2023 Cadillac CT4V Blackwing | Last of the Manual Sedans

We review one of the last RWD manual transmission sedans left on the planet. The 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing combines the sports car formula with a luxury sedan. This process seems like it would be straightforward but is largely lost in the world of hyper-expensive SUVs. BMW M3, Audi S5, RS3, and other FWD Hot Hatches are other cars to consider.
#cars #luxury #tech
Index:
00:00 Intro
00:30 Interior Impressions
3:22 Mechanical Impressions
7:12 Driving Impressions
12:53 Final Thoughts

[@matthewford229]

Jack - "You don't drive a spec sheet, you drive an experience." Best Quote

[@b18tuner5875]

This is mostly because Jack isn't an automotive engineer, so his mental capacity cannot discern a spec sheet, and only knows what his hands and eyes tell him.

[@williamrori1274]

​@@b18tuner5875 Pro-tip: Automotive engineers understand this. Source: I'm an automotive engineer that understands that.

[@b18tuner5875]

@@williamrori1274 What are you talking about?

[@fry.master]

@@b18tuner5875 hilariously inflammatory.

[@b18tuner5875]

@@fry.master Nothing inflammatory here, Jack has admitted to not being an automotive engineer, and the other white dude isn't even an engineer, he's some website janitor. You must be one of those mentally incapacitated conservative Americans were repetition of one's own admissions is inflammatory.

[@tylerbetthauser7647]

Happy to work for GM and glad people are liking these vehicles.

[@samiwasti8400]

Congrats on surviving the layoffs

[@Lifeof728]

Tell them to stop making Cadillac ads so cringey

[@domisbrowsing]

Hail corporate!

[@ThirdBrainLives]

If you want a promotion, buy a new Honda Civic, tear it down, and study every single part. Then re-create it and see how well you do. I still can't figure out why we Americans can't get the basics right like Honda has been doing for decades.

[@maestroadam]

@@ThirdBrainLives I found that my Cruze drove better than my 2018 Civic company car, so...

[@CruiseControl1]

Agreed on never paying over MSRP, great review as always and thank you Cadillac for making 2 of the last 3 manual rwd sedans!

[@purwantiallan5089]

Yes. And also worth the $250000.

[@coredaqqer6197]

@@purwantiallan5089 I think this one is only 65k

[@jeffdigiovanni2139]

@@coredaqqer6197 you can get it w/manual, loaded except for the carbon packages for low-70s

[@MidEngine4Life]

every cadillac dealer I've seen is desperate for margins and marks these things up making it stupid to even consider. And that's in addition to all the crap they option for their in stock models.

[@krane15]

MSRP is profit. Anything above that is highway robbery. Its time to WALK.

[@chrisgleason7204]

I bought a 2023 CT4 Blackwing with the Watkins Glen package yesterday and the manual trans. . I paid $4K under sticker. I came into the dealer to look at a CT5 Blackwing and left with this car. I’m a Porsche guy but wanted to be part of owning the last V8 manual sedans. After test driving both I realized the CT4’s power was much more usable and balanced. The CT5 is overpowered and can’t really take advantage of that power because it’s real wheel drive and it just sits and spins. The sound is amazing yes, but if I was going to be in a chase scene, I’d take the CT4. It’s way more precise isn’t trying to kill you at every turn. 😜. The other point is that I had an amazing experience at the dealership because I felt appreciated by the staff there which is what is missing at Porsche and BMW these days.

[@heathergreylive]

Mark doing a great job of staying on topic while Jack drives like a maniac. Those seminars are paying off.

[@_wallnutz_]

Can anyone tell me why he says HVAC instead of just AC? Is there a LVAC?

[@wafelkai3154]

@@_wallnutz_ dunno if you’ve already looked, but HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and Air Conditioning, which is a more accurate name for it.

[@_wallnutz_]

@@wafelkai3154 I never knew but always wondered.

[@miquellopez7185]

"You don't drive a spec sheet, you drive an experience." Jack, that was beautiful, man.

