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.
