In conjunction with the big news today that the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan will debut the first-ever LF3 twin-turbo V6 engine, Cadillac also confirmed that the 3.6L powerplant will find its way in the 2014 XTS, giving the large sedan more than than just one engine option –the 304-horsepower variant of the LFX. In the new CTS, the engine will make 420 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, but will have to be tailored to fit the transverse drivetrain layout of the XTS. In doing so, the output for the XTS will be 410 horsepower, and 370 pound-feet of twisting force.
That much power, coupled with the XTS’ all-wheel-drive system, magnetic shocks and Brembo brakes, should make for a very, very smile-inducing driving machine. And if we didn’t know any better, it sounds like an Audi S6 fighter. But with more room in the trunk for golf bags.
Photo: Steven Pham
Comments
I bet that drives & handles well 🙂
A bona-fide import fighter to be sure. SWEET!!! Way to go Cadillac.
It will be one of them classy understated cars that goes like stink
Very impressed, the xts needed a higher performance option. Way to go gm!
XTS will be tuned down to 410hp and 370lb-ft.. still nothing to turn your nose up at, but less powerful none-the-less.
AWD only option I’d imagine. $70,000
Wonder if they will actually give it a V badge.
I wonder if lacrosse and impala would get it as well
Today is a great day for Cadillac as this is EXACTLY what they needed. A non gas guzzling, powerful engine that produces around 400 HP and fills the gap between the LFX and the V Series. Most journalists complained about mainly one thing in the XTS. Not enough balls. Now that that has been solved, Get CUE 2.0 on track and you have a superb automobile. I wouldnt call it an S6 fighter but id call it an A6 fighter forsure
Tbh I like it shame its only America only where it will be sold.
Bet it’s proper comfy inside, leather seats, wood & all the toys 🙂
FWD Cadillacs of recent with high horesepower motors ripped up those transaxales pretty good. If the trans is not beefed up, I’d worry about it failing at 60,000 miles. Another issue they will have to address is the problem of torque-steer, which GM is notorious for. I don’t think the demographic that buys/rents this car (70-to-dead) is all that concerned with 0-60 times. I wish Cadillac would make a real flagship to take back all the prestige and market share they lost to Lexus since 1989.
GM has put Hiper strut in the Epsilon to resolve and fix torque steer.
Alex explains it 3 years ago.
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2010/03/buick-lacrosse-hiper-strut/
Well that’s funny, because I can go outside right now, jump in my mother’s 2012 Lacrosse with 303hp, mat the throttle and it torques steers pretty good still. Alternatively, I can get in my 2008 CTS, mat the throttle and it stays straight.
As Alex said in that article about HiPer Struts: “the design reduces torque steer”. It doesn’t eliminate it.
What you said:”Another issue they will have to address is the problem of torque-steer, which GM is notorious for.”
What the press(R&T) says:
“Put simply, it allows for a more upright king-pin inclination and shorter spindle length. This minimizes torque steer and improves steering feel. It works great. You can feel some steering kickback over sharp bumps and the like, but remarkably little torque steer could be felt, even with the steering wheel cranked over and the throttle pinned. Of course, as HiPer Strut worked well fine in the V-6 LaCrosse, it’s no surprise that it works as well in the new GS. Interestingly, the lower aluminum strut mount is the same piece as the one on the LaCrosse.”
I was actually wondering its 0-60 time a few posts back (I thought this was the new Omega for Europe but have been told its not) it kind of looks nice, a few skirts and aggressive grills & spoilers in the right places blacked out rear lights & a big exhaust or two would do it for me.
I keep asking why a car like this is front drive by default. . How stupid.
Nice stuff
I smell an Impala SS coming!
I know it will never happen but since the SS styling was a let down a Impala SS or not even that if GM is sticking to the only RWD and V8 to get SS badging. But what ever they called it an Impala “RS” or “Sport” or whatever with this engine @ 420+ HP, AWD, Red Interior as an option, a actual white exterior, black wheels, more aggressive ZL1ish styling, Brembos, and MRC. Which is less likely then an UTE El Camino in the states. But if thud car or anything like it existed I wouldn’t be looking at a SS, Camaro SS, G8 GXP, or used C6 as my next ride. I love Impalas and had the decent 06 Impala SS and would love for this cars beautiful styling to get some matching performance. Oh well….I can dream!
The sedan you described is a Chrysler 300 S. RWD, V6 or V8, 20″ wheels, red leather interior, 8 speed trans, for about $34K. My question is, if Chrysler can make this type of car, why can’t GM?
Because nobody wants a guaudy looking red interior that reminds them of a late 80’s Ford Ranger.
Show me the 300S with over 400hp and all the options you describe for $34k
The 8sp is only offered on the 290hp V6, you gotta go old school 5spd with the 5.7 hemi. And even then the hemi only has 350ish HP
And if it’s the same 5spd auto they have been using since the last gen 300, a three lagged dog runs faster than it shifts
I guess the New C7 doesn’t have red interior. It can be done tastefully. But I guess we all have our own opinions.
Depends on whose taste you are talking about.
A red on red corvette is a beauty to behold ( I have one, guess what year) but a full size Cadillac? Wonder what the take rate and that would be?
Very exciting for the XTS, like andrew said AWD with 400hp this brings this car up to the level it needs to be at… Very exciting… I think the XTS is the right move for Cadillac, it is a striking vehicle on the road, it looks fabulous…
That is the way to go GM.I just hope the new engine is all so offered in the beautiful new Impala.
OMG – the XTS with the twin turbo? The true sleeper sedan. My best friend’s XTS is a delight. Almost as much as my new ATS Performance Edition 3.6. The XTS’ll slip up on you and eat you up. My ATS gets Michelin Pilot Super Sport’s soon – best tires on the market.