In 2023, the allure of the manual transmission still holds a strong grip on auto enthusiasts, especially those enamored with the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing models. The manual variant of these vehicles has proven to be a favorite among buyers, with an impressive revelation from Cadillac: nearly half of all Blackwings sold in the mentioned year boasted a manual transmission.

We fell in love with the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing manual when we reviewed it last year and it’s won us over as our favorite review vehicle for 2023. The manual transmission option is a distinctive feature of the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, marking a significant chapter as these models symbolize the culmination of the era of internal combustion super sedans. Cadillac, being keenly aware of the demand for manual transmissions, confirmed through a spokesperson to Motor1 that this near 50-percent figure applied to both individual models, emphasizing the widespread appeal of the manual option.

While specific percentages were not disclosed, the manual take rate has exhibited resilience since the launch of the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing in 2021. In the initial release of 500 models for each, the manual take rate stood at an impressive 45 percent for the CT4-V Blackwing and 62 percent for the CT5-V Blackwing. As of mid-2022, the trend continued with a 40 percent take rate for the CT4-V Blackwing and 50 percent for the CT5-V Blackwing, surpassing Cadillac’s initial prediction of 35 percent.

The uniqueness of these manual-transmission super sedans is underscored by the limited options in the market, essentially comprising the two Cadillac Blackwings and the BMW M3. Notably, the CT5-V Blackwing stands out as the sole V8-powered four-door vehicle currently available for purchase.

Limited to the U.S. and Canada, the Blackwing sedans’ sales performance has been commendable. While sales data specific to CT4 and CT5 trims are not provided, Cadillac reports a significant 55 percent year-over-year increase in V-Series and Blackwing sales in the U.S. In 2023, a total of 9,144 CT4s and 18,593 CT5s were sold.

Looking ahead, Cadillac has given the CT5 a facelift for the 2025 model year, with the Blackwing version eagerly anticipated. The hope among enthusiasts is that these updates will extend the lifespan of these sedans before Cadillac completes its transition to an all-electric lineup. The continued popularity of manual transmissions signals a shared sentiment among buyers, contributing to the enduring legacy of these high-performance vehicles in the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry.