The 1,000HP Hennessey CT5 Blackwing is a Beast on the Street (But There's a Catch) - TheSmokingTire

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The Hennessey treatment, as applied to an already incredibly potent super-sedan like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, was going to be extreme. But with 1,000 HP and 966 lb/ft on tap, the acceleration of this thing is beyond insane on a fast canyon blast. And the chassis is, believe it or not, more than up to the task of stopping and turning, even with this much power. But, particularly in 6-speed manual trim, there is a catch, as Matt and Zack discover on our drive.
Hennessey provided the vehicle and insurance for this review.
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The 1,000HP Hennessey CT5 Blackwing is a Beast on the Street (But There's a Catch) - TheSmokingTire
#hennesseyblackwing

[@Sleepy_spartan717]

I think a lot of us missed the modified car reviews. I know Zack has been doing some, but more please lol. These are so much fun to watch for those of us who modify EVERY car we own, no matter how big or small the build.

[@54NFrank]

Exactly. Even though this is way outside of what I can afford it is great to see something different.

[@TheSmokingTire]

We love modified cars when the product being reviewed is something the audience can buy. We don’t love modified cars when we are passing judgement on someone’s personal choices for their own build.

[@joetacchino4470]

…or when they are missing braking at one wheel and try to kill you? Or consist of a unibody Honda with the bodywork cut off?

[@stevemartegani]

​@@TheSmokingTireBut passing judgement on peoples personal builds gets views :P

[@bradydevergilio7478]

@@georgemcunty6383haven’t you heard Farah talk? Bro says every type of content doesn’t work , he says short form doesn’t work cuz the audience doesn’t actually watch the video and long form doesn’t work because it costs too much to produce. Then when he does medium form content like this he complains that that doesn’t get enough views, I mean the guy is great at his job but it smells like shit everywhere he walks and he hasn’t checked his own shoe lol

[@FK2VtecTurbo]

1000bhp and a manual this thing is insane!

[@denoex2362]

You know it’s an American car when the rear cupholders hold cups perfectly without any movement whatsoever in a 1000hp car.

[@ianhart8101]

Matt's face when he says "This car is terrifying as a passenger" and he means it is all you need to know about this car... best video in ages! Well done fellas.

[@andrewbaskett8581]

man. I am really considering getting one of the stock blackwings and the stuff with the clutch, especially living in an urban area, will keep me from getting Hennessey's treatment (that and his apparent very shady business dealings with alot of customers that are famous), but every time you have a clip of it blasting by the camera, it sounds so goddamn perfect, I almost want to deal with it.... The Blackwing is so special.

[@BingBangBrine]

@@andrewbaskett8581 you can make it sound like that with headers, don’t need the whole $55k+ hennessey package

[@313soldier313]

@@andrewbaskett8581 I have a stock version of this and even stock it’s so with it. The blackwing has a lot of anti stall technology that it sounds like Hennessy completely ruined. It really is the best 4 door performance sedan on the market and I wouldn’t touch the engine at all.

[@Adam-ub9nu]

I could make most people not want to ride passenger ever again in a 250-300HP FWD Civic built for the track. All these kids nowadays think you need at least 700 HP to be considered fast. A FBO C8 Stingray would beat this thing on the track. A bone stock ZO6 with the ZO7 package would annihilate it around a track.

[@BingBangBrine]

What we really learned from this video, is that a stock ct5v black wing is really great!

[@aluisious]

It's just a shame that the Cadillac dealers where I live are negligent dipshits who dent doors, scratch fenders and roofs, and drop cars off lifts. With bad dealers, a new car is un-ownable.

[@nerowolf8006]

@@aluisious the simple solution is after buying the car, never bring it back to the dealer for maintenance. Find a good indie who deals only in performance cars

[@ridinbmw]

Problem with that is warranty claims still need to go through the dealer.

[@aluisious]

Let me know which indie performance car shop gets paid by Cadillac to do warranty work Mr. Simple Solution@@nerowolf8006

[@Piketom1]

12:10 Particularly in that blue, the CT5-V is such a good looking sports sedan.

[@at20rule]

I unsubscribed around 3 years ago when you quit doing your own drive videos and had those terrible people fill in. Glad to see you're back and looks like it's been for a couple years. Gives me great content to binge watch during the holidays lol

[@wcmontana]

That sound!!! Definitely the best sport sedan ever made.