[@r1ckz0mb0]

Drove one of these with the manual while waiting for my G80 M3 manual allocation. After driving both, the CT4-V BW is the superior car. The upgraded sport seats in the Cadillac are way better than the basic seats in the G80, but not on the same level as the BMW carbon buckets. The Cadillac's interior design, fit and finish and material quality is not quite on the level of the M3 but it's WAY better than I expected. Obviously the manual ICE cars are going away but hopefully Cadillac continues with hitting home runs. Edit: wanted to add, the dealership experience commentary in the video is absolutely spot on. The 2 Cadillac dealers I visited when inquiring about this car treated me like I was wasting their time and one wouldn't even let me sit in the car on the showroom floor.

[@johntechwriter]

I get the sneaking feeling that inside the corridors of GM Corporate, a lot of old-school Caddie execs are scheming and plotting to unseat the renegade Blackwing crew.

[@huyra8019]

Everybody forgetting Lexus F products existing is just hilarious to me 🤣

[@aprtur]

​@@huyra8019 I love the F cars, and own an IS350 myself...but unfortunately, if manual is a must, they are out of the equation. A road course battle between IS500, M3 (non-comp), and CT4V sounds like it'd be a blast.

[@r1ckz0mb0]

​@@huyra8019I'm a fan of the Lexus F offerings. The IS500 is not a hardcore sports sedan like the M3 or CT4-V Blackwing but it's still awesome and I would be happy owning one.​

[@huyra8019]

@@r1ckz0mb0 manual conversions are a thing now but abit expensive and warranty voiding

[@MrSchn3ll]

I have owned multiple Porsche's and recently got a CT4 BW manual, I love it and it's probably the best car for the money right now - I got mine under sticker.

[@purwantiallan5089]

CT4 BW Manual apparently doesnt work well on certain cars.

[@JamesonsDiecastCars]

​@@purwantiallan5089 what?

[@OleMisss]

What was the out the door price if you can say? Do you think this would be a good replacement for a f80 m3?

[@JamesonsDiecastCars]

@@OleMisss mine was light on options, was $62k MSRP.

[@OleMisss]

@@JamesonsDiecastCars thanks. May go look at one when I’m back in Chicago next week.

[@andrewbetancourt8234]

I have driven this car twice and fell in love with it... coming from BMW M2C 6MT, the tremec transmission in the CT4VBW is glorious and the power band is great! I have been hunting for one without a sunroof and finally found one (why do people order these cars with sunroof???)... it gets delivered this Saturday!!! Wooohooo.

[@dammyo6010]

I'm gunna guess because they care less about ultimate performance and they want a feeling of open air driving? I'd want a sunroof. This isn't my track day special.

[@johntechwriter]

Lucky you. And yes, sunroofs suck in every way. Nobody uses them, they always end up leaking or whistling, the motors fail, and they compromise structural integrity. Also, they are a rust trap. Sunroofs exist because they cost a lot and fatten the dealer’s profit margin.

[@andrewbetancourt8234]

@@dammyo6010 open air driving I drive my Jeep JTRD topless. Not sure how much air you really get out of a 10in open sunroof lol

[@lotsofcurveslover]

Yep, sunroofs are a total waste.

[@keiserious]

Sunroof adds weight but this vehicle is already heavy so it really doesn’t matter.

[@machina_spirit]

Didnt think Id like this car as much as I did, but Cadillac knocked it out of the park. Glad to see they haven’t forgotten or thrown away all that knowledge and experience of building fast high performance manual sedans from the CTS-V days! Also I almost spit out my morning coffee at young ‘Jack B58’! 😂😂

[@ChrisWalksFast]

Jack really took the reigns on this video. Started off with a Silverback Jack cameo during the intro montage and brought it home with a powerful outro. Hats off, Mr. Singapore.

[@Ridesaway24]

Nice review. Manual gear box review from a group of enthusiasts is very refreshing.

