A little out of proportion

[John S]

One thing has seemed a little odd when looking at my 2026 CTV5 Blackwing in profile.
It kind of looks out of proportion, then I figured out what looks strange to me.

The rear tires are smaller in diameter than the front tires.
Now, I am sure the engineers and track people can explain in mind numbing detail that this was done
to engineer performance, but it still looks strange..
Of coarse this is not a big deal taking into consideration what a great car this is.

Is it just because I am an old muscle car guy or does any one else see this or care.

I am planning to put 305-35-19 tires on the rear to rectify this issue.

 

[Todd]

One thing has seemed a little odd when looking at my 2026 CTV5 Blackwing in profile.
It kind of looks out of proportion, then I figured out what looks strange to me.

The rear tires are smaller in diameter than the front tires.
Now, I am sure the engineers and track people can explain in mind numbing detail that this was done
to engineer performance, but it still looks strange..
Of coarse this is not a big deal taking into consideration what a great car this is.

Is it just because I am an old muscle car guy or does any one else see this or care.

I am planning to put 305-35-19 tires on the rear to rectify this issue.

I'm pretty sure that tire will be too tall and will rub on the fender.

I'm running a wheel/tire combo that is just 0.8% larger diameter than stock, 0.2", and it's damned close to the fender, but does not rub.

You're talking about putting a tire on there that is a whopping 4.6% larger diameter, 1.2".

 

[John S]

Thanks Todd
I haven't had the time to do detailed measurement and the old bounce test but will keep
this in mind. Are you running 19" rims?

 

[Todd]

I'm running 20" wheels using a 325/25 tire in the back.

 

[John S]

That is quite a bit of a bigger 'Balgonie' but you are correct about the diameter difference between a 30 and 35.
I will definitely keep it in mind.

 

[dribs15]

The rear tires are smaller in diameter than the front tires.
Now, I am sure the engineers and track people can explain in mind numbing detail that this was done
to engineer performance, but it still looks strange.

... It's all about the girth ...and how well you can drive it

 

[John S]

That's not a problem for me. Just back and fourth to work.
I even run in Rain and Snow mode to dumb down the performance.

 

[jbawden]

The profile is both familiar (Civic, for example) and sort of odd ball. I like the looks, but I don't love it like the last gen CTS-V. I'm not sure if it will age as well as that car either. I understand aesthetics are very subjective, but when someone says the CTS was ugly, I just don't get it.

If there is a next gen V and it looks CTS aggressive and retains the dynamics of the 5BW, I think my wife will kill me when I start obsessing over one.

 

[CBH]

If there is a next gen V and it looks CTS aggressive and retains the dynamics of the 5BW, I think my wife will kill me when I start obsessing over one.

It all depends on resale vs New $$$ for me at that point............

 

[John S]

Jbawden

We have a Triple Black 2012 CTSV coupe that we were going to trade in but it is to
PRETTY we kept it. I agree in some respects it is still the best looking.

 

[flipray]

Overall diameter of the stock front and rear wheels are actually the same-ish. The rears just look smaller because of the smaller wheel arch opening vs the front where the wheels need to turn in and out.

 

[John S]

That could be true but the rear tide is .4" smaller in diameter.

 

[flipray]

That could be true but the rear tide is .4" smaller in diameter.

like i said, -ish.

 

[vagabond]

I've always wondered why not staggered front/rear diameters for the Blackwings from the factory ...

2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: 19" front, 19" rear factory:

2025 BMW M5: 20" front, 21" rear factory:

It's hard to unsee on the M5 once it's been pointed out. The front tire looks fat.