Last of the Titans: The Only Remaining Manual, V8, RWD Sedan in America
The perfect sports sedan once comprised a formula as simple as it was exhilarating: a V8 engine under the hood, a manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drive. Over the years, this recipe gave us legends like the BMW M3 E90, the M5 E39, and more accessible marvels like the Chevrolet SS and a gamut of American muscle sedans. Yet, in 2024, this paradigm has nearly disappeared, leaving just one contender standing: the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Let's delve into this singular oasis in what seems a performance desert.
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: A Glorious Survivior
The CT5-V Blackwing is a symphony of raw power and sophisticated engineering. At its heart is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that pumps out an awe-inspiring 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. Unlike its contemporaries like the BMW M5, which have transitioned to all-wheel drive to harness similar power outputs, the Blackwing bravely sticks to rear-wheel drive. Even more impressively, Cadillac offers a six-speed manual transmission as standard, an ode to purists who cherish the tactile connection between machine and driver.
This six-speed unit is a masterpiece from transmission specialists Tremec, incorporating No-Lift Shift functionality and Active Rev-Matching. These features make it possible to extract the utmost performance from the Blackwing while savoring the old-school charm of a manual gearbox. Enthusiasts can shift gears smoothly and maintain peak power, even during spirited driving.
The Best Performance Sedan Ever?
With its beautifully balanced chassis, lengthy wheelbase, and precise steering, the CT5-V Blackwing isn't just about brute strength. Its design ensures an engaging and controlled driving experience. According to Cadillac, nearly 50% of Blackwing buyers in 2023 opted for the manual transmission, marking this performance sedan as a clear favorite among ardent car enthusiasts.
So, what makes the CT5-V Blackwing stand out in a rapidly dwindling segment? Its audacious adherence to the V8, rear-wheel drive, and manual gearbox combination is a rarity. This decision not only signals Cadillac's dedication to true driving enthusiasts but also marks a poignant send-off to an era of internal combustion as the world transitions toward electric propulsion.
The Dwindling Competition
This brings us to a somber realization: the number of rear-wheel drive V8 sedans is fast declining. Even the Dodge Charger, a stalwart of the modern muscle car scene, has largely abandoned the manual gearbox, reserving it only for the Challenger. As it stands, only two other V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sedans exist, and both are out of production for 2024.
- 2023 Dodge Charger - While it ended production in 2023, a few Dodge Chargers matching our criteria—rear-wheel drive and V8—remain in stock at dealerships. A limited 6,063 units are available, with various configurations including the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the 6.4L SRT Hemi V8, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8.
- 2023 Chrysler 300 - Chrysler's 300 model also bowed out, with the final 300C units quickly selling out. However, some 300S models equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and rear-wheel drive can still be found at dealerships—though they are just 312 units in total.
Conclusion: The Last Bastion of a Bygone Era
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing's defiant persistence is a beacon for driving purists. It's a love letter to the era when driving was as much about skill and engagement as it was about getting from point A to B. As inventory dwindles and the automotive world transitions to electrification, the CT5-V Blackwing stands as a singular tribute to the soul-stirring power and timeless charm of manual, V8, rear-wheel drive sedans.