[@michaelmazur8234]

Also for any folks trying to avoid any markups particularly in the Chicagoland area, look at Michigan and Wisconsin. Found a couple of dealers in both states that are willing to deliver the car for a couple hundred bucks without any markup.

[@ARjr247]

Yup, I always look out of state. Bunch of rats here in the Chicago land area lol

[@tonysterbenc]

Good on you for this non-trolling, truly helpful post.

[@vinsetta]

Correct. I’m in SE Michigan and you can find 2023’s with 1 to 1,500k off MSRP around a few dealers here. No GM employee discount however. I got mine on 12/21/22 and about 2/1 I started seeing below MSRP here

[@Stressless2023]

@@vinsetta Yup I'm in Metro Detroit and bought mine for over $2k under MSRP in January of this year. Only enjoyed it for a week 1/2 before my wife opened the door on her Telluride and the wind blew it right into my passenger rear door denting the shit out of it, but still love the car lol.

[@joeykitty2892]

Jack's "final thoughts" nailed it, concerning this car!

[@MatthewGaither]

I like that hoodie, Jack. I'm going to have to get one of those. The red screen of rage was timed perfectly. I was just thinking "those birds are seriously annoying" and then I was rewarded with pitch perfect comedic timing from you. Keep up the great work, guys!

[@MJSEN]

I was starting to think the bird soundd was added in the edit, something to do with blackwing and birds

[@MatthewGaither]

@@MJSEN You know, that's a good observation and I didn't even think of it.

[@g3customdetailing394]

I drove quite a few cars before buying my CT4 Blackwing. I really think GM knocked it out of the park. Almost 10k miles now, swift lowering springs, tune. Its incredible and one of the last of the true drivers cars ever made.

[@GeronimoBiggles]

how was the tuning experience? any issues?

[@YZJB]

These videos keep getting better and better and better

[@djd2819]

This is a very informative review - I hadn't realized that the redundant volume/selection knobs just below the screen were still on the 2023 manual version (they are not on the automatic). I use the PDR on my 2023 CT5-V as a dashcam and it's pretty high resolution.

[@purdont]

Just bought mine this weekend, and its the best. Found one for MSRP in Michigan

[@Krushe]

I'm watching this video on a 4k screen macbook pro. One of the best quality videos I've ever seen on youtube. Kudos !!!

[@107uptown]

Wondered what that sound was, thanks for not editing that out😆 Another awesome review Jack!

[@Nathan_Jay]

Jack, it was fun cruising with you for a bit on the highway towards Kenosha yesterday! (I was in the LS600hL)

[@jackholmes8105]

Hahah I actually noted to my girlfriend that I haven't seen a ls600hl in years

[@RobertMayfair]

You guys give the best commentary in the business

[@rrt08]

Instead of “Engine Noise” pumped into my car, I have Mark, and Jack laughing.

[@krane15]

Ass long as it can be switched off.

[@S8ER]

the birds were driving me insane and then suddenly... hahahahaha. classic!

[@purwantiallan5089]

Yes. And also timeless legend.

[@BattyMckicknPunch]

You know they’re a great team because Jack does a right hander at speed and Mark doesn’t even break explanation

[@blu_is500]

I am a super-fan of Sport Sedans and I loved this review so much! When buying a high priced car, you have to consider the whole enchilada: fit-n-finish, reliability, road manners, and the dealer experience. The final thoughts were spot on!

[@Rudarama1]

I can’t believe how much I love this Caddy!

[@homestyle2000]

Loving the HDR content! this channel has amazing footage. Keep up the professionalism!

[@kelseykelderman6509]

Awesome review as always. Thanks!

[@geoffholbein8931]

Glad you liked it man and thanks for the video!! Especially loved the comment about the MT System being "Leagues Better" Than the M3. :)

[@_Makanko_]

Lovely RWD manual. I have a manual FWD right now but have driven a RWD Beemer 3 series in the past, that was good fun. These won't ever make it to Europe sadly. Great video

[@robbeason]

Great review! Loved the final words!

[@Zambookiable]

Your video convinced me to buy one of these with a manual yesterday. ‘23 in Radiant Red.

