05-26-2023, 08:22 AM | #1 |
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CT5-V Blackwing. YES.
So, a few months ago, I started entertaining a switch. After 2 years with my '21 G80 Comp, I was starting to feel an itch to get back into a manual car.. and something with a different feel, sound, and maybe more comfortable as a daily driver (50+ miles a day).
Well, there really isn't much out there. I even put a deposit down at my local BMW dealer for a base M3, while I started cross-shopping. I decided to put some effort into researching the 5BW. I always knew this was a wild car, with fantastic reviews, and the prior CTS-V was always in my top-5. After a couple weeks of looking for the right new '23 5BW, I stumbled upon one a few states away that had all the right options... and a MANUAL transmission. I made the move and here we are. I'm no writer, but wanted to share the excitement and emphasize just how good this car is. I'll go down the line on highlights and likely the biggest discussion pieces, mainly in relation to the G80, even though they are technically not direct competitors. HANDLING/RIDE. It's a heavy car, you feel it. But it's composed, and the magride does an incredible job of being comfy and stiffening up the car when you want. There is a lot more feel in the front end and steering wheel, but it is not as point-and-shoot as the G8x. For as big as this car is, I'm blown away by how "light on its feet" it feels when you have all the settings maxed out. The biggest win here though, is the comfort. It is miles ahead of the G8x in how the car responds to bad roads; to be expected. Not as bouncy or harsh. INTERIOR/TECH. It's not German. The leathers are not as premium feeling and there is more plastic compared to the G8x. But, they did an excellent job on the interior layout, buttons, seating position and seats (my car has the sport seats). The whole interior just feels really special. Lots of suede: steering wheel, shifter, headliner, and seatbacks. Infotainment is more on the generic side, not as sexy as iD7, but it's responsive and does the job. The gauge cluster can get a little busy and theatrical, but thankfully it can be customized to be minimal. The digitized "analog" tach is very welcomed. EXTERIOR/DESIGN. Without a doubt, the G8x is the more "wild" looking car. But the 5BW is no slouch. It has an immense amount of presence (mine is black w/black wheels). It has the ability to blend in yet, stand out. Again, after 2 years of driving an "in your face" G80, the more modest/sleeper approach is appreciated. ENGINE/TRANSMISSION. The centerpiece to this whole thing, and why I went for the 5BW over the 4BW. It is an absolute beast, has tons of character and makes some of the most intoxicating sounds I've ever heard (I always felt the S58 was just "meh"). What really brings this package together, is that it's mated to an unbelievably good 6 speed transmission.. one of the best I have ever operated. While having a manual in a daily is not always great, the manual with this engine makes for an almost spiritual experience... I understand that's maybe a bit overdramatic, but seriously, it gives you goosebumps. This configuration is very remeniscint of my manaul E90 M3.. a car I think of all the time, even though It's been 7 years since I sold it. Overall, the 5BW is an experience that I can't get enough of. It looks, feels, and sounds special, and it's constantly making me giggle like a child. Of course, the car is not perfect, it has it's flaws. While I'm likely being petty, there are a few things that are subpar. Like mentioned before, interior quality is as expected "ok". fit and finish is not like that of the G8x, but I think they make up for it with a much better layout, and lots of mechanical buttons. Here are a few things; -The steering column stalks drive me crazy. They look to be striaght out of some cheap Chevy rental that I'm used to for work trips. I feel like they'll just fall off one day. -Lack of adaptive headlights. These are fixed LED headlights. Very good lighting, but I do miss the movement around corners and startup. -Leather. It does not have the premium feel or smell like the G80 (mine had full leather). I can't tell if the dash is leather as it feels pretty hard and has a plasticy look. -No power tailgate. WTF. This is something mentioned in many reviews. A bit odd as this is a $100k+ car. -MPG. Yeah. -Aftermarket support. Not seeing much, if anything. I'll be sure to add some pictures of the car soon. For anyone that's out there on the fence with this car, don't be. I just strongly recommend that you get a manaul. |
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05-26-2023, 08:30 AM | #2 |
You got my money?
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PICS! You tease!
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2022 G80 M3 Competition X /// 2025 X5 40i X
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05-26-2023, 10:33 AM | #3 |
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05-26-2023, 10:42 AM | #4 |
You got my money?
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VERY NICE SPEC! Congratulations buddy. That is a lot of motor you now have. Ah man, that must be a hoot to drive a 6.2l V8 manual. Hahahah. That's Epic.
Im happy for you. Now you got me thinking about a V8 before they are gone!
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2022 G80 M3 Competition X /// 2025 X5 40i X
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05-26-2023, 12:02 PM | #5 |
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I like it--- cant deny...
Further, the magnetorheological dampers (yes thats it) are amazing and I have loved them on my R8's and previous AMG GTS, Huracan, Ferrari's, and maybe a few more rides. Amazing ability to keep the car settled under heavy dampening sequences. Congrats Fish
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2025 BMW M4 Competition Frozen Black Metallic
2024 BMW M3 CS Frozen Solid White 2022 Porsche Carrera GTS Coupe Shark Blue 2020 Audi R8 V10 Performance Suzuka Gray 2012 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Black Series Obsidian Black |
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FISH225479.50 |
05-26-2023, 12:18 PM | #6 | |
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Quote:
The dampers are fantastic Vic, it's no wonder Ferrari uses the ones GM created. Says a lot... |
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05-26-2023, 12:22 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
I guess its now fair that the C8Z runs a Ferrari style engine
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2025 BMW M4 Competition Frozen Black Metallic
2024 BMW M3 CS Frozen Solid White 2022 Porsche Carrera GTS Coupe Shark Blue 2020 Audi R8 V10 Performance Suzuka Gray 2012 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Black Series Obsidian Black |
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05-26-2023, 02:24 PM | #9 |
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Awesome looking car…today. My concern would be that they (design) get dated too quickly, looking at the past generations that looked attractive when first out.
I drool over my neighbors e92 M2 every time he pulls it out of his garage… |
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05-26-2023, 04:49 PM | #12 | |||||
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Only option I wish it had, are the red seatbelts. Quote:
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LOL! Not sure if any of those would look good on this. Thank you, and I'm looking forward to try that out once I'm done with break-in. I am really enjoying the auto revmatch. The exhaust sounds incredible while doing so. |
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05-26-2023, 07:58 PM | #15 |
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It’s a beautiful car! Congratulations!
It makes you consider what’s better between the manual G80 and this. I could imagine this being more comfortable, having a better feeling manual + a longer first gear which is awesome & the V8 sound and feel. There’s nothing else like it. This is a dynamic duo for the ages
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E90 M3 DCT (FBO, tuned) sold Current: Performance Edition M2 6MT (FBO, ethanol tuned by Bend Calibration/Ecutek) |
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05-27-2023, 09:52 AM | #17 |
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05-27-2023, 10:04 AM | #18 |
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Awesome car and I can't wait to see what you do with it. Can us G89 car guys still come by and hang out with you and get mods done in your garage?🤣
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05-27-2023, 11:32 AM | #21 | ||||
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Not really, and unfortunately, the aftermarket support is not great. Quote:
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For sure! Thanks! Thank you! |
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