CT5-V Blackwing. YES.

FISH22 · 05-26-2023, 08:22 AM

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.

BIGW0RM · 05-26-2023, 08:30 AM

PICS! You tease!

FISH22 · 05-26-2023, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

PICS! You tease!

A few crappy ones till I get legit pictures…

BIGW0RM · 05-26-2023, 10:42 AM

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!

Vic55 · 05-26-2023, 12:02 PM

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

HeelToeShift · 05-26-2023, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic55

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

Congrats Fish. I have been looking to swap the G80 for something else too and the Alfa G QV, and both CT4/5VBW's are on my list.

The dampers are fantastic Vic, it's no wonder Ferrari uses the ones GM created. Says a lot...

Forzanerazzurri · 05-26-2023, 12:20 PM

Congrats, I am jealous. You made the right choice vs a base manual M3.

Vic55 · 05-26-2023, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeelToeShift

Congrats Fish. I have been looking to swap the G80 for something else too and the Alfa G QV, and both CT4/5VBW's are on my list.

The dampers are fantastic Vic, it's no wonder Ferrari uses the ones GM created. Says a lot...

Yes sir, not every one knows this but its true, GM made it and Ferrari uses it...

I guess its now fair that the C8Z runs a Ferrari style engine

DFW_M · 05-26-2023, 02:24 PM

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…

FC4 · 05-26-2023, 02:53 PM

What's it gonna be...LMs or TEs?

D_SheerDrivingPleasure · 05-26-2023, 04:12 PM

Well bought. No lift shift is an absolute hoot!!!

FISH22 · 05-26-2023, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

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!

Thanks man! It is A LOT of motor. The noises this thing makes is ridiculous.

Only option I wish it had, are the red seatbelts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic55

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

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeelToeShift

Congrats Fish. I have been looking to swap the G80 for something else too and the Alfa G QV, and both CT4/5VBW's are on my list.

The dampers are fantastic Vic, it's no wonder Ferrari uses the ones GM created. Says a lot...

Appreciate it! I test drove the 4BW. I liked it, but I couldn't really consider it an "upgrade" over a G8x.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forzanerazzurri

Congrats, I am jealous. You made the right choice vs a base manual M3.

Thanks, and I think so

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_M

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…

That could be a thing. What I do like about the 5BW, is that while it does look aggressive, nothing about it is too "wild". Some of it's angles are still somewhat modest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FC4

What's it gonna be...LMs or TEs?

LOL! Not sure if any of those would look good on this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_SheerDrivingPleasure

Well bought. No lift shift is an absolute hoot!!!

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.

Sedan_Clan · 05-26-2023, 07:08 PM

Nice looking car O.P.!!! I'm not a huge Caddy fan at all, but I can't deny that your spec does look mighty good.

1209582 · 05-26-2023, 07:35 PM

you have any mods planned for this beast?

6speed_M2 · 05-26-2023, 07:58 PM

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

MT6 · 05-27-2023, 09:47 AM

Awesome car Naturally Aspirated engines are ultimate. Enjoy!

Manual is the only way to go for a daily

D_SheerDrivingPleasure · 05-27-2023, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MT6

Awesome car Naturally Aspirated engines are ultimate. Enjoy!

Manual is the only way to go for a daily

It's supercharged fyi.

JDUNITNOW · 05-27-2023, 10:04 AM

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?🤣

moonluv810 · 05-27-2023, 10:13 AM

Long live manuals!
Congrats!

81bear · 05-27-2023, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISH22

A few crappy ones till I get legit pictures…

Car looks mean AF! Enjoy brother!

FISH22 · 05-27-2023, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Nice looking car O.P.!!! I'm not a huge Caddy fan at all, but I can't deny that your spec does look mighty good.

Thank you! And I'm not either. Actually not even a GM fan, but this car is THAT good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1209582

you have any mods planned for this beast?

Not really, and unfortunately, the aftermarket support is not great.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6speed_M2

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

Thanks! Yes, it's an experience for sure. The definition of visceral.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MT6

Awesome car Naturally Aspirated engines are ultimate. Enjoy!

