The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is one of the brand’s most anticipated models in recent years as it will have the difficult task of succeeding the CTS-V.

It will also need to be a credible rival for Germany’s BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63, but that’s another story. Despite adopting the cool ‘Blackwing’ moniker, the performance sedan will not pack Cadillac’s 550 HP twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8, nicknamed Blackwing. That engine will sadly remain exclusive to the larger CT6-V.

Development of the CT5-V Blackwing appears to be in the final stages, as this prototype spotted on public roads in Michigan seems to suggest. Our photographers spotted it with fewer camouflage than ever and an enticing set of wheels never before seen on a CT5-V Blackwing.

Watch: 2020 Cadillac CT5 Review – 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Is A Promising Package, But Is That Enough?

We’re talking meaty 19-inch alloys in a multi-spoke design with a satin bronze treatment that contrasts with the burgundy-painted brake calipers. Together with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ultra high-performance sport summer tires, they fill up the wheel arches really nicely. The front tires are sized 275/35 ZR19 while the rear ones are 305/30 ZR19 – a step up from earlier CT5-V Blackwing prototypes which featured 18-inch rims with 255/35 ZR18 Michelin Pilot rubber up front.

Cool wheels aside, this 2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing prototype also gives us a better look at details like the Satin Steel Metallic paint and aggressive front and rear fascias that are still camouflaged but not that hard to decipher. The chiseled side sills and large rear deck spoiler are also visible. Overall, the Blackwing should sport more focused looks that the regular CT5-V.

The 2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will certainly have the performance to back its beefy appearance; according to the latest intel, it will pack an upgraded version of the CTS-V’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8. Expected to produce 650 HP and at least 630 lb-ft (855 Nm), it will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic.

The 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint should be well under 4 seconds, while the top speed could hit 200 mph (322 km/h). The CT5-V Blackwing is expected to debut late this year or early next year with a price tag of around $85,000.

2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Looks The Part With 19-Inch Gold Wheels

Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops