Cadillac’s CT5-V Blackwing formula has become a rare sight in American dealerships. It combines a supercharged V8, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission in a luxury sedan at a time when manufacturers are rapidly moving away from both V8 engines and manual gearboxes.
Carscoops reports that formula will soon disappear from new-car showrooms. Cadillac has confirmed production of the current CT5 will end after the 2026 model year, putting the future of the Blackwing and its unique powertrain combination in doubt.
The CT5-V Blackwing currently stands alone as the only new V8-powered sedan in America available with a manual transmission. While rumors suggest Cadillac could eventually introduce a successor, the company has not confirmed whether a replacement would retain either the supercharged V8 or the six-speed manual.
For enthusiasts who have been considering one, the remaining production run may represent the final opportunity to buy a factory-built American luxury sedan with this combination of performance and driver involvement.
A Rare Combination
The CT5-V Blackwing is powered by Cadillac’s hand-built, supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic, making it one of the last high-performance cars to offer a true three-pedal driving experience.
The manual version starts at $100,695 before destination charges, and Cadillac’s online inventory currently shows only a limited number of manual-equipped examples remaining across U.S. dealerships. Availability will continue to shrink as production winds down.
The End Of An Era
The disappearance of the CT5-V Blackwing represents more than the loss of a single model. Manual transmissions have steadily vanished across the industry as automakers prioritize automatic gearboxes for performance, efficiency, and emissions compliance.
Several performance cars are expected to lose their manual option for the 2027 model year, while others, including the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4, have already reached the end of production.
Once the Blackwing exits, the Ford Mustang GT will remain the only new American V8 model available with a manual transmission, although it is a coupe rather than a sedan.
Could Cadillac Bring It Back?
Reports have suggested Cadillac is planning another high-performance CT5 for the next generation, although the automaker has not confirmed any details.
If a replacement does arrive, it remains unclear whether it would continue using a supercharged V8, adopt a naturally aspirated engine, or move toward some form of electrification.
There is also speculation that GM’s rumored next-generation Camaro could share an updated rear-wheel-drive platform and a new family of V8 engines.
Should that happen, Cadillac would have access to the components needed to preserve the Blackwing formula, though there is no official indication that such a plan exists.
A Future Collectible?
Performance cars that combine large-displacement V8 engines with manual transmissions have become increasingly desirable as production numbers shrink.
Previous models such as the Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet SS, and BMW E39 M5 have all gained recognition among enthusiasts after leaving production.
The CT5-V Blackwing appears poised to follow a similar path. Its blend of luxury, everyday usability, and old-school performance has already earned widespread praise, and if Cadillac never builds another manual V8 sedan, the current Blackwing could become one of the defining American performance cars of its era.
Have you driven or owned a CT5-V Blackwing, or would you choose one over European performance sedans like the BMW M5 or Mercedes-AMG E63? Let us know whether you think Cadillac should keep the manual V8 formula alive while it still can.