[@aharami]

Holy crap! No ads up front to sit through. Thank you @savagegeese

[@junkazama7922]

I never thought i would buy a GM product but this might be my first.

[@TheMbeam]

Same. Just bought one 10 days ago. Only one 6MT within 100 miles. 4 within 200 miles which includes a few major cities.

[@orbitalgolem91]

My 2016 Chevrolet SS was my first GM product since a shit-box '82 Skyhawk back in the mid '80s. Only bought it because Holden manufactured it. May have to break that rule for one of these or CT5-V Blackwing...

[@dannoyes4493]

Excellent, as usual.

[@margar1983]

HDR video is amazing. Great camera work

[@hellodlo]

thank you for bringing up the addendums the dealers put on these

[@gettcouped]

Great review! Glad this car works well on the street too. People also say this car is a better at the limit drive than the CTS-V CT5-VBW because its lighter.

[@NorfKhazad]

Cadillac was one of the first to eliminate physical controls for touch buttons with CUE back in 2014 and they learned their lesson from that. The new interface in the CT_ cars is much better and hopefully a herald of things to come from other manufacturers as they realize people don't like having everything on touch controls.

[@fp5495]

I dunno, decades ago, my parents bought an brand new '89 Sedan deVille and from what I remember, as a teenager, the dealership experience was similar to what I experience at my BMW dealer today. It was an understated, but fancy showroom, and the sales people were well-dressed and well-informed. Maybe it depends on the dealer and its location.

[@TheNaturalizationActForOurPost]

That was almost 35 years ago.

[@SicSemperBeats]

That was decades ago. Those people at that dealership are probably dead lol I'm not sure what this has to do with the video.

[@necromorphdrifts9255]

I just bought a CT4 and the dealership experience was excellent felt just like the audi dealership I went to. Everyone was nice and knew everything about the car. They didn't treat me like I couldn't afford the car. The Dealership manager came and greeted me when I singed the paperwork. I just went and got the first service and even the service center was great. The waiting room was nice and comfortable too. Free drinks, large TV's everywhere and free wifi. Nothing but praise from my dealership.

[@richredmond3611]

Man, as someone who isn’t married to a brand and just loves cool cars, these Caddy’s are something else. I drove one recently and the shifter is pure magic. As I hunt for my next car, Manual, a hoot to drive, and 4 doors is a must, I’m glad these exist. Now to see if I can get my grubby little hands on a CTR and an ITS……

[@landonjennings-stoyles9804]

Well done, as always

[@tomweaver7723]

Absolutely perfect review

[@802Garage]

I don't think I have ever seen Jack slide and slam a vehicle around like that and see Mark so stable and unjounced in his seat. Very impressive!

[@kirks06G35]

Thanks for this video great as always, I have almost the exact spec as you tested I got mine for MSRP at Sewell in Dallas they are a great dealership and the Caddy will be way cheaper to maintain and repair than the BMW.

[@FrenchCanuck]

That was well done, you guys do a great job! Cadillac V-Club now has our 1st Canadian Local Chapter, the Toronto Chapter, and we are looking for more Cadillac V-Series owners up in Canada so we can launch Local Chapters in Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary & Ottawa!

[@GunKata]

Tbh- I’m just glad my eyes can readjust to that sweet McLaren hoodie in lieu of a Patagonia fleece. Great review, Jack 👏

[@tobywonkinoby8916]

Absolutely love the car and the color. It’s gorgeous.

[@sammy10001]

I'm glad this thing exists. I own one f150 right now, not rich enough to own multiple cars yet, but in the next 5 to 10 years, when EV takes over for the commons, and these performance manuals are 5 years used on the market for less than 25k, thats when I'll be able to buy one of these last generation manuals and treat it as my fun toy. I dont make nearly enough to buy one of these fun toys for 85k now, but can't wait to buy this thing used.

[@wigletron2846]

Once EVs are available for the commons performance ICE vehicles might skyrocket in price

[@SuzukiKid400]

$85k? Where do you live? This car starts at $68,197 CDN or $60,495 USD.