[@Mremoney334]

It went from 40 to 45 so quick 🫰 😂😂😂😮‍💨

[@sergiopereira9546]

this car is already a classic . if stock is already too much imo, i cant imagine how this feels ...

[@cjtr83]

Love the variety with The Smoking Tire, And the appreciation for all. A lot of Europeans (of which i am) are quick to judge American vehicles and vice versa, But not all cars are fit for all environments and roads. The cars being produced in the USA right now are seriously good and I believe will be looked back on so fondly as we delve deeper into voltage. 1000hp V8 manual 4 door just because they can? Brilliant. Enjoy your cars whilst you can everyone. Sports cars, hot hatches, Muscle, everything. It'll never be the same again. Another great video 👏🏻

[@definitelydipper595]

The flyby at 15:14 looks absolutely nuts

[@BingBangBrine]

yep and that downshift at 15:42

[@cortlandbailey7023]

Yeah, the drive bys never look as fast on camera as they actually are. But this one looks fast as fuck. So I’m curious how fast that actually was.

[@definitelydipper595]

@@cortlandbailey7023 faster than fuck 😂

[@vogamer254]

@@BingBangBrinesounds like a lion

[@ErwinRommel-rc2uw]

I love the one take format. Great to see it back, it's definitely a tried and true recipe.

[@Nyx_88888]

ct4 and ct5 are amazing cars, I drove a ct4 blackwing and it was utterly nice, tight, easier to drive than bmw and felt as good or better esp for a daily

[@iancharawe103]

M3cs is better more comfortable and tech

[@Budiwoyz1]

Dude, this thing on the Autobahn? Hell yeah! Plus, you'll get to visit all the gas stations. Insane car, great Video!

[@jamesgerman7947]

“A complete engine rebuild except for the main part of the engine”.😂

[@c0c0asauce]

Of course they can make 1000hp without a specific cam. They also don't need to change the cam to fix the difficulty you guys had with taking off. They could simply raise the idle by a small amount and it wouldn't stall or buck with no gas in first gear. If they want to get fancy and make it impossible to stall they could put a clutch position sensor in there and use that to give the engine a really strong idle right at the grab point.

[@yousuck2013]

I was thinking that or even a milider cam and run e85

[@adamgriffin]

Yup, the measure of a good tuner is making power and still retaining "like factory" driving manners in traffic. My car makes more power than this car with the Factory 1.7L supercharger, for $20k less, drives like factory and I have a fully built short block! Don't understand why people still decide to go Hennessey?

[@jmhellison]

​@adamgriffin I'm guessing you have a ZL1?

[@2001chevycamaross]

100% i had a car that made 750whp with turbo turbos on a ls3. Very mild cam. It could have made more power with just a turn of a knob. Not sure why the Hennessey person said its required. I would trust them to do any work. Seems like they always use someone else work, slap their name on it and charge a premium.

[@Destoryer2765]

What’s interesting is the car has a clutch sensor in it so idky they could’ve programmed it to have higher idle. Unless the ecu is completely locked

[@carado1984]

Spec a cam with less overlap and use a Monster Triple disc. Also, don't go to Hennessey.

[@onefastboi14]

How Hennessey is still around after all the nefarious bs he pulled is truly interesting to me. He’s the shadiest shop owner I’ve ever come across

[@rashawnwaiters]

​@@onefastboi14 I'd be interested in hearing more lol

[@davidjordan2968]

These guys are RAW no corny skits in the beginning, straight to it!

[@Thefunwayhome]

These are the original "2 bros talking about cars"

[@aluisious]

Also they don't drive on boring ass industrial roads on the east coast.

[@louKushh]

so shady

[@ossBASHA]

@ThrottleHouse 😂

[@sanzserif]

If you dog on throttle house, you are just a hater my guy.

[@WillSatchwell]

Great video as always guys! Christ i wish this was available in the UK. Would have an Auto CT5 in a heartbeat if it was RHD and available here.

[@02Guffy]

As an owner of a CT5 Blackwing... this makes me giddy. But the stalling is a deal breaker! Also, you got an audible "ohhhhhh" when you said 3.4MPG and that's coming from someone already used to terrible fuel economy!

[@IReahpZz]

If you have 1000hp you really wouldn’t care . Nobody is buying a cammed blown 1000hp v8 for mpgs and daily drivability .

