It's no secret that the manual transmission has been dying gradually. Mercedes-Benz is surely killing it. Even at the Cadillac division of General Motors, most of its cars are offered with automatic transmissions, except for its upcoming hot sports sedans. Yes, the manual gearbox will live to see another day on the drivetrains of the new 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing sedans, and it will feature a 3D-printed medallion on the shifter knob too.
Survey Shows Demand For Manual Luxury Models
The manual transmission has been dead for most luxury models, but not for all. Purist drivers think that the thrill and joy of driving hot cars would be better experienced via a manual gearbox. The question, however, is: how many motorists would actually be interested in buying a premium sports sedan with a manual?
To ensure there’s a demand for luxury sports sedans with manual gearboxes, Cadillac relied on a recent Harris Poll study showing 66% of American adults surveyed who know how to drive a manual. The same survey shows 64% of those with $75,000 or more in annual household income as well as 62% of people ages 18-34 being interested in driving or learning to drive a manual.
Manual Gearbox As Standard, Automatic Transmission As Option
Armed with the information from the Harris Poll survey, Cadillac is sure that there is a market for the CT4-V Blackwing and the CT5-V Blackwing, both of which are equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Once it hits the market, The CT4-V Blackwing will be the only sedan in its segment to offer a manual.
According to Cadillac, this six-speed manual transmission is both quieter and more durable than the previous-gen gearbox. Nonetheless, the V-Series Blackwing models will be optionally available with a 10-speed automatic transmission. These Blackwing models will also feature specially tuned chassis, vehicle control technologies and engines.
First GM Production Models With 3D-Printed Parts
Interestingly, the Cadillac V-Series Blackwing models will be the first GM production vehicles featuring functional 3D-printed parts. These include the 3D-printed medallion on the knob, two HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket. The limitedly available 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will arrive in the market in summer 2021.
Source: Cadillac