A rare Cadillac CT6-V with the Blackwing V8 engine is up for auction on Cars & Bids. With just under 1,000 produced, this model is a sought-after find for enthusiasts. Specifically, only 915 CT6-V and 285 CT6 Platinum models with the V8 were made, as 2019 and 2020 models, making this a truly limited-edition vehicle.
The Rise and Fall of the CT6-V
Introduced in 2016, the Cadillac CT6 aimed to raise the brand’s luxury and engineering standards. Positioned above the CTS and ATS, it was designed to compete with German luxury sedans. The CT6-V, powered by the Blackwing V8, was a high-performance variant that arrived after a 2019 facelift. However, General Motors canceled the CT6 after a short production run, shifting focus to more profitable SUVs and electric vehicles. This decision was part of a broader strategy to free up production capacity for higher-margin models as GM prepared for heavy investment in electrification.
The Blackwing engine, a twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8, produced 550 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, it was a powerhouse designed to rival the best from Germany. Despite its capabilities, the engine’s complexity and high production costs, coupled with its exclusivity to Cadillac, led to its discontinuation. It was also a passion project of then-Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen, whose departure left it without a champion within the company.
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A Rare Opportunity
The CT6-V for sale shows 49,800 miles and bears some cosmetic wear, including chips, scratches, and scuffs. At the time of writing, the high bid was just under $25,000, a fraction of its original price. This auction offers a unique chance to own a piece of Cadillac’s performance history, especially given the model’s limited production and the engine’s discontinuation.
The CT6 was designed with advanced features, including a Bose Panaray audio system with 34 speakers and GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, which it was the first car to receive. Its mixed aluminum and steel platform was engineered from the start to accommodate these innovations, showcasing Cadillac’s ambition to match German engineering sophistication. Lower trim levels offered more pedestrian powertrains, but the CT6 also featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and a plug-in hybrid powertrain with components derived from the Chevy Volt.
Legacy of the Blackwing
While the Blackwing V8 engine is no longer in production, Cadillac has repurposed the Blackwing name for its high-performance models. The CT6-V, however, remains a unique chapter in the brand’s history, combining luxury and power in a way that’s hard to find today. Its short production run and the engine’s exclusivity make it a collector’s item for automotive enthusiasts.
