Cadillac will make a huge impact at the 2013 New York International Auto Show with the announcement of an all-new powertrain for the third-generation Cadillac CTS, for it will be the 2014 Cadillac CTS that will debut the LF3Â —Â an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 engine. Complementing the new boosted six will be an eight-speed automatic transmission that can shift in a double-clutch-rivaling .3 seconds at full throttle.
The engine, which requires premium fuel, packs a hell of a punch at an SAE-rated 420 horsepower and 430 foot-pounds of torque, just ten less horsepower and six more foot-pounds than the 6.2L LS3 V8 found in the outgoing Corvette, with the turbos spooling “more than 12 PSI” with a unique and patented intake-manifold-mounted air-to-water intercooler system. The turbos themselves use Mitsubishi Heavy Industrial turbo housings with tailor-made internals specific for the LF3.
The patented intercooling setup greatly reduces the path that the intake air must travel between the compressor and the intake valve compared to the conventional air-to-air systems that must pump the boost out in front of the radiator and then back into the engine. This application increases throttle response, compromising just 1 PSI of boost in the process compared to a conventional system.
Equally as impressive is the engine’s power density, at 118 horsepower per liter — the best in the segment. And with the addition of an Aisin-sourced eight-speed, we can expect decent fuel economy numbers, as well. They aren’t EPA official yet, but The Wreath and Crest expects around 17 mpg city and 25 highway in this application. Not bad considering the amount of power on tap.
The new powertrain is so potent, that it will accelerate the all-new CTS from 0-60 mph in a scant 4.6 seconds, and will continue all the way to 170 mph. That 0-60 acceleration number, by the way, is identical to that of the original CTS-V. The twin-turbo setup also gives the 2014 CTS approximately 90 percent peak torque from 2,500 rpm to 5,500 rpm, but for those who don’t need or appreciate such velocity, the all-new CTS sedan will also offer the familiar 321-horsepower LFX V6, and the 272-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder; both engines can currently be found in the smaller ATS.
In essence, the twin-turbo 3.6L V6 is the force-inducted variant of the popular LFX V6 currently found in the Cadillac ATS, XTS, and SRX, among many other GM models, with several important upgrades, including:
- All-new cylinder block casting
- All-new cylinder head castings
- Strengthened connecting rods
- Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength
- 10.2:1 compression ratio
- Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts
- Two turbochargers produce more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa)
- Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves
- All-new direct injection fuel system
- Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness.
The power figures also make the twin-turbo LF3 very fitting for the Cadillac ATS-V, which we’ve been told will cradle a TTV6. Look out, BMW. Look out, Mercedes. Cadillac is coming to steal your lunch.
Comments
Yes!!! This is great news. This engine will be in the XTS as well!
Sucks that it REQUIRES premium.
Cadillac is a premium brand. To produce all that power you need the best.
Cadillac has held off pretty good not forcing customers to purchase high-grade for their cars, turbo or naturally aspirated engines, like the rest of the luxury competition.
are you serious? no other grade of gas should be made BUT premium – and on a forced induction motor, it’s the most efficient fuel to use. With high quality premium (Sunoco 93) I’ve increased my fuel efficiency 2mpg (4cyl turbo, 275hp / 320 ft/lbs and I see 21mpg city – REGULARLY – 27mpg highway
To cheap to pay an extra 5 bucks to fill the tank of a 40+ thousand dollar vehicle…..
20lbs light than the 550’s 4.4L V8 and more power.. With the CTS riding on a modified Alpha, the entire car stands to come in lighter than the 5 Series.. hell even the base 2.0T engine in the CTS will have 30hp more than the 528 and the 3.6 V6 will have 20hp more than the 535.
Drivetrain+platform alone is making the CTS look like a king of it’s segment
Sweet engine and one that will be seen favorably in the global market.
Many markets are just not in love with the LT engines. It is like F1 and they like the technology.
Well that seems very likely to be one of the engines for the 2015 Camaro…imagine if that’s the base V6!
It won’t be. Simply because it’ll tread way too close to the SS/Z28/ZL1 v8s.
It would be interesting to see it happen though, although I’m sure the V8 will out sell it by a high margin simply due to the associated cost of modifying a Turbo mill.
With the future fuel economy standards looming fuel efficiency will of paramount Importance this is the realm of turbocharged sixes and fours. While yes there will always me a market for a proper V8 under the hood . If a twin turbo 6 can pump out V8 figures along with much better fuel economy then it’s a no brainier. While the premium fuel requirement sucks it will be better than an thirsty V8.
This new twin turbo v6 would be perfect for a Z/28 high power and good fuel Economy and the LSA for the Zl1 if Chevy will still make a next gen version.
But I guess we will have to wait to find out.
The SS could move up to 475-500hp to help fill the gap that lives right now between it and the ZL1, and the Z28 could slot beneath it with 425hp from this 3.6TT
Wow. Another MUST see in the GM area at the NY Auto Show! I can’t wait to see this.
Wow… I cant wait to see wat the ctsv comes with! Supercharged lt1?
2014 Silverado and Sierra, anyone?????
Yup! Silverado SS
Why would a Silverado SS have this engine, considering it’ll ALSO offer the 6.2L V8? Makes no sense.
I always put premium gas in my Cadillac anyways so the requirement of premium is nothing to me
What Cadillac/engine do you have. If it is the 3.0 or 3.6 you’re wasting your money and not get any benefits
The 2014 CTS will be amazing, can’t wait to see it. I can see this being the base engine for the next generation escalade with a supercharged V8 to compete with range rover.
