Cadillac

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Charles Bradley – January 13, 2026

Cadillac’s First F1 Livery Is A Design Manifesto In Motion

Cadillac’s long-awaited arrival in Formula 1 is no longer an abstract promise – it now has a face, a form, and a visual language. With the unveiling of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s Special Edition testing livery at General Motors’ new global headquarters in Detroit, the iconic American marque has revealed not just a race car, but a carefully crafted design statement ahead of its historic debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8. Unveiled by General Motors President Mark Reuss at the Hudson’s Detroit building, the livery will be used during Shakedown Week in Barcelona, Spain, January 26–30, before the team presents its final race livery on February 8. It marks the first visual chapter in Cadillac’s F1 story – and it is unmistakably deliberate. Developed through a cross-continental collaboration between the GM Global Design team and Cadillac Formula 1® Team, the Barcelona Shakedown livery reflects Cadillac’s broader ambition: blending American luxury, European motorsport rigor, and a design philosophy rooted in heritage but focused squarely on the future. The unveiling itself was rich in symbolism. An F1 show car wearing the Barcelona Shakedown livery now sits inside GM’s new Detroit headquarters, just miles from Cadillac’s original home in the city. The car will also appear at the Detroit Auto Show until January 25, giving enthusiasts a rare chance to see Cadillac’s Formula 1 design language in person before it reaches the racetrack. While visually striking, this livery serves a deeper purpose. In Formula 1, testing liveries traditionally disguise aerodynamic surfaces, much like camouflaged prototypes in the automotive world. Cadillac’s designers embraced that challenge, turning functional secrecy into an artistic expression. “Our new testing livery celebrates Detroit’s design heritage and the power of the global Cadillac Formula 1® team, while keeping our design secrets under wraps,” Reuss said. “The Barcelona test is just the beginning – we can’t wait to share our official race livery with fans around the world next month.” A Modern Crest for a Global Stage The monochrome palette creates a striking, premium presence built around a modern interpretation of the Cadillac crest and shield, which anchors the car visually. A large Cadillac crest draped across the rear does double duty – boldly announcing the brand’s arrival while artfully masking aerodynamic surfaces. Vertical Cadillac precision geometric patterns, rendered in alternating gloss and matte finishes, run through the bodywork, creating a textured, almost architectural skin that conceals form while celebrating brand DNA. It’s a design that feels simultaneously restrained and powerful, more haute couture than camouflage. The effect is intentional. Clean line work and disciplined color blocking reinforce a technical, future-forward aesthetic, aligning Cadillac’s visual identity with its performance ambitions at the pinnacle of global motorsport. There is also a deeply human layer embedded in the design. As a nod to the U.S. and U.K. teams building Cadillac’s Formula 1 future, the names of the founding members from both countries are incorporated into the livery – an elegant detail that connects craftsmanship, collaboration, and legacy. Tradition Meets Tomorrow For Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1® Team Holdings, the dual-livery strategy reflects Cadillac’s willingness to challenge convention. “Cadillac Formula 1® is committed to innovation on and off the track,” Towriss said. “TWG combined with General Motors allows us to rethink the norm and introduce the team in bold new ways. Debuting our race livery during a globally televised championship broadcast challenges convention and brings Cadillac Formula 1® to a global audience. Paired with this special-edition testing livery designed by the GM Global Design studios, we’re honoring automotive heritage while looking ahead as we build toward the 2026 season.” The official 2026 Formula 1 race livery will be unveiled on February 8, offering fans the first look at the design that will compete throughout the season. But in many ways, the Barcelona Shakedown livery is already doing something more subtle and arguably more powerful: it’s introducing Cadillac’s design philosophy to the world of Formula 1. By revealing the car in Detroit – inside a building that symbolizes General Motors’ future while sitting just miles from Cadillac’s original headquarters – the brand has visually linked its storied past to its Formula 1 future. As Cadillac prepares for Barcelona, Melbourne, and its place on the global grid, this first livery stands as more than a test suit. It is a declaration that American luxury, when filtered through motorsport, can be as precise, disciplined, and globally relevant as anything Formula 1 has ever seen. View All Cadillacs For Sale Image Source: Cadillac

A man with light brown hair wearing a blue athletic shirt stands against a dark background, looking to the side with a neutral expression, reminiscent of Colton Herta from the IndyCar series.

By Charles Bradley – September 03, 2025

Cadillac’s New F1 Team Signs American IndyCar Star Colton...

Cadillac Formula 1 Team has named Colton Herta, one of America’s most accomplished racing talents, as its first official Test Driver ahead of the brand’s debut in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The announcement marks a major step for both Cadillac and Herta, who has long been linked with a move to the global stage of Formula 1. Herta, 25, is no stranger to international racing. The second-generation driver – son of IndyCar veteran Bryan Herta – first competed in Europe in 2015, securing four victories, six podiums, and five pole positions in the Euroformula Open Championship. He also raced in British F3, earning three podiums, including a win at Brands Hatch, before returning stateside in 2017. Since then, Herta has built a standout résumé in the NTT IndyCar Series with nine career wins, 16 pole positions, and more than 1,000 laps led across 116 starts. He remains the youngest driver ever to win an IndyCar race and pole, a record he set in 2019 at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas – also home to the F1 United States Grand Prix. Image Source: Cadillac Beyond open-wheel racing, he has claimed multiple IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship class victories, including Rolex 24 at Daytona wins in 2019 and 2022, and an overall triumph at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2024. Transitioning into his new role under the banner of its race team TWG Motorsports, Herta joins Cadillac’s Formula 1 roster following last month’s announcement that Mercedes veteran Valtteri Bottas and ex-Red Bull Racing ace Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez will serve as the team’s first race drivers. Future details on Herta’s 2026 racing program will be shared in due course – although he has been strongly linked with a full-time campaign in the FIA Formula 2 Championship to help him learn both F1’s tracks and its similar Pirelli tires, as well as gain points for his so-called F1 ‘superlicence’. “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Test Driver,” Herta said. “This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up. “My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team.” Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal of Cadillac Formula 1 Team, added: “We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a Test Driver. Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years. “His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future. “Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our Team, but for American motorsport as a whole. Colton represents the passion, ambition, and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.” With Cadillac entering Formula 1, and Herta taking his first official role in its paddock, the partnership reflects the growing influence of American manufacturers and teams on the sport’s global stage. View All Cadillac For Sale

A man stands next to a black Cadillac SUV inside a modern showroom, resting his right hand on the car's hood and smiling at the camera.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 26, 2025

Cadillac Formula 1 Team Announces Bottas & Pérez As Drivers

Cadillac’s Formula 1 ambitions take shape with star drivers. After over two decades of its V-Series performance models being a part of its lineup and its modern presence in motorsport, Cadillac is ready to make a major step in expanding its performance universe by being the first new constructor to enter the Formula 1 grid since Haas. Starting in the 2026 season, Cadillac’s anticipated entry to Formula 1 is not only a milestone moment for Cadillac but for American performance as a whole, having one of the most legendary names in American automotive luxury and performance competing on the world’s most prestigious and intense racing stage. Cadillac’s first season on the F1 grid is starting very soon, and the team has announced the drivers who will be launching the campaign: Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio “Checo” Pérez. Two staple names in the Formula 1 universe, the 10-time Grand Prix winner and the 6-time Grand Prix winner share over 500 F1 starts and 100 podiums, and many other examples of success and expertise in F1 racing. Both drivers have achieved second place in the F1 World Championship: Bottas in 2019 and 2020, and Pérez in 2023. In addition, the pair have a combined 31 fastest laps, 23 pole positions, and 26 years of experience racing amongst some of the most intense rivalries in the motorsport world. With two star drivers joining its new team, Cadillac is starting its journey in Formula 1 with ambitions of incredible success. View All Cadillacs For Sale

A silver concept car with gullwing doors open is parked on a road with mountains in the background, showcasing Extreme Vision in the world of future luxury EVs.

By Charles Bradley – August 14, 2025

Cadillac Elevated Velocity Concept Revealed: An Extreme V...

Cadillac has unveiled a wild concept car, the Elevated Velocity, which is an all-electric, high-performance 2+2 crossover that fuses the exhilaration of its V-Series heritage with the future of luxury EV mobility. Set to make its public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering tomorrow, the bold design blends extreme on-road performance with the capability to tackle challenging off-road terrain – without sacrificing the brand’s signature refinement. “Conceptual design work necessarily looks beyond current production programs, studying lifestyle and technology trends and their potential influences on our next mobility experiences,” said Bryan Nesbitt, VP, GM Global Design. “Elevated Velocity builds on the design principles introduced in the Opulent Velocity concept revealed in 2024, artfully integrating Cadillac’s luxury, technology, and performance in an increasingly popular performance-luxury crossover form factor.” Where Performance Meets Purpose The Elevated Velocity concept follows the momentum of the Cadillac LYRIQ-V and OPTIQ-V, taking the V-Series performance ethos into an all-electric, ultra-luxury crossover form. Its dual character is reflected in the name: ‘Elevated’ for its heightened state of luxury and raised stance, and Velocity for its thrilling performance capabilities – also creating play on the acronym ‘EV’. With selectable drive modes – including e-Velocity for high-speed road driving, Terra for peak off-road performance, and Sand Vision for visibility in harsh desert conditions – the concept promises precision handling on asphalt and adrenaline in the dunes. An Elements Defy system uses dust-phobic vibration to keep the exterior pristine after any adventure. “Elevated Velocity seeks to demonstrate our interpretation of an uncompromised performance luxury experience, where one can repurpose their valuable time by commuting fully autonomously, then unlock a true hands-on high-performance experience in places not unlike the rich dunes of the Lahbab desert, leaving zero emissions in their wake,” Nesbitt added. A Striking Vision of Future Cadillac Design Exterior design cues draw inspiration from the Opulent Velocity concept, with an elegant, aerodynamic silhouette set atop a lifted chassis and massive 24-inch wheels. Its Vapor Blue paint, with flinty grey undertones inspired by glacial ice, contrasts with a fiery red interior. Gull-wing doors open dramatically to reveal a cabin tailored for luxury adventuring. “We started the concept with the dramatic proportions of Opulent Velocity, which gave it its characteristic prestigious presence. But evolved them over a high stance and cascaded a fast roofline over the entire vehicle creating an impactful silhouette,” said Tom Grech, exterior designer, Cadillac Advanced Design. Lighting design is equally ambitious, with fluted translucent front elements, vertical rear light tunnels, and Cadillac’s signature Precision pattern integrated throughout. Wheels incorporate flax fiber and black crystal tint acrylic for a unique, sustainable finish. An Interior That Elevates the Senses Inside, Elevated Velocity blends high-performance design with wellness-focused luxury. The Morello Red, Cerise, and Garnet color palette, paired with Fine Nappa leather, boucle fabrics, brushed metals, and 3D-printed patterns, evokes speed, energy, and elegance. Selectable user experience modes transform the cabin: · Welcome Mode greets occupants with illuminated panels and a desert-sand-inspired animation. · Elevate Mode retracts the steering wheel and pedals for autonomous cruising, engages red light therapy, and syncs ambient lighting to occupant breathing for optimal recovery. · Velocity Mode focuses the cockpit with cool white lighting and performance data displayed directly on the deployable steering wheel. “The word ‘elevate’ serves a dual meaning – it is a reference to the lifted chassis that enables high-speed off-road capabilities, but it also refers to an elevated luxury experience,” said Alexandra Dymowska, Cadillac senior brand designer. “Like desert polo, where speed, skill and elegance converge, the concept envisions a refined, exhilarating experience, where the art of mastery meets the rush of adrenaline.” Cabin features also include air purification and fragrance, climate compensation for extreme conditions, and a vault-locked compartment for valuables. A bespoke polo set in Vapor Blue with Morello Red accents underscores the concept’s bespoke craftsmanship. It even offers an integrated infra-red light therapy, aimed to help occupants recover from vigorous pursuits. “The objective of the interior design was to reduce weight physically through slender forms yet deliver comfort and support that’s also visually rich,” said Ding Zeng, senior creative interior designer, Cadillac Advanced Design. With the Elevated Velocity Concept, Cadillac isn’t just teasing yet another luxury EV – it’s declaring its intent to lead the next chapter of performance crossovers in a new direction. By blending V-Series athleticism, bespoke craftsmanship, and cutting-edge electric technology into one audacious package, this concept signals a future where capability, elegance, and autonomy can share the same fast lane – or desert dirt track. View All Cadillacs For Sale Source: Cadillac

By Charles Bradley – August 12, 2025

Cadillac Unveils “Curated by Cadillac” Customization Prog...

Cadillac is taking bespoke performance luxury to new heights with the launch of “Curated by Cadillac”, an exclusive customization program available on a limited number of 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing models. This highly personalized experience draws inspiration from the brand’s ultra-luxury, hand-built Cadillac CELESTIQ, giving select clients the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind performance sedan that reflects their individual style. “Curated by Cadillac embodies our commitment to delivering an elevated level of customization,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “Drawing upon experience from the ultra-luxury, hand-built CELESTIQ, we are now offering a limited number of CT5-V Blackwing customers an opportunity to create a vehicle that is as unique as their own story.” A New Standard in Personalized Luxury This exclusive program takes the art of vehicle customization far beyond the standard options list… • Exterior Colors and Finishes: Clients will have access to an expanded palette of more than 160 colors, including both high-gloss and frost finishes. Each color is hand-painted by artisans to meet Cadillac’s exacting quality standards. • Interior Colors and Materials: An expanded selection of premium materials and colors can be mixed and matched in millions of unique combinations, allowing owners to design a cabin environment as individual as they are. An Elevated Client Experience “Curated by Cadillac” isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a comprehensive luxury experience. The program borrows from the CELESTIQ’s high-touch approach, pairing each client with both their dealer and a dedicated Cadillac concierge. Each concierge comes from a design background and has worked in fields such as fashion, entertainment, fine arts, and luxury home interiors. Their experience collaborating with some of the world’s most renowned artists and brands ensures clients have a trusted advisor throughout the creation process. Legendary Blackwing Performance While the customization is all-new, the Curated by Cadillac 2026 CT5-V Blackwing retains its celebrated mechanical heart: a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 producing 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque on premium gasoline. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission or an available 10-speed automatic – ensuring the drive is as engaging as the design. Every Curated by Cadillac 2026 CT5-V Blackwing will be hand-built at the Artisan Center in Warren, Michigan, with production beginning in mid-2026. The model will be sold in the U.S. and Canada, with a starting MSRP of approximately $158,000, including destination freight charge (excluding tax, title, and dealer fees; dealer sets final price). With extremely limited availability, “Curated by Cadillac” is poised to become one of the most desirable expressions of American performance luxury – a perfect blend of artisan craftsmanship, personalization, and raw Blackwing power. View All Cadillacs For Sale Source: Cadillac

A light blue 2025 Cadillac V8-powered sedan in motion, with a close-up of its manual gear shifter and the robust engine bay displayed below.

