The 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Petit Pataud Edition celebrates Cadillac’s forgotten Le Mans legacy with limited production, race-inspired aesthetics, and true driver-focused engineering.


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An Outlier Finds Its Moment in the Spotlight

Cadillac has always walked a tightrope between luxury and performance, but few models embody that balance better than the CT4-V Blackwing. For those in the know, it's the connoisseur’s choice—a compact, agile, and manually-shiftable performance sedan. But now, Cadillac has added an ultra-rare twist: the 2025 CT4-V Blackwing Petit Pataud Edition.

Named after a forgotten Le Mans underdog, this Collector Series model doesn’t just add flair — it revives a piece of Cadillac's racing soul that history nearly buried.

The Le Mans Legacy Behind the Name

Let’s rewind to 1950, when Cadillac dared to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans with two hulking Series 61 Coupes. One was modified for aerodynamics and nicknamed “Le Monstre.” The other? A more traditional coupe called “Petit Pataud,” French for “clumsy little one.”

Against all odds, Petit Pataud finished 10th overall — ahead of its more powerful sibling. It was an improbable win for poise over power. And that same spirit now lives on in this limited-run CT4-V Blackwing.

What Sets the Petit Pataud Edition Apart?

While its heart is the same — a 472-hp twin-turbo 3.6L V6, available with a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic — this edition is dripping in thoughtful tributes and collector-grade touches.

Here’s a breakdown of how it stands out:

Feature Petit Pataud Edition Standard CT4-V Blackwing
Paint Finish Magnus Metal Frost (exclusive) Multiple standard colors
Carbon Fiber Packages Tinted Blue CFV & CFZ Optional, standard carbon fiber
Interior Themes Jet Black w/ Phantom Blue or Sky Cool Gray w/ Santorini Blue Black or Red interior options
Seat Belts Santorini Blue (rare spec) Standard black or optional red
Production Limit Only 50 units worldwide Mass production
Special Trim Sueded microfiber interior, ZLZ code badging Regular trim packages
Brake Calipers Painted Blue Red or Black
Price (Starting) $88,590 (incl. $25k premium) $63,000+

Not Just for Show — Built for Drivers

Cadillac could have easily gone overboard on nostalgia. Instead, the Petit Pataud Edition is tastefully done. There’s no increase in horsepower, and that's the point. It’s not about more — it's about better. Better finish, better emotion, and a better connection to a story that deserves telling.

Whether you’re dancing through S-curves or admiring the Magnus Metal Frost paint in the sunlight, this car speaks to those who value mechanical feel, racing soul, and design with a story.

Why It Matters

The CT4-V Blackwing has always lived in the shadow of the brawnier CT5-V Blackwing. But this edition says, don’t underestimate the little one. Just like its namesake from 1950, it reminds us that performance isn’t always about size or spec sheets — sometimes, it’s about heart.

Final Thoughts: A Nod to the Past, Built for the Present

In an era of big power and bigger egos, the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Petit Pataud Edition is a rare gesture — a nod to those who drive with intent, who value engineering over excess, and who still believe that stories make machines more meaningful.

If you’re lucky enough to own one of the 50, you won’t just be driving a car — you’ll be preserving a chapter of Cadillac’s racing heritage most forgot.

FAQ

"Petit Pataud" is French for "clumsy little one." It was the nickname of a Cadillac that surprised everyone at the 1950 Le Mans by finishing 10th.

Only 50 units worldwide, making it one of Cadillac's rarest collector models ever.

No, it uses the same 3.6L twin-turbo V6 producing 472 horsepower.

Yes, buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.

0-60 mph in around 4.0 seconds, with track-tuned suspension, Magnetic Ride Control, and rear-wheel drive.

It features Magnus Metal Frost, a limited-edition matte finish exclusive to this trim.

Yes! It includes Santorini Blue seat belts, Sueded microfiber trim, and Phantom Blue or Cool Gray themes.

ZLZ marks it as part of Cadillac’s ultra-limited Collector Series lineup.

Starts at $88,590, which is about $25,000 more than a standard CT4-V Blackwing.

Both. It’s a track-ready performance sedan built with collectible pedigree.

With just 50 units and a strong backstory, it’s likely to become a sought-after collector's piece.

Due to its rarity, most units will be pre-sold or quickly snapped up by collectors and enthusiasts.

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