[@LT-jc4qb]

I love the fact that you can clearly tell...that's a Cadillac from a mile away. I wish I could get one

[@egorlike1324]

Mister Jack killing these reviews

[@1Icehawk1]

Still waiting for the local dealer to get one with a stick but I drove the auto and this is a great car. Very tempting.

[@FrozenBBQ_]

Just when I was very nearly decided on a 10-speed 4BW you go and drop this video.

[@joe718gt4]

Manual is always the way to go

[@OctoArmor]

I promise you man. Working for Cadillac, the 4BW IS sooo underrated.

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@joe718gt4 why not hybrid gearbox tho?

[@purwantiallan5089]

@@OctoArmor yet quite OP.

[@jaioncebollero1168]

Why would you have been looking at a 10 spd even before the video.

[@thepiratepenguin_]

I would love to walk into a Cadillac dealership and be told they're selling these over MSRP. I'd have to be rolled out the door because I'd be on the floor laughing so hard.

[@thenoodleking]

These are $100k cars in Canada. The CT4.

[@Jdaminbf4]

Welcome to the year 2023

[@thenoodleking]

@@Jdaminbf4 I love the future.

[@Swiggityswagger]

Walked into an East Coast dealer today. Guy barely let me sit in it, no test drive, and it was a 10k markup plus some other addon shit. Cadillac dealers are garbage.

[@MJSEN]

The driving intro of this is fantastic 🤌 I thought Mark added the birdsong in the edit to mess with Jack

[@peasantlaborer6084]

This is my Dream Cadillac

[@phillm156]

I saw Blackwing and immediately thought "Jack time"! I pictured jack proudly putting on his cape and Tom cruise’s big fat hands😂.

[@AM-uk7jv]

Have one on order. It'll look great right next to my GR Corolla.

[@purwantiallan5089]

Agree. Hope you gonna own one, A M.

[@hotdog9262]

both will be happy not being parked next to a good looking car

[@pan4632]

such a cool 2 car solution

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

nice.... I can't even afford a 90s Corolla with over 300k miles 🤣

[@TyMYLINE]

Love the content as always guys but make a Type R update 😭

[@markmcg8912]

Love the channel. I bought a 2105 jag FType partially because of you guys- Thanks. Just about to buy a 2023 Blackwing 4. Noticed that the 2024 are available with a 19 “ wheel. I was thinking about putting 19’s on the 2023 but do not want to f up the handling. Any guidance?? Thanks!

[@starkyslp16]

Perfect timing with the birds. I was just think wth is that noise when you cut over lol

[@thegooddoctor6719]

Sounds like a Cadillac with C8 Electronic Bits...... Good Content !!!!

[@haymaker145]

Damn and you got that colter wall playing Taste is exquisite

[@CaptainRex-sl4xk]

My favorite car reviewers

[@wayneyadams]

I've owned and driven nothing but performance Cadillacs for the last 16 years, and I am lusting over this. The CT5v Blackwing is out of my price range, but this car would be perfect.

[@Cb7sohc]

Surprisingly impressive

[@axe2grind244]

Jack redlining about the birds was hysterical 😂😂😂I’m dying

[@6SpeedTA95]

Great vid, I wonder why YT is having such an issue streaming your vids tonight. YT problem or they're screwing around with you guys.

[@davidmccarthy6061]

Thanks!

[@Conservator.]

Nice review of the Cadillac in the matching McLaren vest. 😉

[@mikeisaacs2314]

Just saw one of these awesome vehicles today in Atlanta

[@benjaminkeen7133]

I got a 6-speed manual Pontiac G8 GXP (6.2L LS3, made in Australia!) new in March, 2009 and sold it to a friend about 185000 miles later in November, 2022, having used it as a daily driver the whole time and taken it across the US more than once. I pretty well knew that this wasn't going to be anything I could ever have or do again, it just wouldn't be affordable.

[@Dontfallforit77]

I still love driving it!

