The 20th anniversary of Cadillac’s V-series performance models is here. To commemorate this milestone, Cadillac is producing a special run of 21 CT5-V Blackwing 20th Anniversary Editions, symbolizing each year of V-series production since its inception in 2004. These exclusive models, while based on the standard CT5-V Blackwing, receive meticulous hand-building and extensive customization to distinguish them from regular production models.
Cadillac provided an exclusive look behind the scenes at the assembly process for these special editions. Each of these vehicles is assembled by a dedicated team of six to eight people at the GM Artisan Innovation Center in Warren, a suburb of Detroit. This facility, also known as Global Pre-Production Operations, handles the assembly of concept and show cars. The process starts with bodies painted in basic black, undergoing critical inspections for imperfections before receiving the final paint.
Customers can choose from over 20 exclusive colors, unavailable on standard CT5-V models. The hand-painted process includes detailed work, such as hand-sanding the engine bay and applying three coats of clear coat. The engines, shipped from GM’s facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, are meticulously installed as part of a process that can take between 200 to 300 hours per vehicle. Customization is a cornerstone of the 20th Anniversary Edition experience.
From the initial selection of the standard Blackwing’s supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, delivering 668 horsepower and 655 pound-feet of torque, customers can choose either a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. About 60% of buyers opt for the manual, a choice that resonates with driving enthusiasts.
Each vehicle is tailored to the buyer’s specifications, including a unique “1 of 21” sill plate, a special shifter emblem, a B-pillar plaque, and a serial number plate on the steering wheel. Interior options include three color combinations: brown and black Signet, red, gray, and black Skycool, and black-and-red Adrenaline Red. Exterior choices feature two carbon-fiber packages, three-wheel designs, and four caliper color options.
One intriguing option allows buyers to incorporate design elements from previous V-Series models produced between 2005 and 2024. For example, the concierge team can help a buyer integrate features from the 2018 CTS-V Championship Editions into their new 2024 Blackwing, for an additional $7,120. Each car comes with a signed photo of the assembly team and often includes a surprise special gift, enhancing the personal touch of this exclusive buying experience.
The process for selecting potential owners of the 2024 CT5-V Blackwing 20th Anniversary Edition is as exclusive as the car itself. According to Cadillac’s Meagan Quinn, the selection starts at the dealer level, leveraging relationships with local Cadillac performance fans. Although demand far exceeds supply, there are no specific qualifications or previous ownership requirements, and dealers are free to set their prices.
To discourage reselling, the vetting process relies heavily on the dealership’s ability to gauge customer commitment. Unlike other GM models, there are no resale restrictions on the CT5-V Blackwing, and Quinn notes that buyers have so far been deeply emotionally invested in their purchases. Quinn describes herself as a “shopping buddy” for buyers, who typically are affluent, with a median income of $380,000, and often own a collection of 10 to 20 cars.
The average buyer is around 53 years old, representing Cadillac’s youngest demographic. The geographic distribution of buyers tends to favor warmer climates, aligning with the car’s rear-wheel-drive format. The number 21, symbolic of independence and new beginnings, aptly represents Cadillac’s V-series journey. It reflects Cadillac’s current branding message and resonates with the demographic it targets.
The 2024 CT5-V Blackwing 20th Anniversary Edition stands as a testament to Cadillac’s ability to undertake passion-driven projects and its customers’ enthusiasm to support such endeavors. Cadillac’s dedication to crafting personalized, high-performance vehicles continues to shine through in this exclusive edition, ensuring the V-series legacy remains strong and celebrated.