Manual is the only way to go for a daily

As mentioned above, this engine is the LT4: supercharged 6.2L

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDUNITNOW

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?🤣

Most definitely! I'll continue to work on G8x cars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonluv810

Long live manuals!
Congrats!

For sure! Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81bear

Car looks mean AF! Enjoy brother!

Thank you!

G MONEY · 05-27-2023, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_SheerDrivingPleasure

It's supercharged fyi.

Lol

05-26-2023, 08:22 AM	#1
FISH22 Colonel 5403 Rep 2,030 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Competition Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2021 BMW M3C [10.00] 2011 BMW M3 [10.00]	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.
	Appreciate 10 Forzanerazzurri6918.00 JDUNITNOW3513.00 moonluv8102494.00 bwoodahl235.00 somer966.00 stein_325i25083.00 YamaLink425.00 Needsdecaf6599.00 DoubleDave1175.00 M4Tejas788.00 Tweet Quote

05-26-2023, 08:30 AM	#2
BIGW0RM You got my money? 3156 Rep 4,646 Posts Drives: Ice Cream Truck Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: ///OC iTrader: (14) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [9.50]	PICS! You tease! __________________ 2022 G80 M3 Competition X / 2020 Range Rover Sport P525 / 2023 Ford Raptor
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05-26-2023, 10:42 AM	#4
BIGW0RM You got my money? 3156 Rep 4,646 Posts Drives: Ice Cream Truck Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: ///OC iTrader: (14) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [9.50]	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! __________________ 2022 G80 M3 Competition X / 2020 Range Rover Sport P525 / 2023 Ford Raptor
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05-26-2023, 12:02 PM	#5
Vic55 Lieutenant General 19365 Rep 10,166 Posts Drives: 2023 BMW M8 Competition Coupe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: THE Orange County iTrader: (9)	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 __________________ 2024 BMW M3 CS Frozen Solid White 2023 BMW M8 Coupe Competition Alpine 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, 12:20 PM	#7
Forzanerazzurri Banned 6918 Rep 3,277 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Coupe/G80 M3CX Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 BMW M3 Coupe [0.50] 2022 BMW M3 Competi ... [5.12]	Congrats, I am jealous. You made the right choice vs a base manual M3.
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05-26-2023, 02:24 PM	#9
DFW_M Major General 1671 Rep 6,589 Posts Drives: Macan GTS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	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, 02:53 PM	#10
FC4 Brigadier General 2680 Rep 3,406 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: May 2014 Location: US iTrader: (0)	What's it gonna be...LMs or TEs?
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05-26-2023, 04:12 PM	#11
D_SheerDrivingPleasure Captain 1094 Rep 920 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Well bought. No lift shift is an absolute hoot!!!
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05-26-2023, 07:08 PM	#13
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 25114 Rep 22,288 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	Nice looking car O.P.!!! I'm not a huge Caddy fan at all, but I can't deny that your spec does look mighty good.
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05-26-2023, 07:35 PM	#14
1209582 First Lieutenant 793 Rep 309 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	you have any mods planned for this beast?
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05-26-2023, 07:58 PM	#15
6speed_M2 Captain 3634 Rep 875 Posts Drives: ///M2 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: California iTrader: (0) Garage List ///M2 Performance ... [9.17]	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 __________________ N54 135i 6MT (FBO, JB4 reflash, E30) sold 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, 09:47 AM	#16
MT6 Lieutenant 722 Rep 415 Posts Drives: '23 M3 '19 CTR '14 Accord MT6 Join Date: May 2023 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	Awesome car Naturally Aspirated engines are ultimate. Enjoy! Manual is the only way to go for a daily
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05-27-2023, 10:04 AM	#18
JDUNITNOW Colonel 3513 Rep 2,369 Posts Drives: BMW 335I, 750li, X5 G80 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Glen Allen, Virginia iTrader: (0)	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?🤣 __________________ Formerly Wyndi335I 2009 BMW 750li sold 14 BMW X5 04 BMW X5 11 BMW 335i convertible (sold, sellers market
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05-27-2023, 10:13 AM	#19
moonluv810 Captain 2494 Rep 617 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW X3, 2018 BMW M3, 2022 Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Erie, CO iTrader: (0)	Long live manuals! Congrats!
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