Cadillac’s Blackwing V8 May Or May Not Live On In A Limited-Run Italian Supercar (Updated)

Update: GM has denied the report saying that no supply deal has been inked with MAT. Read more about that here

The story of Cadillac’s hand-built 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 ‘Blackwing’ might take a very unexpected twist.

While its demise in North America is pretty much sealed, the potent power plant may find a new lease of life in Europe. Last month, we ran a story about GM selling its diesel powertrain engineering center in Turin, Italy to Belgium’s Punch Group.

What does that have to do with the Blackwing, you ask? Well, besides taking over the R&D center, Punch Group vowed to continue ongoing projects there, including the development of the 550 HP 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine.

According to Hagerty, GM previously signed an agreement with Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) to supply the Blackwing engine for a limited-run project that is yet to be revealed. As a reminder, MAT is the company behind the Ferrari 430 Scuderia-based New Stratos and is also building the Owl electric hypercar for Japanese company Aspark.

The report quotes MAT president Paolo Garella as saying the Blackwing will go into a new, limited-production model based on the company’s own design. “Manifattura Automobili Torino and Punch Torino engineering center are glad to present and showcase the GM 4.2-liter V8 twin-turbo,” a spokesperson for MAT told the website.

“MAT and Punch Torino are cooperating on the development of products based on the renowned engines of the American group, which are well suited for special applications, from racing to road usage,” the representative added.

The fact that a perfectly fine motor won’t go to waste is obviously great news and to have it fitted to an Italian exotic is a testament of its quality. It’s also a great move by MAT as the Blackwing will definitely boost interest in the company’s limited-run supercar.

While fans of Cadillac and GM performance vehicles will regret losing the Blackwing, they should find comfort in the fact that the eight-cylinder will carry on delivering excitement to drivers. The big question now is whether MAT will fit the Blackwing to the New Stratos as a replacement for the Ferrari V8, or in another model. We can’t wait to find out.