By Khris Bharath – July 22, 2025

The Last V8-Powered Sedan To Offer A Manual In 2025

At a time when most automakers are rushing to embrace electrification, adding batteries and digital driving experiences, including on their high-performance models, Cadillac has chosen to defy the odds by continuing to build what is now the only V8-powered sedan still available with a manual transmission in 2025. While much of its German and Japanese competitors have long since abandoned this enthusiast format, i.e., pairing a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with a manual transmission and a big-displacement engine, Cadillac has doubled down on the formula, refining it with the kind of attention to detail usually reserved for limited-production exotics. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a genuine outlier in an age when the art of driver engagement is slowly fading into obscurity. Beneath its long hood lies a 6.2-liter, supercharged V8. Hand-built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the same place that churns out Corvette Z06 engines, this LT4 mill harks back to the first-gen CTS-V from the 2000s, but with even more muscle. It sends 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through either a ten-speed automatic or, crucially, a Tremec six-speed manual that offers active rev-matching and no-lift shifting. In terms of styling, last year, Cadillac rolled out a few updates for the 2025 model year. The car received a lightly updated exterior with a more aggressive front fascia, redesigned ground-effect elements to improve aerodynamic performance, and a new quad trapezoidal exhaust system that’ll leave onlookers with no doubt about the presence of eight cylinders under the hood. Three new paint colours, including Typhoon Metallic, Drift Metallic, and Deep Space Metallic, add visual interest, while the addition of Cadillac’s curved 33-inch LED digital display inside brings the car’s cabin more in line with the brand’s newer electric offerings, all without sacrificing the physical controls and tactile surfaces that suit a car that is properly analog. Many of these updates carry over into the 2026 model year. The interior, trimmed in leather, is available in a range of finishes. The optional carbon fiber-backed sports seats strike a delicate balance between luxury and purpose, offering 18-way adjustability, besides real metal switchgear, and an enhanced performance data recorder with live lap data tracking for those interested in tracking this 4,100+ pound super sedan on the race track. Fuel economy, as one might expect, is far from its party piece; we’re talking 20 mpg tops on the highway, but then, frugality has never been the point or intent of any V-Series model for the past 20 years, let alone a Blackwing model. With a starting price hovering around $100,000, it is hardly inexpensive. But when you consider that no other manufacturer offers a V8 manual sedan of any kind, not Mercedes-AMG, not BMW M, not even Lexus, it becomes clear that what Cadillac is offering here is something elemental and endangered. How long it will stay on sale is difficult to predict, as increasingly stringent regulations and shifting consumer tastes continue to narrow the window for cars with a three-pedal setup. Cadillac says it’ll keep building the CT5-V Blackwing as long as there’s demand. But to give you some context, of the 150 or so models on sale today, fewer than 30 offer three pedals, and that number is in single digits if we’re talking, purely in terms of high-performance models. But thankfully for now, and perhaps for the last time, you can still walk into a showroom and purchase a brand-new, rear-wheel-drive, supercharged V8 sedan. Throw in GM’s fourth-generation Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo Brakes, and four doors, and you’ve got something versatile and composed that you can truly enjoy on the road or out on track, rewarding you with a deeply mechanical experience that may soon become obsolete. View All Cadillac CT5 V Blackwings For Sale Images Source: Cadillac

A black Cadillac electric car is positioned under bright, parallel LED lights in a tunnel-like setting, facing the camera directly.

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 24, 2025

Cadillac Delivers The First Celestiq

At long last, deliveries of the Cadillac Celestiq have begun. Cadillac spent years teasing concept cars that would mark the return of a world-class flagship bearing the Cadillac name. Deciding to finally bring one of those concepts to fruition as a production variant, the Celestiq was bestowed the honor and responsibility of reviving Cadillac’s golden-age dominance and status as the world’s standard of automotive luxury. The all-electric halo car boasts a futuristic interpretation of what made Cadillacs iconic in the past: massive proportions, dramatic styling, sumptuous materials, and a steep price tag, specifically exceeding $300,000. Other features include an electrochromic glass roof with four zones for customized dimming, bespoke commissions, and a 3.7-second sprint from 0-60 thanks to its immense 655-horsepower powertrain. With each example of the Celestiq being built to its client’s specifications, the manufacturing and delivery process of the new flagship Cadillac has taken years to come to fruition since the announcement of the production version of the vehicle, but now, Cadillac has finally delivered the first example, officially kicking off a new chapter for the historic American luxury legend. The Cadillac House at Vanderbilt was the location chosen for the ceremonious handoff of the first Cadillac Celestiq example to its client, and the ultra-luxury electric sedan was the result of a design collaboration between the client and available curation assistance from a Cadillac designer, as is the case with all Cadillac Celestiq clients. With its estimated 303 miles of range and its bespoke ultra-luxury configurations coming to fruition, the highly anticipated reign of the Cadillac Celestiq has officially begun for one of the most legendary names in American automotive luxury. View All Cadillac For Sale

A blue Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV is parked on a concrete surface in front of a modern building with grey walls.

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 09, 2025

Cadillac Unveils New 519HP 2026 Optiq-V

Cadillac ushers in another electric performance model. Cadillac’s performance-oriented V-Series, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, entered a new chapter not only when the Opulent Velocity Concept envisioned an electric future of the V-Series, but especially when the introduction of the Cadillac Lyriq-V made that vision a reality. However, Cadillac announced that yet another model would be joining the lineup of electric V-Series cars: the new 2026 Cadillac Optiq-V. Already confirmed earlier, Cadillac is now fully unveiling the new Cadillac Optiq-V, showcasing its smaller luxury electric SUV meant for younger drivers in a performance-oriented variant. With ample electric power, the Optiq-V, despite its smaller footprint, is capable of producing an estimated 519 horsepower and 650lb/ft of torque. In addition, that power gives the new Optiq-V the ability to get from 0 to 60 in an estimated 3.5 seconds. Production of the new Cadillac Optiq-V is set to start this fall, and marking a major milestone in the EV world, as the first of GM’s electric vehicles to feature a native North American Charging Standard inlet, offering ease of use for a variety of charging options, with the estimated 275 miles of range from its 85-kWh battery. Features like V-Mode for extra performance settings like launch control and Competitive mode, as well as front brake calipers from Brembo, enhance the performance-oriented character of the new Optiq-V. Starting at $68,795, the new Cadillac Optiq-V builds Cadillac’s performance legacy even further. View All Cadillac Optiq For Sale Image Source: Cadillac

