Cadillac’s Ultimate Blackwing Costs As Much As Two BMW M5s

admin — Sat, 09 May 2026 06:49:26 +0000

Cadillac revealed one of the ultimate sports sedans to start the month, that being the CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series. Built to celebrate the automaker’s Formula 1 debut in 2026, the F1 Collector Series packs more power and even hotter looks than the normal CT5-V Blackwing. What we didn’t know until now was how much it would cost, especially since it’s limited to just 26 units. Well, that all-important figure has been shared by GM Authority, and it’s a jaw-dropping $260,000 before destination. That makes it more expensive than any other new Cadillac besides the Celestiq.

Related: Cadillac Quietly Made the F1 Blackwing More Powerful Than Before

Regular CT5-V Blackwing Looks Like a Bargain

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series

Cadillac

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The standard CT5-V Blackwing starts at $98,900 in manual guise, making the F1 Collector Series roughly 163% more expensive. While Cadillac hasn’t officially announced the $260k price tag yet, GM Authority didn’t announce it speculatively, so it’s safe to assume this is the correct figure.

At $260k, the Cadillac sedan is more expensive than everything in this special group of sports cars and ultra-luxury sedans: Porsche 911 GT3, Bentley Flying Spur, the V12-powered Mercedes-Maybach S680, and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. Looked at another way, you could buy two BMW M5s for less than one of these Caddy Blackwings.

We’ve seen this recipe before, which entails releasing a special-edition model with beefed-up looks, a bump up in power, a limited production run—and a drastically inflated price. BMW charged about 40% more for the M3 CSL back in 2003, although many would argue the elevated driving experience made it worthwhile. Late last year, Porsche unveiled the 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche, priced at $387,000, about 64% more than the GT3 upon which it’s based.

Related: Inside the Factory Where Cadillac Builds the Last Manual V8 Sport Sedan

Is The CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series Worth It?

Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series

Cadillac

For the well-heeled collector, this Cadillac sedan is worth every penny. But looking at the raw numbers and the scope of the upgrades, it’s impossible to make a rational case for it over the regular Blackwing model. Both use a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, with the F1 model producing 685 horsepower and 673 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers make it the most powerful Blackwing ever, but it’s not far ahead of the normal version’s 668 hp/659 lb-ft.

A six-speed manual is the exclusive transmission choice for the F1 model, which also gets the following enhancements:

Upgraded supercharger
CNC-machined supercharger cover
Endorsed F1 and FIA logos throughout
Carbon Flash wheels
Lower carbon-fiber bodywork
Gloss Black exterior badging and monochrome Cadillac crests

Most of these changes are purely cosmetic, and while the sedan looks fantastic, these extras aren’t worth a 163% price jump. You can spec the normal Blackwing with the Deep Ocean Appearance Pack, Precision Pack (including carbon ceramic brakes) and Super Cruise, all for $100,000 less.

Of course, none of the 26 buyers of the F1 Collector Series will care. It’s a deeply satisfying sports sedan and the most potent Blackwing ever, but also one with unmatched exclusivity. In the years ahead, it has every chance of appreciating in value, especially since larger-capacity V8s may not be around forever.

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Honda Civic Type R vs Audi RS 3: the ultimate hot hatch face-off

admin — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 12:49:32 +0000

The biggest disappointment for UK buyers, however, is that the best performance of the differential is on an RS 3 fitted to Pirelli Trofeo R tyres. In other markets these tyres are available, but they’re not on offer here. If you plan on ever taking your RS 3 on track, I’d hunt a set out, because it makes the whole package gel perfectly.

Along with the technical changes, the RS 3’s cosmetics got a glow-up in 2024. You can tell the difference between it and earlier models by its wider, flatter front grille, extravagant side intakes (with customisable graphics), a straighter splitter on the front, and revised daytime running lights for LED headlights.

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Head-to-head

On the road

Both cars show incredible pace across pretty much any road. The RS 3 has an advantage in slippery conditions thanks to its quattro all-wheel-drive system and dual-clutch automatic gearbox. We’d gladly trade a tiny bit of speed to enjoy the Civic’s six-speed manual. The thrill of a perfectly timed downshift in a twisty highway is hard to beat. While both cars are huge fun, the Civic gets our vote.

Tech highlights

There are two significantly different takes on the hot-hatch formula here. Both cars have turbos but that’s about it. The Civic has a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. Audi’s 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine produces 394bhp, but it requires four-wheel-drive to put that power to good use. The RS 3 is 211kg heavier than the Honda Civic, despite the extra power. Audi’s residual value is excellent, with a retention rate of over 60% after 3 years. However, at 56 per cent, the Civic is fairly strong, too.

Practicality

From a family-car perspective, the Honda is the better option. The Honda is the better choice for a family car. The Honda has more legroom than the RS 3 but the Audi offers a bit more headroom. The RS 3’s quattro system also compromises overall boot capacity, so the Honda has much more load space to play with, too.

Safety

Both of these cars have been tested by Euro NCAP in their more conventional hatchback forms, and both were awarded five stars. Audi’s PS340 charge for an airbag in the middle of the front seats that reduces injury risk during side collisions is a bit excessive. Adaptive cruise control and all-round parking sensors are standard on both the Audi and the Honda.

Ownership

A three-year warranty and roadside assistance are standard with these cars, but Honda drivers can extend both the warranty and breakdown cover to five years as part of a PS1,198 service plan (the five-year service plan costs PS799 on its own). Audi was ranked 19th out of 31 manufacturers in our 2025 Driver-Power Customer Satisfaction Survey. Honda performed better, however, taking 10th place.

Verdict

Winner: Honda Civic Type R

The Civic Type R has been our favourite hot hatch for some time, and our latest encounter only reinforces that stance. The Type R is still a better driving experience than the Audi RS 3 even when compared to the latest version.