by Gabrielle DeSantis

Racing tech won’t be the only thing the 2023 C8 Corvette Z06 brings. As the successor to several Corvette Z06 models, it carries forward all the performance lessons GM has learned over the years. But it won’t necessarily be the only GM performance car that benefits from them. The new 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, for example, learns from the C7 Corvette Z06’s overheating problems.

Why is the C7 Corvette Z06 known to overheat?

While the first Z06 was naturally aspirated, the third model, the 2015-2019 C7 Corvette Z06 introduced forced induction to the equation. Specifically in the form of a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 rated at 650 hp and 650 lb-ft.

On top of that, the C7 Corvette Z06 was also the first Z06 to offer an automatic transmission. And while the seven-speed manual offered more involvement, the eight-speed torque-converter automatic was faster. In Car and Driver’s hands, an automatic C7 Z06 with the Z71 Package went 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds. And 0-100 mph took just 6.8 seconds.

But the C7 Corvette Z06, especially the automatic models, had a heat problem. Much like pre-2020 Civic Type Rs, prolonged spirited driving caused the Z06’s engine oil temperature to spike. Once that happened, the sports car would go into limp mode. And this wasn’t some isolated incident. MotorTrend experienced this issue across several different test cars. And it happened to enough C7 Corvette Z06 owners that they filed a class-action lawsuit against GM. Or rather, four lawsuits, Jalopnik says.

To GM’s credit, the C7 Corvette Z06 received a few upgrades and tweaks to try and resolve the overheating problem. First, the company redesigned the hood and gave the supercharger a new cover. When that didn’t work, GM offered longer warranties, upgraded radiators, and new software for the automatic, Autoblog reports. Given that the 2019 models don’t seem to overheat as frequently, that might have done the trick.

However, while it took time to cool the C7 Corvette Z06 down, the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing should stay frosty from day one.

What keeps the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing cooler than the C7 Corvette Z06?

It might seem odd for a Corvette-related lesson to end up in a Cadillac sedan, but it’s not. The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, like the C7 Corvette Z06, has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. It’s actually an updated version of the C7 Z06’s V8 with 668 hp and 659 lb-ft of torque. However, while there’s a 10-speed automatic available, the CT5-V Blackwing comes standard with a six-speed manual.

So, given that the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is even more powerful than the C7 Corvette Z06, how does it stay cool? The main reason is that because the Cadillac is a sedan, there’s enough room to put extra side radiators, The Drive explains. True, bigger radiators can make for more efficient cooling. But more radiators mean more heat-exchanging surface area, which has a similar effect.

That’s not the only anti-overheating trick the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing uses, though. For one, it has a larger grille than the standard CT5-V, so more air hits the radiators. The BMW M3 and M4 employ a similar strategy.

What’s more, the CT5-V Blackwing’s center grille’s sides are sealed so as much air flows into the radiators as possible. Ditto the side grilles, The Drive says. Also, the grille’s ‘slats’ and even the front bumper feature wing-like designs to further improve airflow. And besides brake-cooling ducts, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has functional fender vents both to reduce wheel-well pressure and remove hot air.

As with turbocharged engines, supercharged engines need intercoolers both to maximize output and manage heat. The CT5-V Blackwing’s engine has a more efficient intercooler than what the C7 Corvette Z06 initially had. However, the supercharger also has a new aluminum lid to channel more air to the intercooler’s radiators, The Drive reports.

Do all these changes work?

It’s worth noting that the C7 Corvette Z06’s overheating issues only became apparent after the customer cars were delivered. As such, the true test of the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s cooling claims will come when owners get their cars.

That being said, The Drive and several other outlets tested the sedans all day at Virginia International Raceway. Temperatures reached into the mid-90s and humidity was high, but the cars never missed a beat. So, it seems that C7 Z06 did help the CT5-V Blackwing stay cool under pressure.

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric vehicles now account for a larger percentage of the new vehicle market share than ever before. The automotive industry has officially entered the age of the EV. Automakers like Nissan, Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Hyundai, and many more have all successfully mass-produced electric vehicles. Before automakers produce any more EVs there is one issue that should be seriously considered.

The problem with electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are seen as the environment’s sole savior in reducing carbon emissions. They are so necessary that multiple governments are beginning to pass strict new emission laws and incentivize electric vehicle ownership. In the United States, new EV owners are often eligible for a tax incentive after their purchase that amounts to thousands of dollars.

Despite the occasional debunked rumor and theory, electric vehicles seem to only have upside. The good news is that EVs can drastically reduce carbon emissions. As a society, we are on our way to both producing and purchasing more electric vehicles. The bad news is that many electric vehicle batteries rely on natural resources.

Electric vehicle production is much cleaner and greener than internal combustion engine vehicle production. That being said, electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries do use metals like cobalt and other materials found in the deep sea. Deep-sea mining is required to gather these materials. This process can have unforeseen environmental consequences. Some experts worry that we may be trading one climate crisis for another by relying so heavily on the deep-sea mining process.

Have electric vehicle batteries reached their true potential?

Electric vehicle batteries have come a long way and are still rapidly improving. Although automakers have made great strides in the development of these electric battery modules, the truth is, many will be obsolete in just a few years. Battery range and capacity are the single most important EV attributes. As electric vehicles evolve their ranges will increase to the point where they will eventually be as practical as gas-powered vehicles.

Today electric vehicle battery ranges leave much to be desired. Even the Ford Mustang Mach-E has given reviewers and consumers range anxiety. The Mach-E has been considered as the best EV of 2021 by many automotive publications but it still cannot leap the biggest hurdle that EVs face.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a unique case because some models make 480 horsepower and have over 300 miles of range. The Mach-E is in many ways the best affordable, electric vehicle money can buy in terms of performance. It provides great value yet it reveals a sobering truth despite its pep and unique design. Even 300 miles of range on a single charge isn’t enough to satisfy many consumers.

What automakers must do before producing more EVs

While flooding the market with new electric vehicles can have a positive short-term effect on the environment, EVs must have decent range to have a lasting impact. EVs with poor battery capacity and range are causing many consumers to switch back to gas-powered vehicles. The Nissan Leaf is a perfect example of a popular electric car that could greatly benefit from a boost in range. The Nissan Leaf currently has a max range of approximately 226 miles. According to Car and Driver, the standard model only has 149 miles of estimated range.

Before producing more electric vehicles automakers need to strongly consider longevity. The Nissan Leaf may be a popular electric car today but in a few years, its standard battery range will be laughable. Automakers are now making EVs with 300 miles of battery range for entry and mid-level trims. Some EVs exceed 300 miles of range for their highest trim levels.

Electric vehicle batteries with low battery ranges are also detrimental if they aren’t recycled. Mass-producing EVs with low battery ranges can contribute to the shortage of EV battery materials making them more costly. Ultimately, EV batteries with low ranges don’t benefit the consumer or the automaker in the grand scheme of EV buying and selling. For EVs to thrive, battery range must dramatically improve.

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