Unfortunately, in 2026, we’re used to automakers abandoning what makes their cars fun. One of the main losses we’ve faced is manual transmissions and the satisfaction they bring when in any driving situation, but especially when you have the right engine to power you along. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is one of the last bastions of old-school fun, and its Tremec transmission is one of its best features.
You’ve read all the reviews of this car and why it’s improved by the six-speed, so let’s dive deeper into its transmission tunnel furniture. There aren’t many other manual gearboxes mated to a V8 engine on the market and if you’re looking for this combination, we can’t recommend anything else.
The Manual Transmission Makes It Special
The Tremec TR-6060 Is Already A Legendary Gearbox
2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Deep Ocean PackageCadillac
The gearbox is one of the hardest parts of the car to get right. Tight tolerances, lots of electronics, and complex manufacturing means that great gearshifts are remembered for decades, and Tremec’s TR-6060 is definitely going to be one of them. It came out as a replacement for the T-56 in 2007 and has been used on various high-performance vehicles ever since.
2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Deep Ocean PackageCadillac
Aluminum alloy construction for the main housing means weight is down to only 146 lbs, plus double- and triple-cone synchronizers mean changes are fluid. Tremec say they focused on continuous reliability over thousands of miles and hard launches with this transmission. Its design is so successful that it became the basis for the aftermarket Tremec Magnum transmission. It’s available with multiple gear ratios and handles even more torque than the basic TR-6060, too.
What Other Cars Has This Transmission Been Featured In?
2013 Dodge SRT Viper GTS driving rear 3/4Stellantis
The TR-6060 has become one of the default choices over the past two decades for OEMs and their high-torque models, which is why it’s been featured on various vehicles. Like Germany’s ZF eight-speed ‘box in European cars, it’s almost become synonymous with 2010s’ V8 American cars. Check out the list below.
Tremec TR-6060 Equipped Vehicles
- 2007-2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
- 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2009-2023 Dodge Challenger
- 2010-2024 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2009-2013 Cadillac CTS-V
The V8 Manual RWD Sedan Combo Is Practically Dead
Cadillac on the prowl.Cadillac
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Specs
Engine
6.2L supercharged V8
Transmission
6-speed manual
10-speed automatic
Power
668 hp
Torque
659 lb-ft
0-60 mph time
3.4 seconds
Top Speed
200+ mph
Starting Price
$98,900
What used to be the gold standard for fun practical cars has been taken away from us over the years. The rise of turbochargers, complex all-wheel-drive systems and hybrid power has made the Cadillac stand out. Yes, there are cars with more power, faster specs, and more space, but not many of them combine it all into one. Unfortunately, we now know that Cadillac is planning to cease production of this special sedan in 2026, marking the end of one of our favorite cars of the modern era.
“The manual transmission delivers a satisfying feeling every time you change gear. Unfortunately, you don’t have to change gears very frequently because there’s simply so much torque, it’s nearly impossible to stall or be in the wrong gear for an overtaking maneuver. The clutch pedal is long with a decent heft to it, but it’s far from tiresome. At full throttle, you can even change gears without letting off the throttle thanks to Cadillac’s No-Lift-Shift feature.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
The CT5-V Blackwing uses a supercharged V8 engine with close to 700 horsepower, but what separates the Caddy is how much control it gives you. Hybrid power takes some of the control out of the driver’s hands, while in this car, it’s just you and however fast you dare push it. It’s not just about pure power, though, as it can certainly take corners with ease. There’s Brembo brakes, ‘magnetic’ ride control, and even a performance data recorder to see where you need to improve your lap times. It’s the complete package.
Related
10 Used V8 Sedans That Should Only Be Purchased With A Manual Gearbox
V8 sedans aren’t as plentiful as they used to be, but these ten sedans have a V8 engine and a manual transmission.
Why Are Manuals Dying In Cars Like This?
The 2025 Cadillac CTS-V Black Wing is not only spiffy, but fast too.Cadillac
While those who clicked on this article want the manual to survive, unfortunately, the rest of the US and its regulators don’t usually agree. With automatic transmissions, emissions and fuel mileage are easier to control, and even though engine downsizing does the same thing most of the time, manufacturers have to fight with evermore stringent rules when putting a car into production. Most of GM’s customers are also only focused on ease of use, so building a manual specifically for this car just doesn’t make sense financially.
Cadillac suggests that the manual is present in around half of all CT5-V Blackwing models sold and there’s a big community keeping it alive. With the rise of hybrid powertrains, calibrating a manual to them is also pretty difficult, so manufacturers will simply take the control away from the driver to make it easier to manufacture.
Another reason that people don’t really think about is that modern automatics are just so damn good. While you may have been sacrificing shift times, low-speed comfort or weight in the past, modern applications of these transmissions have become much better. Most people also only have the money for this one car, so they want it to be effortless when not at ten-tenths. With both options on the Cadillac, you’re getting the same fuel mileage of 15 mpg combined, too, so there are no sacrifices there.
Related
The Two American Sports Sedans That Finally Beat Europe At Its Own Game
Cadillac’s Blackwings mark the pinnacle of American performance sedans, but this story hasn’t reached its end.
This Blackwing Is Sure To Be A Future Classic
2025 – 2026 Cadillac CT5-V 1st Gen Facelift SedanCadillac
While it starts at under $100k now, we wouldn’t be surprised if used values actually rise above this once the car goes off sale later this year. As we mentioned, cars are getting much more complicated now, and that’s showing no signs of stopping just yet. That means the relatively simple Cadillac will be the ultimate version of the pure sports sedan we know and love. Cadillac hasn’t said anything about the future of the Blackwing, and neither have they said anything about that famous manual transmission.
“The German competitors may boast quicker 0-60 times thanks to their all-wheel-drive systems and hybridization, but those features cause them to feel heavy compared to the Blackwing. Hopping into the Cadillac feels like a time capsule, a reminder of a time when weight and complexity were the enemies of performance.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
If we look at similar cars from the past, even higher-mileage BMW E90 M3 sedans can go for over $50k, representing strong value for enthusiasts. The B7-generation Audi RS4 might not have quite the same value at the moment, but its 4.2L V8 has been slowly growing in popularity and cult status, so expect it to go for more than its current $30k-ish value.
With the Cadillac going off sale, it says goodbye to one of our favorite combinations of performance, practicality, and fun, and we’d get one before it’s too late. Just make sure it has the six-speed ‘box.
Related
America’s Cheapest Combustion-Only 600-HP Sports Sedan
If you want big horsepower for as little money as possible, only one sports sedan ticks all the right boxes.
Sources: Cadillac, EPA
