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Finding a manual transmission in a luxury car in 2023 is not an easy task. Not too long ago, BMW, Audi, and even Mercedes offered roaring V8 luxury sedans with manual transmissions. Now, though, those days are gone. For the 2023 model year, there’s only one luxury sedan that offers the enthusiast-loved V8 engine/manual transmission combo; the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.

The 2023 CT5-V Blackwing is a supercharged V8 powerhouse with six gears for you to choose from

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing in Electric Blue, front ¾ angle
Blue Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | Cadillac

It certainly wasn’t by choice that there’s only V8 manual luxury sedan available in 2023. That being said, if we were forced to only have one, the CT5-V Blackwing would certainly be at the top of the list. It’s truly a work of art from an auto enthusiast’s perspective.

According to Cadillac, the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 pumps out a fearsome 668 horsepower. Backing that power up is 659 pound-feet of torque, too. With a zero to 60 sprint in as little as 3.4 seconds and a top speed of over 200 miles per hour, it’s hard to even consider asking for more. Of course, though, that isn’t even the best part.

That, in our minds at least, is the fact that it’s available with a six-speed manual transmission. Though 668 horsepower through a manual transmission, on paper, sounds like a handful, the CT5-V Blackwing actually handles incredibly. Not just for a luxury sedan, either.

Is the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing faster than a C8 Corvette?

Edmunds put the CT5-V head-to-head with a C8 Corvette in their signature U-Drag race. The U-Drag combines all disciplines of racing, from straight-line acceleration and braking to cornering.

Of course, putting the CT5-V Blackwing up against a C8 seems a little unfair. After all, the C8 is regarded as one of the most capable sports cars when it comes to performance handling and track use. However, the CT5-V Blackwing ultimately came out on top just a hair.

However, in later testing, the CT5-V Blackwing fell victim to the Ford Mustang GT500 in the same testing. All things considered, that’s some remarkably competitive efforts from a luxury sedan with a manual transmission.

The CT5-V Blackwing will be the most powerful and fastest Cadillac ever. Descended from the brand’s racing legacy, this vehicle elevates V-Series’ heritage of performance, styling and meticulous refinement.
2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | Cadillac

Perhaps the only downside, then, is the CT5-V Blackwing’s starting price tag of $91,995. It’s certainly not the most affordable car out there. But, as usual, you can’t have it all when it comes to the triad of fast, fun, and cheap. Usually, you have to pick two. In this case, fast and fun are the winners. The added luxurious driving experience is really just a cherry on top.

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Braden Carlson

Braden Carlson has been an automotive journalist since 2019 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2022. As a self-professed Aerospace Engineering dropout, Braden has combined his engineering expertise and obsession with cars to step into automotive journalism.

When he’s not writing about cars, Braden can be found wrenching on his extensive collection. Whether they’re built for style, drifting, going fast, or just enjoying time spent on the road, Braden relishes working on cars and, ultimately, “making something from them.” Braden is most inspired by the individualism people can display when modifying their vehicles.

To keep himself up to date with the industry, Braden follows a variety of automotive websites and checks in with them daily.