The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing uses the most powerful version to date of the explosively powerful 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V8. Available with both a 10-speed automatic and standard with a 6-speed manual, it pumps out 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque.

According to Cadillac the automatic can do 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds and the manual we have here can make it to 60 mph just slightly slower at 3.6 seconds. The quarter mile? 11.30 @ 129 mph and it can hit over 200 mph on the open track.

The engines are hand-built at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky Assembly plant and sports a signed plate with the engine builder’s name on the top of the Eaton 1.7-liter four-lobe supercharger. Integrated into its housing is air-to-water intercooling. The supercharger itself is driven by a dedicated second sheave drive belt with its own crank pulley and idlers – the belt driven engine accessories have their own separate belt.

The aluminum block engine features Rotocast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads with lightweight titanium intake valves. They’re hard to see but exhaust manifolds down below are stainless steel. This LT4 features a wet-sump oiling and vent system with external oil separator and drainback.

Following the airflow, the intake charge comes into the large conventional air-box from behind the grille and then into a large diameter intake tube. Passing by the mass airflow sensor and then through a large single-throat throttle body, air intake airflow is improved by 46 percent versus the old CTS-V.

The once the air makes its way through the supercharger and intercooler package it travels into the combustion chambers which feature direct fuel injection. The engine also features active fuel management and cylinder deactivation to make an attempt a saving fuel.

Across the engine bay is a highly manicured aluminum strut tower brace with V logo across it. It features cast aluminum flanges at each end and steel cross bracing between the cast aluminum strut towers and the firewall.

In spite of all the exotic hardware under the hood, service and maintenance in the engine bay is pretty traditional and straight forward. The coolant reservoir can be found at the passenger side firewall just behind the strut tower. The windshield washer fluid reservoir cap is just the side of it.

Brake fluid can be found at the drive side firewall, but underneath it is a modern electronically controlled motor booster system. This allows for different performance and feel metrics based on driver selected drive modes.

Checking the oil is done at the passenger side of the engine at the bright yellow dipstick and filling it can be done at the cap on the driver side. Accessing the oil filter is done from down below.

The 12-volt battery is located underneath a removable plastic cover in the trunk but there is a jumping post at the driver side of the engine bay ahead of the strut tower. There you will also find the fuse block, easily accessed with a fuse removal tool inside it. Just below the fuse block is the engine control unit also known as “the computer”.

Stepping back and away, the engine compartment is well laid out and appealing to the eye for those who like to show it off. A cherry on top, a prominent V logo is printed on the sound pad underneath the hood.