The era of the American V8 sports sedan is far from over. While Australian performance brand HSV has ceased operations, General Motors continues to champion the internal combustion engine through its Cadillac division. The latest testament to this legacy is the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series, a limited-run manual transmission sedan that claims the title of the most powerful V8 production Cadillac ever built.
A Supercharged Powerhouse
At the heart of the Collector Series lies the 6.2-liter “LT4” supercharged V8, an engine already renowned in the standard CT5-V Blackwing. However, for this special edition, Cadillac collaborated closely with GM Motorsports to refine the supercharger, resulting in a tangible power boost.
The output now stands at 511 kW of power and 912 Nm of torque, an increase of 13 kW and 19 Nm over the regular Blackwing model. While this makes it the strongest V8 Cadillac in history, it is worth noting that the brand’s absolute peak power output belongs to its electric lineup. The EV-powered Escalade IQ can reach 560 kW and 1,064 Nm in “Velocity Max” mode, highlighting the distinct performance philosophies of Cadillac’s internal combustion and electric vehicles.
Exclusivity and the Manual Mandate
The F1 Collector Series is defined by its scarcity and its adherence to traditional driving dynamics. Only 26 units will be produced, a number chosen to commemorate the year Cadillac joined the Formula 1 grid.
Perhaps most significantly for enthusiast drivers, this edition is available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. The standard CT5-V Blackwing offers a choice between a 10-speed automatic and a manual gearbox, but the Collector Series removes the automatic option entirely, ensuring every unit is a driver-focused machine.
Homage to Formula 1
The design language of the Collector Series is a direct tribute to Cadillac’s motorsport ambitions. Developed in collaboration with Formula 1 and the FIA, the exterior features:
- Midnight Stone Frost paint with gloss-black badging.
- Carbon Flash metallic wheels and Harbor Grey metallic brake calipers.
- Carbon-fibre lower bodywork accented with a Switchblade Silver pinstripe.
Inside, the cabin is finished exclusively in Jet Black. The connection to F1 is reinforced throughout the interior, with logos appearing on the head restraints, gear shifter, center console, and sill plates. A CNC-machined supercharger cover, created by GM Motorsports, prominently displays the F1 and FIA insignias. Additionally, each car bears a numbered plaque, further emphasizing its collectible status.
Performance enhancements are also standard. The Precision Package, typically an $18,000 USD optional extra, is included as standard equipment. This package features retuned suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes with cross-drilled rotors, and 19-inch high-performance summer tires.
Pricing and Availability
The exclusivity and performance upgrades come at a steep premium. While the base CT5-V Blackwing starts at approximately $100,695 USD, the F1 Collector Series is priced at a staggering $260,000 USD. This makes it the most expensive V-Series performance model Cadillac has ever offered.
Production is scheduled to begin in mid-2026. However, due to the CT5’s left-hand-drive-only manufacturing configuration, this vehicle will not be available in right-hand-drive markets such as Australia, Japan, and the UK.
The Future of the CT5
The launch of the F1 Collector Series arrives as Cadillac looks toward the future of its sedan lineup. The current CT5, which entered production in 2019 and received a facelift for 2025, will be succeeded by a next-generation model expected to enter production in late 2027.
The new CT5 will reportedly utilize the same Alpha 2 platform but will focus exclusively on internal combustion engines. While details remain scarce, it is unclear if the future sedan will offer the same range of powertrains—including turbocharged four-cylinder, twin-turbo V6, and supercharged V8 options—as the current generation.
Conclusion: The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series serves as both a celebration of Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 and a farewell salute to the high-performance manual V8 sedan. With only 26 units planned, it is less a daily driver and more a rolling piece of automotive history, bridging the gap between Cadillac’s racing heritage and its evolving electric future.
