The V-Series Blackwing models will be the first GM production vehicles with 3D-printed parts, including a unique medallion on the manual shifter knob. (Cadillac)
Cadillac announced today, Dec. 10, that the introduction of the new 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will mark the revival of one of the most popular features for driving enthusiasts – the manual transmission.
These manual transmissions were produced using new additive manufacturing applications (3D printing) that will bring 3D-printed parts into the upcoming ultra-high-performance sedans.
The V-Series Blackwing models will be the first GM production vehicles with functional 3D-printed parts, including two HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket.
In addition, a unique 3D-printed medallion will sit on the manual shifter knob. By leveraging additive manufacturing, the Cadillac team was able to reduce costs and waste when developing the manual transmission.
“A lot of work went into making the manual possible in both vehicles. It’s something we know V-Series buyers want and it’s something we knew we had to have, so we used innovative processes to make it happen,” said Mirza Grebovic, Cadillac performance variant manager. “There are a few ways to really get that connected feel with the vehicle and the manual transmission is probably the most obvious one.”
The CT4-V Blackwing and the CT5-V Blackwing will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission with an option for a 10-speed automatic. The compact-class CT4-V Blackwing will be the only sedan in its segment to offer a manual, Cadillac says.
This six-speed manual transmission is quieter and more durable than the previous generation, Cadillac says.
Manuals by the numbers
In a recent Harris Poll study conducted on behalf of Cadillac about the current knowledge and adoption of the manual transmission found:
66 percent of American adults surveyed know how to drive a manual. Of those who do not know how to drive a manual, roughly 40 percent are either somewhat or very interested in learning.
55 percent of American adults say they have owned or leased a car with a manual transmission.
Interest in driving or learning to drive a manual is higher among those with $75,000 or more in annual household income (64 percent interested) and those between 18-34 in age (62 percent interested).
The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be available starting summer 2021. Visit the V-Series Blackwing future vehicles page on Cadillac.com
We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.