America’s Last Manual V8 Sedan Is A 668-HP Cadillac, And You’re Almost Out Of Time
The 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the last manual V8 production sedan in America, with production ending after 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is America’s last manual V8 production sedan.
- Production ends after MY26, potentially killing an incredible engine-transmission combo.
- The Chevy Camaro reboot could give Cadillac’s three-pedal V8 formula another chance.
- The CT5-V Blackwing has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque.
- The 2026 CT5-V Blackwing starts at $100,695 with delivery for the six-speed manual.
What Makes the CT5-V Blackwing Special?
The CT5-V Blackwing is gloriously old-school beneath its luxury-sedan wrapper. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 makes 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque, and buyers can pick between a 10-speed automatic and a six-speed manual.
This combination is rare in modern cars, and the CT5-V Blackwing is the last of its kind in America. The manual transmission is a major part of its appeal, offering a level of driver engagement that automatics can’t match.
Is This the End of the Manual V8 Sedan?
Reports suggest another CT5-V Blackwing is planned for the next generation, though Cadillac hasn’t confirmed that. More importantly, there’s no guarantee a successor would retain either the supercharged V8 or manual transmission.
Lose both and something bigger disappears. Once the Blackwing bows out, the Ford Mustang GT will be America’s only manual V8 production car. Dodge is expected to put Hellcat V8 power into the new Charger, but a manual transmission isn’t believed to be part of the plan.
Will the Manual V8 Sedan Live On?
There is, however, one reason not to start writing the manual Blackwing’s obituary just yet. GM is expected to revive the Camaro very soon, reportedly using the same evolved Alpha 2 architecture destined for the next CT5 and potentially a new Buick sedan.
If Chevrolet combines those pieces and gives a future Camaro V8 power and a manual transmission, Cadillac would have access to hardware capable of preserving the Blackwing formula. That’s far from confirmation it actually will, of course, but there is at least a glimmer of hope.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 668 hp |
| Torque | 659 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic |
| Starting Price | $100,695 (6-speed manual) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the CT5-V Blackwing the last manual V8 production sedan in America?
A: Yes, the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the last manual V8 production sedan in America, with production ending after 2026.
Q: What makes the CT5-V Blackwing special?
A: The CT5-V Blackwing has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque, and offers a 6-speed manual transmission.
Q: Will the manual V8 sedan live on?
A: There is a glimmer of hope that the manual V8 sedan could live on, as GM is expected to revive the Camaro and potentially offer a manual transmission and V8 power.
