Cadillac to Have Manual Transmission V-Series Blackwings?

Cadillac says a manual transmission connects you with a performance car. The younger generation seems more connected with their I-phones…

Cadillac’s introduction of the new 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will revive something called the manual transmission. Both will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and offer an optional 10-speed automatic transmission. The CT4-V Blackwing appears to be the only sedan in its segment to offer a manual. This six-speed manual transmission is claimed to be quieter and more durable than the previous generation.

Whether there is any market for what used to favored among older driving enthusiasts remains to be seen when the limited-edition cars go on sale during the summer of 2021. Cadillac says that two-thirds of American adults know how to drive a stick shift, and more are interested in learning. This comes from a GM commissioned Harris Poll study conducted on behalf of Cadillac about the current knowledge and adoption of the manual transmission.

Not surprisingly data show:

• 66% of American adults surveyed know how to drive a manual.
• Of those who do not know how to drive a manual, roughly 40% are either somewhat or extremely interested in learning.
• More than half (55%) of American adults say they have owned or leased a car with a manual transmission.
• Interest in driving or learning to drive a manual is higher among those with $75,000 or more in annual household income (64% interested) and those between 18-34 in age (62% interested).

These manual transmissions were produced using new additive manufacturing applications that will bring 3D-printed parts into the upcoming high-performance sedans. The V-Series Blackwing models will be the first GM production vehicles with functional 3D-printed parts, including two HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket. In addition, a unique 3D-printed medallion will sit on the manual shifter knob.

“A lot of work went into making the manual possible in both vehicles. It’s something we know V-Series buyers want and it’s something we knew we had to have, so we used innovative processes to make it happen,” said Mirza Grebovic, Cadillac performance variant manager. “There are a few ways to really get that connected feel with the vehicle and the manual transmission is probably the most obvious one.”