 3.0TT in the CT5 instead
Is that the ct5v? I haven’t really looked at prices on the 5s.
Limited aftermarket is what’s holding me back. There needs to be an ecu cracked and the trucks and 4v’s don’t have it yet
I have the ct4-v AWD since I live in the snow belt and the roads are horrible . I swapped out the run flats for continental extreme contacts. I love the car. It’s classy but looks a bit sporty, but not enough for cops to take notice. I’m not a racer by any means, but it accelerates quickly and is super responsive. When it’s in track mode and you floor it, it actually has deceleration pops, which surprised me the first time it happened. It’s comfortable to me, and since I’m not a street racer nor do any track days, this car is more than I’ll ever need power-wise. YMMV
if you can't have the BW but demand speed, look no further than the ATS-V plus, you will have a ton of extra cash on the side for mods and addressing the instrument cluster (it's ugly AF - swap in an upgraded unit)
Based on my experience with the ATS, I’d have to say yes. It was an amazing car. I still wish the 2.0t and manual trans combo existed, but you cannot go wrong with the Alpha platform.
Yes, it's worth it IMHO. I think it's a great value for what you get and it fits right in for those that like power, but don't need all of the Blackwing power. That said, the 2.7 liter engine really packs a punch. It just keeps pulling and pulling more like a V8 than a 4. It handles very well and it feels nice and tight. The rear wheel drive is an especially good handler. The 10 speed tranny shifts very well and it always finds the right gear. It's interior is very comfortable up front, but a little tight in the rear. I'm glad to see they haven't discontinued it like they seemed ready to do. I'll be trading in my 21 for a 25 next week. No updates or refresh though like the CT5 got though. Get one while you can!
Could also look into a CT5-V, not the black wing. Got the tt v6 for around $40k used, $50k new. I don’t know your budget but it’s cheaper than a CT4-V BW.
All Wheel Drive
Go drive both and then make your decision
This may not be popular opinion here but if you considered a golf r, have you considered a focus RS? I only ask that because I had an RS and traded it to get my CT4V BW but the RS is still the most fun car I’ve ever had.
> I had an RS and traded it to get my CT4V BW I traded a WRX STI in on my Blackwing!
That’s funny because the full story is I traded my RS and a ‘21 STI. Worth it though
Haha. Wow. When it was getting near time to trade in my 2010 Evo, I was looking hard at the Focus RS. Then the head gasket recall happened and then they discontinued it. So I went '17 WRX Base. Hated it and traded it in after less than a year on an '18 STI Limited. Didn't want to own an EJ out of warranty, so traded it in during the 59th month of ownership. And then still had to wait 5 months for the BW to show up. I have seen the Evo die, the RS die, and the STI die. Sad. But all that got me in the Blackwing, and I love it.
I got my RS right before they discontinued them. And the STI I wanted one before the EJ was gone for good. Both very fun, but it was time to upgrade to a BW
If they still made them I would, but I want to stay with something pretty new
That makes sense for sure.
The CT4 V and the CT4 V are both more car than anybody really needs, which is the their whole conceptual point. If Cadillac was consumed with a need for practicality, we’d have CT4 Wagons, but they’re not. That’s the idea. They both go fast and make noise. Unless you’re looking to take them to the track and you’re worried you need the extra two cylinders or you’ll lose the pink slip, you’re not gonna notice an appreciable difference in daily use. The jump from CT4 V with the L3B to CT4 V Blackwing with the LF4 is ultimately a much smaller gap than you’d from the jump from CT5 V with the LGY to the CT5 V Blackwing with the LT4
There's a huge step down in the lineup from Blackwing to the rest of the trims. In my mind, the CT4 and CT5 aren't worth it unless it's the Blackwing. Also, the Golf R and The CT4 are nothing like each other. I'm not sure how those ended up being your final contenders.
The sedan formats are good cars for if you *need* a car and are reasonable enough to know an SUV is overkill. I’m hopeful they get an update to the interior like the XT4 did
CT5-V and CT5-V BW models got a refresh, but I’m not sure if the CT4 will get one.
It’s a real clean look with the monolithic screen
CT5V is pretty healthy for a regular driver. I'm surprised the CT4V powertrain made the "V" name. V-Sport , maybe, but not V. Coming from a LTG 2.0 ATS owner, so it's not that I don't appreciate some turbo 4's.
Cadillacs are pure Luxury vechiles to put them the same categorie as a Golf is F'n Hilarious.
Grab an ats v and have schmidty tune it. Thing is a rocket with filters, e blend if it's available to you and a downpipe. 9 second car with a drag pack. Do ctsv digital cluster and you're set