Why Cadillac Blackwing Performance Could Help Save Manual Transmission
If you’re thinking manual transmission is a thing of the past, then think again. Cadillac’s new 2022 CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing performance sedans are here to remind us that manual transmission is a memorable part of our automotive history — and something that many car enthusiasts still cherish today.
With the amount of new car tech making headlines, it’s hard to remember the last time much attention was paid to the basic mechanics of a vehicle. Many of us haven’t even questioned how the switch from manual to automatic came to be. Today, most new cars don’t even include manual transmission, an option that was once standard in every make and model worldwide.
This concern has lead many drivers to popularize #SaveTheManuals on various social media platforms.
Why @Honda Civic, @Subaru_USA BRZ are keeping manual transmissions alive: https://t.co/IQPLNnEW6g pic.twitter.com/lYxWVV9t5b
— Car and Driver (@CARandDRIVER) February 15, 2021
While some might find Cadillac’s decision to include manual transmission an odd decision, others are cheering for joy. For the innovators behind Cadillac engineering, it is merely a decision that complements the raw power and performance behind the Blackwing mold.
Find out the reasoning behind Cadillac’s decision, including an in-depth look into the speed and versatility of the Cadillac Blackwing manufacture.
Most powerful Cadillac ever made
The Cadillac Blackwing performance models, CT4-V and CT5-V, come equipped with a 6.2L Supercharged V8, a performance that is both masterfully designed to handle high speed and precision on the road. Claimed by Cadillac to be the “most powerful Cadillac ever made”, it’s no wonder why these sedans are catching the attention of buyers in a market dominated by compact and mid-size SUVs.
In a recent podcast, Chief Engineer of Cadillac, Tony Roma, shared insight into why the American automaker decided to include standard manual transmission in the 2022 CT4-V and CT5-V sedans. He stated, “Part of why we’re doing it is because other people aren’t doing it anymore. We want to build the cars that we want to drive.”
Over the years, automatic transmission has become the standard transmission of choice. Not only is it faster, it requires less motor skills while driving. Cadillac’s inclusion of manual transmission is an emotional decision, bringing back the nostalgia of car enthusiasts who only dared to drive manual. It gives drivers the ability to command a machine, making the Cadillac Blackwing performance an attractive buy for old school drivers.
Targeting a market of enthusiasts
Manual transmission is not for everyone. In fact, U.S. News and World Report claims only 18% of drivers can operate a stick shift. With automatic transmission dominating car sales, most drivers, especially younger generations, haven’t thought twice about manual transmission. However, this doesn’t mean there is not a market for it, even if it’s small. For car enthusiasts, driving manual gives a better sense of control, and a greater connection to their ride.
Can the Cadillac Blackwing duo really #SaveTheManuals?
Roma confesses that, “the days of manual transmission are limited, and I don’t have any news on where it will go.” Even still, Cadillac’s decision to make its most powerful performance models include manual transmission is a bold move. They expect an average of 25-35% of drivers to choose manual transmission on either the CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing. As the innovators behind these supercharged performance sedans see the joy of a manual transmission, it is likely the car enthusiasts will see it too.
To watch the full interview with Chief Engineer, Tony Roma, check out the clip below.:
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