[@mogulme6190]

@@IReahpZzif I can’t daily my big ass caddy then wtf am I doing 😂

[@timmietz]

And don’t forget the fuel tank size…. Every time I fill up and see that 195mi fuel range on my dash it makes me laugh. In a bad way… My GT3RS goes 370mi on a full tank. STO goes 320mi.

[@02Guffy]

⁠@@timmietzexactly what I’m saying! I have three gripes with the car: fuel tank too small, electronic parking brake, and the dumb “move the key” thing if you leave it in the car.

[@karpetcm]

lot of the daily driving especially with aftermarket cams comes down to tunning and being well experienced tuner. Very difficult to get that cam surge in check but off the line you have enough to pull away smoothly.

[@robertvandeveer1846]

I am watching this on Thanksgiving. God Bless Amurica!!! And HPE. What a great car, and i love Matt and Zach's review. One question; how do you guys always make 55MPH seem so fast? I am asking as a daily Autobahn driver... impressive editing skills. 😂😂😂

[@The_Stanman]

Love the return to this format!

[@jesuschristislord7754]

I cracked up at 3.4 miles per gallon 😂13:00 I thought my car was a gas grabbler.

[@landon390]

I love seeing matt as a passenger😂

[@jjpg2000]

Great review, super neat car. Thank you!

[@teoshineent.9244]

I missed this kind of review, it was fun to watch.

[@mikegaul1623]

Amazing car! Thank you for the video.

[@sedonamudsquid]

Thank you for blowing my mind! You also made some xlnt points regarding U-turns, parking, etc. I would probably opt for the 'slightly' slower regular BW. But with the 6 spd. I think my girlfriend (and me as well) would need driving lessons in this to stay safe.

[@joed3613]

Crazy ass car man. This review needed a walk-around while it was idling, it sounds so badass.

[@jtjt3823]

One of the best TSTs in awhile

[@kennyharp4125]

Awesome. This is my first time watching this channel (subbed). Don't quite know their names yet, but dude in the flannel looked nervous as hell when the other guy was driving, but he was calm as heck when he was in the driver's seat :-)

[@Vince1986]

I jus love you for those kind of cars. tanks men

[@NuckinFutzCrust]

I feel you on the stalls. I've always felt like riding the clutch to take off hurts the clutch. Hopefully that clutch life is adjusted to the weight of that car for longevity

[@oscarlainz]

I wish this channel gets back to what made it great, reviewing modified cars from normal people. Please Matt and Zach, listen to us loyal viewers!

[@pjbiggleswerth8903]

I have a gt500 from hen. 26/30-2021. Love it.

[@EnamKunutsor]

What a machine! Can’t wait to own one and drive it everywhere.

[@chrisfischer3554]

Zacks eyes tells me this thing is not just fast but sitting passenger in your friend's first muscle car in high school fast.

[@mikehagmaier3949]

Sounds phenomenal

[@JakeBullingtonTV]

I appreciate when we get new sponsors! 🎉

[@williamcrabtree]

He said ...." from where we started to here... 3.4mpg. " 🤣🤣....smiles per gallon😁😁

[@GadgetyMV]

For $55 000 it would have merited a custom ECU so that the cam matched the pattern, but I assume that's not possible due to GM or Hennessey would have brought that ought. In a way the trickiness to launch the car gently brings a challenge and the owner will probably get used to it, giving the car character. So it's not just jump in a drive, it takes getting acquainted and some mastery, which has it's own appeal.

[@ymdla]

That can easily be tuned out. Just raise the idle a little

[@GadgetyMV]

So, neglect by Hennessey? @@ymdla

[@hovzzak8715]

They should have a timed event at that Angeles Crest road, it is perfect for Pikes peak type if event.

[@BOOSTEDDUDE]

That thing is a beast! Too bad about the Cam stall out issue. I don't think you could get that into the 9's with the stall out or difficult launching ability. Good thing gas has gone down a little even if you're pay CA prices with that MPG.

[@joshsos5541]

The first time I saw a Matt video, he was testing the Hennessy Venom. I thought it was hilarious that that car made him laugh like a child 🤣

[@RayoAtra]

Hahah I have a "Gambon" four corners from my house. Great stuff guys.

[@Adam-ub9nu]

LMMFAO@ "We went from 40-45" so quick!