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 04, 2025

Tommy Hilfiger Is The Official Apparel Partner Of Cadilla...

Tommy Hilfiger bolsters Cadillac’s F1 ambitions. Cadillac is shaking up the highest echelon of the racing world as it’s announced its upcoming entry into the prestigious and small grid of Formula 1, starting in the 2026 season. As part of the revered luxury marque from General Motors’ ambitions towards elevating its prestige to match its golden age dominance, Cadillac has launched a new $300,000 all-electric flagship in the form of the Celestiq, and is preparing to race against names like Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and more admist the intense rivalry of Formula 1. As the historic luxury manufacturer prepares for its anticipated Formula 1 debut, Tommy Hilfiger has been announced as the official apparel partner of the upcoming Cadillac Formula 1 team. As an icon in the American fashion industry for decades, the partnership between Cadillac and Tommy Hilfiger represents the combination of two American legends, and the partnership adds even more excitement to the first addition of a new team to the F1 grid in 10 years since 2016. In addition, Tommy Hilfiger is not new to the world of motorsport, having been a contributor to fashion in the racing stratosphere for over 30 years. The products that the new partnership between Tommy Hilfiger and the Cadillac F1 team will produce include the team kits, as well as various fanwear items bringing the classic aesthetic of Tommy Hilfiger fashion together with the luxurious aesthetic and racing-inspired edge of Cadillac’s F1 team. Tommy Hilfiger’s collaboration with Cadillac comes after the brand’s involvement with Team Lotus, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG F1, including a recent collaboration with Sir Lewis Hamilton, one of the most celebrated drivers in F1 history. Most recently, Tommy Hilfiger has collaborated with the upcoming F1 film, collaborating on the APXGP Collection with actor and ambassador Damson Idris, who arrived at this year’s Met Gala with a dramatic reveal from a tear-away racing suit and bedazzled helmet to a custom Tommy Hilfiger suit. As Cadillac’s F1 presence comes together, Tommy Hilfiger is its latest partner in the ambitious effort. Shop Tommy Hilfiger APXGP Collection

A silver Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing sedan with 668HP is parked on a paved surface with mountains in the background under clear skies.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 29, 2025

Mark Zuckerberg’s Daily Driver Is A 668HP Cadillac CT5-V ...

What else do you think Zuckerberg has in his car collection? Founding Facebook in 2004 at the age of 19, Mark Zuckerberg's early contributions to the internet and social media have allowed him to grow into an A-list celebrity with a jaw-dropping net worth of $184.6 billion. And while his life used to remain private behind closed doors, the 40-year-old CEO of Meta now enjoys sharing his hobbies with the world, whether it be luxury watch collecting, UFC event appearances, or exotic cars. Last year, Zuckerburg and his wife took delivery of their Porsche 911 GT3 Touring and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT "Minivan," customized by the team at West Coast Customs. The automotive world is getting a better glimpse into Mark Zuckerberg's garage after he revealed his daily driver on the most recent episode of 'This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von.' After being asked what kind of car he drives, Mark reveals that he's currently driving a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, an unusually impressive response. And as if it couldn't get any cooler than that, he also adds that the Blackwing is manual and that he enjoys driving manual transmission cars. The CT5-V Blackwing is Cadillac's crown jewel in the performance sedan category. It's part of Cadillac's V-Series lineup, packing a supercharged 6.2LV8 that cranks out 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. That kind of power means 0 to 60 sprints in just 3.4 seconds, and it'll top out over 200 mph. It's unapologetically loud, fast, and confident, making it stand out in today's increasingly muted performance cars. View All Cadillacs For Sale " width="680"> Source: Theo Von YouTube

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