Cadillac Commits to Racing in New Series in 2023

The sketch of Cadillac’s future race car looks more like a futuristic batmobile than a current race car. Cadillac is confirming that it is already working on a fourth-generation Cadillac V-Series Prototype to compete in the new Le Mans Daytona hybrid category in 2023. The news comes just two weeks after Cadillac released its new 2022 CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing editions.

New Le Mans Daytona Hybrid Series

Cadillac will compete in the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) series. The new LMDh series replaces the current DPi class. The new generation of Cadillacs will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“For nearly 20 years, Cadillac V-Series has brought winning technologies from the racetrack to our performance cars on the road,” said Rory Harvey, global vice president, Cadillac. “We look forward to continuing that heritage by competing in this exciting new chapter at the highest level of international motorsport.”
Acura, Audi, BMW and Porsche are also developing LMDh entries for the new race competition. The new race cars will be based on a standardized chassis and incorporate an internal combustion engine and a hybrid powertrain. The vehicles will all have distinctive bodywork.

Cadillac is once again partnering with Dallara to build the new Cadillac LMDh-V.R. Cadillac is working on a new engine to power the LMDh common hybrid system. The Cadillac team is also partnering with Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing. The Cadillac LMDh will debut on the track for the first time at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in January 2023.

“We are looking forward to the new international prototype formula and running the Cadillac LMDh,” said Chip Ganassi. “We have had a great relationship across three different racing disciplines with GM and we are looking forward to developing the car with Cadillac and Dallara over the next year-and-a-half.”

“The IMSA LMDh category is looking to be very competitive with multiple manufacturers,” said Gary Nelson, AXR team manager. “We’ve had a lot of success running the Cadillac DPi-V.R as one of the original teams since 2017, and we are looking forward to being a part of the next chapter of Cadillac Racing.”

Cadillac Racing and the Cadillac DPi-V.R. race car have been very successful. Recent achievements include:

• Winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona four times in a row: 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017
• Winning the Michelin North American Endurance Cup four times: 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017
• Winning the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship twice: 2018 and 2017

Cadillac’s commitment to performance is embodied in the V-Series portfolio. Just two weeks ago, Cadillac announced its most powerful sedan ever.

2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

According to Cadillac, “The CT5-V Blackwing is the most powerful and fastest Cadillac production model in history — with a top track speed of more than 200 mph”. The CT5-V Blackwing uses an upgraded and hand-assembled 6.2L supercharged V-8 rated at 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. The automatic version, with paddle shifters, does 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The CT5-V with a manual transmission does 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

The 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is the most powerful and fastest-ever Cadillac subcompact. The CT4-V Blackwing is powered by the Cadillac 3.6L Twin-Turbo V-6, which is rated 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The CT4-V Blackwing, with the automatic, does 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The CT4-V Blackwing, with the manual, does 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.

“We have combined thoughtful technology and luxury with a driving experience that’s clearly V-Series,” said Brandon Vivian, executive chief engineer, Cadillac. “By incorporating the technologies and expertise learned on the track, Cadillac V-Series continues to build incredible performance vehicles for the road with zero compromises.”

The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing are on sale now. The CT4-V Blackwing has a starting MSRP of $59,990, including destination fees. The CT5-V Blackwing has a starting MSRP of $84,990, including destination.

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