The biggest car news and reviews, no BS. I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them,” says Andy Bernard from The Office series finale. However, he’s wrong.
There is a way to know, and it’s called driving the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, The Drive’s runaway winner for the 2026 Car of the Year. By now, I don’t need to ramble on about how the auto industry is convulsing with massive and historic changes. You all live it every day.
Electrification, software-defined vehicles, screens, crossovers, ugly designs, too-bright headlights, sky-high prices, death of the manual, monster-truck-sized pickups, et cetera. How could any reasonable person call this the good old days? But that’s exactly my point.
The good old days only become the good old days through the passage of time and the benefit of perspective, but the reasons you remember them that way are with us right now. So let me try to jump you 30 years into the future to the year 2056, when Chinese self-driving blobs have completely taken over American roads, 80 percent of the market is EVs or plug-in hybrids, stick shifts are actually dead, and car enthusiasts are seen more like, I don’t know, model train collectors. You pull out a dog-eared copy of Car & Driver from 2026 from a stack in your garage, gaze wistfully at a photo spread of the last rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a stick shift and a supercharged V8 ever made, and think Man.
Those were the days. They were, and boy, they are. Even with all the shit car people have to trudge through today, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is one that makes the fight worth fighting.
There is literally no other car like it left on the market: an absurdly engaging driving machine breathing a fiery 668 horsepower through eight cylinders of fury, controlled by a snickety-snick Tremec six-speed manual, all wrapped up in a classic luxury sedan. The CT5-V Blackwing is a testament to the beauty of traditional performance and design. Its powerful V8 engine provides a thrilling driving experience, while its manual transmission adds an extra layer of engagement for enthusiasts.
With its unique blend of style, power, and handling, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a true standout in the automotive world. The Drive’s 2026 Car of the Year award is well-deserved recognition for this exceptional vehicle. As we look to the future of the automotive industry, it's clear that there are still many great cars like the CT5-V Blackwing out there waiting to be discovered.
Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or just starting your driving journey, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is definitely worth checking out. With its rich history and timeless design, this car is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who gets behind the wheel. The CT5-V Blackwing is more than just a car - it's an experience.
It's a chance to connect with the past while embracing the future of automotive innovation. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the auto industry, it's reassuring to know that there are still cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing out there that embody the spirit of driving and performance. The Drive’s 2026 Car of the Year award is a testament to the enduring power of great design and exceptional engineering.
With its impressive specs and stunning looks, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is sure to be a favorite among car enthusiasts for years to come. In short, if you haven’t had a chance to experience the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing yet, do yourself a favor and get behind the wheel as soon as possible. You won't regret it.
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a shining example of what makes driving so special - the connection between driver, car, and road. Its unique blend of power, style, and handling makes it an absolute joy to drive, and its manual transmission adds an extra layer of engagement for enthusiasts.