[@Beridan63]

Great video. You guys are a great team. I'm intrigued by the car. I think these Cadillacs are gorgeous. Absolutely love the look but just scratch my head at the car wondering why would I choose this over a 911 Turbo. I'm a decade or so older than you guys so that probably explains it. Still like the car, still love your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@lebuhokumalo1187]

Zac that cap is soooooooooo COOOOOOL

[@charliecleanup]

A lot of fun to watch kind of odd that Hennessy let it out the door with the glitch but great and fun review

[@Dolby109]

Is the problem with the launch something to do with the factory software interacting with the cam, or is it a software that Hennessey added? I wonder if it's something added if they could just re-tune or take their addition out entirely and just have the idle step up a bit when you push the clutch in or something simple to keep it from stalling.

[@mademanforever]

Great video... deciding on the Blackwing or C8 Z06 as a replacement to my CTS V V3... I've been leaning towards having more room, and this video improved my confidence

[@dustynpierson5924]

Blackwing all day. Can't fit 4 people into a corvette.

[@_westcoastcanine_]

“Went from 40 to 45 so quick” 😊

[@georgimihalkov4781]

Damn, what a beast! I would love to see this car on the Carwow channel going against Evolve's 1000hp M5.

[@mogulme6190]

Is that car a manual? Because if not we don’t need it. Too much troll chow for bmw fan boys

[@georgimihalkov4781]

@@mogulme6190 I would pick a CT5 automatic for a race, as they said that's the way to go for this highly tuned engine.

[@dbeckMSP]

Have you driven both a CCB and a steel brake one? Besides heat management, are the CCB frictionally better too? Porsche has stated steel is better for track use because of consumables, I’ve not heard their steel brakes are functionally worse than their CCB option

[@captainkirks7600]

Sounds so underworked 😍 absolutely no effort to absolutely fly

[@spencerkendrick1427]

Good video guys!

[@ZoneKei]

Big praise from Zack!

[@oumakavoula]

looks so good, base car is fantastic

[@Petrospect]

Pure NASCAR noises. Love it!

[@go_rizzo_grow]

That exhaust note is beautiful

[@BingBangBrine]

I agree It sounds amazing but I am sad how we can’t have it legally in California

[@DBB57]

Hennessey took a perfectly sorted road car and buggered it all up with death traps and power you can't use on a road.

[@DBB57]

The more I'm watching this the more I hate what Hennessey has done to a brilliantly engineered car.

[@g4do]

I'm absolutely sure nothing was done to get all of that delicious power to the ground... it's a Hennessy trademark. For once I'd like to see something from Hennessy that sticks and goes .

[@user-ep6rl9vt5n]

It's nothing like a comfortable ride as Cadillac always give in raw power

[@JDMJDK]

To quote you Matt, “That is so G”. ⚡️🤙🏼

[@christianlekstrom2398]

i´m most impressed that the gearbox is able to take that torque

[@scottgoldstein10]

The good ol boys over at tremec make a hell of a transmission

[@BeBarnee]

That fly-by was fkin nuts!! 🥜😍

[@marcust510]

Would buy this car with a manual WITH the Hennessy package in a heartbeat if I had the money. Worth every penny and the headache imo.

[@brandonjames1606]

Loved the Top Gear reference

[@jsnadrian]

oh my god that sounds incredible

[@Epsonblade]

I absolutely love this car.

[@amazingjason455]

Has Hennessy rebuilt his reputation?

[@Private-Citizen1]

What’s the issue?

[@dariussimon5134]

I’m just curious to know that when was his reputation ever bad ? 🤔

[@MrMcbear]

It wasnt people are just haters@@dariussimon5134

[@R17759]

@@dariussimon5134A quick google search will answer your question.

[@1Gwhite]

Not that I know of.. He is known as an expert Salesman still.

[@MrSchmidthead]

Gotta love a blue V!

[@nicktronson2977]

Great nature video.

[@josephkelly4893]

Another great video gents

[@agh4898]

I have the same complaint about the manual in the CT4 Blackwing too. Hate having to step on the brake to start the car if you stall it. Has only happened 1 time but I was in an intersection with traffic coming too. Very frustrating.... I think GM needs to get their Lawyers under control... 😞

[@thomas7674]

Zack really wears that Patagonia well.

[@ryanj8274]

Idk if it’s just me but, I love hearing the start from stop cam lobe effect; however, not so much driving it from every damn stop.

[@iluvtorace4786]

I wish they would have mentioned how much horsepower this car has now. But I'd guess probably around 1000, I can tell by the way that it is.

[@dariussimon5134]

They stated 1,000hp at the beginning of the video !

[@djzadok6949]

i think your close to the real number ...

[@aluisious]

woosh@@dariussimon5134

[@iluvtorace4786]

@@dariussimon5134 no I don't think they did.

[@dariussimon5134]

@@iluvtorace4786 Umm they did fella , if you pay attention to the beginning of the video they said it so don’t message me without the facts ok !

[@slash11lipo]

People go on and on about how good the new Z06 sounds, but for me, this car sounds much better.

[@HammondB34Me]

I'm glad I saw this.

[@andymesenbrink6946]

Hennessy is a big name but by no means the best tuner. I GUARANTEE LMR could do a better version of this car with the same power level. The stalling is a direct reflection of tuning quality and cam/parts selection.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

God dang I dunno what it is I love so much about Blackwings, but maybe it's that they remind me of old M and AMG cars.

[@adamgriffin]

The catch is that you are paying an unjustified premium for a Hennessey badge. there are so many reputable shops in Houston that can do the same or better for $20k less.

[@randyhyland847]

Great video lol'd at the censoring of the gauge cluster

[@Twobarpsi]

Yeah, they are racing on public roads. One day they will regret this. Hope nobody innocent gets caught up in their fireball.

[@joeleonard9965]

​@@TwobarpsiThey have been doing this for nearly two decades and these comments have never stopped. It is the fucking canyons. There are no safer public roads in the US to do this than what they are driving on.

[@Casey_J96]

What a beast!

[@FMB123]

8:33 😂😂😂 From 40-45 so quick. Followed by blurred out speedometer.

[@jasonpilla]

Y’all catch what Matt said? 3.4 miles per gallon...... 😮

[@Wazup8012]

The catch is that Hennessey is a scumbag and you giving him your money. Lol

[@Red__Hot]

How come?

[@jpncsu1]

​@@Red__Hotjust google search Hennessey viper

[@RyanMillerFit]

@@Red__Hot hating on Henessey is like hating on Nickelback. People just do it because they think it's the cool thing to do.

[@EdCruz320]

Honestly, part of the appeal of having a cammed car are the near stalls starting and reversing. 😂 Not as embarrassing in a ZL1 though.

[@JSmooVE3990]

I love that they scared each other.

[@DOCTRJ]

You have to reign it in 🤠

[@stefan-stocksmadesimple5241]

Why no stationary forward camera like previous one takes?

[@geerstyresoil3136]

Seems like the tune needs work. I dont recall stall issues when I cammed my ls2 GTO.

[@chipcurrey653]

I feel obligated to weigh in on this for all 10 people that will read. I have tuned LS and LT engines for 15 years. Hennessey due to laws has to complete these cars in an emissions compliant manner (yes even if the long tubes wouldn't fly in places like CA), which means it must pass a sniffer and check engine light test. A cam like the one in this engine (anything from 220-230@.050 intake duration) will want 13:1 AFR at idle. To be emissions compliant and for smell they MUST tune to 14.7:1 AFR and hold that to 2500 rpm at part throttle. Only when transitioning to full throttle above 2500 rpm can they legally richen. This greatly affects the idle vacuum signal, idle stability, and low end power. That is why the engine is dying when you come to a stop or try to take off without more rpm. This could be solved by a non smog compliant tune which may also void the Hennessey warranty.

[@badarbiter15]

Love how they're talking about how it's hard to start moving the car with it being a manual and having the Hennessey cam. Nah. I've had a zl1 with a twin disc clutch and a nasty hog ass cam. Never bucked or stalled cause it wanted to die. You have a good tune and it will NOT be hard to move at all. Hennessey can't tune for shit though so that makes sense. Take the V to literally any other tuner now that it's built.

[@kylem324]

Zack - you should have launched it in response to Matt’s question as to whether you could pull away without stalling…

[@BingBangBrine]

The one concern I have with cars like this is how do you pass smog in California ???

[@R17759]

You don’t

[@Twobarpsi]

It's not street legal.

[@loonatticat]

I was thinking about doing a refresh on my 100k mile C7, but everyone (Lingenfelter, Hennessey) seems to require that lumpy cam to make more power, even for milder tunes. I’m not looking for that.