2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Delivers The Most Downforce In V-Series History

Cadillac recently showcased the CT4-V Blackwing’s potential on the track and now the company has revealed the model “delivers the highest downforce in V-Series history.”

Needless to say, designers and engineers paid special attention to the car’s aerodynamics especially in regards to the available carbon fiber packages.

Both packages were developed using a new five-belt rolling-road wind tunnel in Michigan as well as a Windshear wind tunnel used by Cadillac Racing in North Carolina. This ensures they “deliver exceptional agility and confidence thanks to the reduction of lift and the increase of downforce they produce.”

Also Read: The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Packs A 472 HP Twin-Turbo Punch For $59,990

Of course, designing the packages was easier said than done as they were subjected to over 500 hours of wind tunnel testing and 300 simulations using advanced computational fluid dynamics technology. Cadillac also used virtual reality headsets and this allowed engineers to “identify opportunities in real-time to exploit additional aerodynamic efficiencies.”

Thanks to this extensive development, the CT4-V Blackwing has a Carbon Fiber Package #1 that includes front dive planes, underwing strakes, a front splitter, front wheel deflectors and an optimized rear spoiler. Customers can also upgrade to the Carbon Fiber Package #2 which adds rocker extensions and a rear diffuser.

That’s just the tip of the aerodynamic iceberg as the sedan sports a race-inspired front underwing, 3D-printed brake cooling ducts, and front fender vents that help to release pressure built up within the front wheel wells to reduce drag and lift. The model also boasts a flat underbody as well as rear control arm covers, which prevent air from building up around the rear wheel wells and control arms.

According to Cadillac V-Series Blackwing chief engineer Tony Roma, “With the CT4-V Blackwing, we create net downforce that is incredibly rare in production vehicles.” He went on to say this gives the car more grip and greater stability, which will inspire drivers to more “confidently explore its full capabilities.” Cadillac aerodynamics performance engineer Scott Sier also noted that discreet components, such as the underwing, allowed the company to avoid a massive rear wing that “didn’t fit with the design” of the luxury sedan.

The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing will arrive at dealerships late this summer with a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 472 hp (352 kW / 479 PS) and 445 lb-ft (603 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 3.8 seconds and hit an estimated top speed of 189 mph (304 km/h).

Those are some pretty impressive specs, especially when you consider the model starts at $59,990. While initial reservations have already been spoken for, Cadillac noted a “limited supply of vehicles are still available to order.”