The Vauxhall Lotus Carlton had a 3.6 L twin turbo 🙂
The first gen CTS-V had the old LS6 (from the C5 Z06) and the LS2. Both engines had the same figures, albeit the LS2’s torque leveled off later.
9 years later, we have a smaller mill, 2 cylinders less, 2 hairdryers…and we have more hp and tq than before. Suddenly, a first gen CTS-V and a C5 Z06 really do look outdated.
They were both great cars, but whatever the LF3 is going to be put into will only make those two feel like giant heaps.
I’m glad GM looks to be recommitting to the Turbo in big way. Now I only wonder, will GM be willing to market it as a “performance” engine and support it with a car that will show off it’s capabilities?
Because as great as the last Ecotec and current turbo mills are, they are primarily marketed as “economic” alternatives to big displacement (which is laughable). Come on GM go all the way, market this engine as a F.I. hot rod bullet! I’m curious to see what the aftermarket could do with these if the enthusiastic community takes the bait.
And while GM is at it, can we get a dedicated “Turbo Performance” car like a modern Grand National?
Yes there are old engines & new all improvements maybe, but the old engines & cars had a character & charm many of which are still loved (some like a range to a certain date) ether way we still need this character & charm now today (or at least some of it) start building the car equivalent of dishwashers & dryers then interest & want gets replaced by cheapest & it will do.
Sounds like a good line-up of engines for the new CTS. The new twin turbo LF3?420hp, 8 spd. auto,sounds very nice, but how much? $55K?
Personally, I would pick a nice used copy of the current CTS-V with the 556hp LSA on-board. $45-50K will buy you a very nice one, with a few dipping lower that that. Then again, if you don’t mind rowing the gearbox yourself and don’t need a back seat, 07′-10′ Z06 Corvettes are around? Most have few miles and have lived a pretty easy life.
Wonder if we will get this excellent engine in Europe
That is what I figured. Have the V6TT as the ATS-V, and use it for the CTS Sport model.. and then have the S/C 6.2 or TT 6.2 for the CTS-V.. That makes since to me.. I hope they atleast offer an option to have a N/A V8 in the ATS-V..
Your right always be a market for a V8 🙂
Sweetness!! I was anxiously waiting to hear at the NY show next week when i go to hear what the new powerplant was going to be for the CTS but damn you guys GMA found out for me. If it makes the new CTS hurry to 60 in 4.6 then i’m anxiously anticipating to hear what it does for the ATS-V…i’m guessing mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…4.3?4.2?POSSIBLY 4 FLAT?! Thats if they end up using this new LF3 for the v series ATS, which i tend to think will be the outcome. Damn, the ATS-V will be near current CTSV 0-60 times! So would i be too overzealous to think that perhaps the next CTSV may clock in at UNDER 4 sec in 0-60? WOW NOW i’m REALLY anxious to hear what the 0-60 will be for the ATS-V and what the numbers will be on power for the 4th gen v series cts as well as 0-60 time. On the flip-side, i’m curious to see how this in the ATS-V will compare to the next gen M3. Looking forward to that comparison/road test. I’m also getting the feeling that the LT1 in the next gen CTSV this time around will be twin turbo and not supercharged as some hope it will be (such as myself, although however, in terms of fuel economy, cylinder deactivation along with tt’s do make more sense to me). I’m also anxious to hear what the exhaust note will be for this 6 in the CTS, i realize it may not be too impressive for the CTS but for the ATSV where a more aggressive exhaust note would be warranted, yea…looking forward to that.
I hope it finds its way in a Holden !!! :p
Sweetness!! I was anxiously waiting to hear at the NY show next week when i go to hear what the new powerplant was going to be for the CTS but damn you guys GMA found out for me. If it makes the new CTS hurry to 60 in 4.6 then i’m anxiously anticipating to hear what it does for the ATS-V…i’m guessing…..4.3?4.2?POSSIBLY 4 FLAT?! Thats if they end up using this new LF3 for the v series ATS, which i tend to think will be the outcome. Damn, the ATS-V will be near current CTSV 0-60 times! So would i be too overzealous to think that perhaps the next CTSV may clock in at UNDER 4 sec in 0-60? WOW NOW i’m REALLY anxious to hear what the 0-60 will be for the ATS-V and what the numbers will be on power for the 4th gen v series cts as well as 0-60 time. On the flip-side, i’m curious to see how this in the ATS-V will compare to the next gen M3. Looking forward to that comparison/road test. I’m also getting the feeling that the LT1 in the next gen CTSV this time around will be twin turbo and not supercharged as some hope it will be (such as myself, although however, in terms of fuel economy, cylinder deactivation along with tt’s do make more sense to me). I’m also anxious to hear what the exhaust note will be for this 6 in the CTS, i realize it may not be too impressive for the CTS but for the ATSV where a more aggressive exhaust note would be warranted, yea…looking forward to that.
Wagon, please
Any specs avail on the turbos/psi?
The only thing mentioned in regards to the turbos is that they produce “more than” 12lbs of boost. I would like to know exactly how much boost, but the boys at GM could be waiting to release the exact figure perhaps until the reveal of the CTS next tuesday in NY. When i go to the New York show next week and see the new CTS maybe they’ll mention what size they are as well because i’d like to know that also for future knowledge.
Just got a funny thought… External blow off on a Caddy…. Pssshhhhh!!!