[@msrr1303]

Simply the most underrated car in the segment

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

That's good, you don't want to see every schmuck in 20mile radius in one. Not to mention the engine loves boost..it's a special bird.

[@msrr1303]

@@kensmechanicalaffair Agreed. However, the B58 engine is still a step above Caddy’s 3.6 V6.

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

@@msrr1303 In a production "out of the box" sense probably. But when it comes down to tuning potential, I'd rather have the the 3.6.

[@lf4_greg]

@@msrr1303 It’s not. I bought a new 340ix 6-speed and then later upgraded the turbo. The LF4 is more reliable and can get you to 600whp on the stock snails. I was really worried it wouldn’t be as smooth as the straight 6, but the V6 here feels every bit as polished under throttle. Maybe the titanium connecting rods help. The car has really surprised me after owning it for over 3 months. The dealership experience is trash though.

[@jakesnake1793]

Love the hell outta what Cadillac did with these cars. Just wish I liked Cadillac styling more..

[@nomehdrider]

I had and early CTS a few years ago, traded for and Odyssey...anyway I would love to own this car

[@ThatWasherNerd]

This color looks incredible with HDR

[@kgthegreatone943]

I love it 😀 😍 ❤️

[@vr6gls]

I would chose this CT4 way over any equivalent “performance” SUV. Dare to be different. 👍🏾

[@duckylucky6505]

Has the farmer at the farm ever come out on his porch and shaken his fist at you?

[@jrome2]

'24 refresh is rumored to include the Lyriq-style gauge cluster/display. Having interacted with both the current setup and the Lyriq, which would you prefer for this vehicle?

[@teddyg5936]

waiting on picking one of these up used in 3-4 years.

[@frankleespeaking9519]

Yep

[@MrYadamnare]

I was buying an M3 then Cadillac dealer called me they got one in, as soon as I drove the Tremec it was a no brainer even paid a mark up and still worth it compare to that garbage gearbox bmw put in m3. 29K miles abusive miles and 6 track days no issues so far, tank of reliability.

[@cypher50]

I plan on buying one in ten years when it comes into my budget.

[@tanmantacomama8851]

Tough time to be a McLaren fan. Respect the dedication.

[@davidkutschke54]

Mentions the dealership mark-up on the CT-4 but doesn't mention that M3's are being marked up as much as $30k.

[@anjelfliye6204]

I love you guys no fluff just facts with the language and verbiage that we all want. Thanks Mark and Jack

[@fzr1000981]

Love manual transmissions on a mountain road where you can really enjoy it, in everyday mixed driving they don't make as much sense anymore. I drove an FD RX-7 for 18 years so know what I'm missing. Think I would like this car even more with an n/8 V8, but I'm sure this engine has far more tuner potential

[@jonell1425]

How did you get an FD to last 18 years?

[@fzr1000981]

@@jonell1425 haha, plenty of maintenance

[@anthonye1028]

You guys should do a review of the Singer Porsche 911’s. Would be epic.

[@ridinbmw]

Hope a CT5V Blackwing review is coming

[@scorpionking8661]

You guys should review the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Quadrafoglio.

[@Frost_Tiger]

I'm too broke for the ct4 and 5 but I definitely want one 😤 with a *MANUAL* 😏

[@marcpelta4055]

Amazing review. The unfortunate issue is the fact Cadillac made a cramped back seat which then limits you to the cts5 at $100k or the m3 at well below $100k

[@pedrofpsilvaful]

My dream car

[@mikehotaling]

My local dealer has one right now marked up an extra 10,000.

[@Vffr1]

Agreed on almost every thing you mentioned. Triple

[@darksideemt]

This is definitely a car I would love to own and drive. I love this size better than the CT5 and wish they would have put the standard LT1 motor in it but it does sound good for what it is though. Love that blue but not a fan of the white seats.

[@appearnowappearlater]

Jack’s work in robotics at age 5 was unparalleled, but I think I speak for all of humanity when I say…we’re glad you’re doing god’s work with Mark now.