Cadillac rolls out the 2025 CT5-V Blackwing Le Monstre Edition as a tribute to the brand’s racing legacy. The new limited edition honors the participation in the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans. Along with the CT4-V Blackwing Petit Pataud, another limited edition, the model is released in time for the 101st running of the endurance race at the Circuit de la Sartre.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s name The substantially modified 1950 Cadillac Series 61 that competed at Le Mans 74 years ago served as the model for the Le Monstre special edition. The French term “Le Monstre” means “The Monster,” and that’s exactly what it is—in a very fashionable way.
In 1950, a 331-cubic-inch V8 engine producing 160 horsepower propelled the wedge-shaped Le Monstre. During the 24-hour race, it had a high speed of 130 mph, which was 13 mph faster than the Petit Pataud, its twin. The latter also served as the inspiration for a Cadillac limited edition that has the same name.
Sadly, early in the race, Le Monstre—which had the stylized number 2 on its doors—struck a sandbank and dropped to 35th place. The driver, however, persevered and managed to climb back up to finish in 11th place, five miles and one spot behind the Petit Pataud. But Cadillac, which entered two of the first American cars at Le Mans after World War II, swept the motor racing world by storm.
The new special edition’s doors also feature that same number, which appears as though it did in 1950. Stormhawk Blue carbon fiber embellishments and matching Royal Blue brake calipers contrast with the Magnus Metal Frost paint job.
Additionally, the number 2 is incorporated into the backrest, engraved on the door sill plates, and 3D printed on the gear shifter knob.
Customers can choose between the Jet Black/Phantom Blue or the Sky Cool Gray/Phantom Blue with Santorini highlights, which complement the blue seat belts, while boarding the two limited edition Cadillacs.
The CT5-V Blackwing Le Monster, an option in the CT5 series, has a 33-inch screen that combines the infotainment display and digital instrument cluster.
The limited edition and its twin, the CT4-V Blackwing Petit Pataud, are expected to begin production in early 2025. As a tribute to the 101st Le Mans race, only 101 Le Monstre examples will be built, and only 50 patrons will be allowed to take home a Petit Pataud.
The powertrain of the standard CT5-V Blackwing, which was debuted back in January, has not changed. Consequently, Cadillac’s 6.2-liter V8 engine, which generates 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque, powers the CT5-V Blackwing Le Monstre. Starting at about $95,000, this version will be available.