640 hp was once a figure reserved for some of the most exotic of super cars. Now, it’s standard-issue firepower in Cadillac’s super saloon: the 2016 CTS-V.
While the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and its power is sure to astonish anyone behind the wheel, Cadillac wants to stay on top of the performance mountain, as competitors ready product and performance to contest the 2016 CTS-V.
According to Automobile, a well-placed source within Cadillac says 640 hp is just the beginning for the 2016 CTS-V. That’s right, expect an even higher power output in the very near future.
Why so soon? Because the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class are due for extensive refreshes for 2017, subsequently housing the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG, and there’s no denying both automakers will be putting its targets on the CTS-V, which currently outguns both by more than 80 hp.
“The Cold War continues,” said the unnamed source. “I don’t know where it stops, but it’s not at 640 hp, that’s for sure.”
The LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V8 currently makes 650 hp and 650 lb-ft in its halo application, the 2016 C7 Corvette Z06, but it sounds as if there is plenty of room for those figures to climb when Cadillac finishes massaging the powerplant.
Comments
Something Cadillac needs to consider is to possibly abandoning the GEN 3 CTS and moving forward to the Omega platform GEN 4 CTS which might be 250-350 lbs lighter than the current car given that the CT6 which is a bigger car than the CTS while weighing the same.
The only reason the CT6 is a bit lighter is because it doesn’t have the supercharged V8 and it’s front end components aren’t as bulky to support a supercharged V8. If the CTS moved platforms again, the omega would have to be refined to support a V8. They’re better off using weight saving measures with the current Alpha CTS.
I don’t see why the Omega platform shouldn’t support a V8 anyway. If the BMW 7 Series offers a 4.4l V8 and the Mercedes S Class offers a 6.0l V12 then why shouldn’t Cadillac offer an LT1 or an LT4 in the CT6 too? It’s a sad day when the Germans can out-do American manufacturers on engine size, regardless of the changing times.
The CT6 will offer a V8, just not at the car’s initial launch.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/duck-tales-cadillac-chief-says-ct6-will-get-twin-turbo-v-8/
Oh. Well that’s not so bad… but turbos??
Something wrong with have twin turbos?
Just being different with twin turbs. Also probably some trial and error before they drop em on the Corvette.
CT6 is lighter due to materials, fewer frame components=fewer welds and fasteners, and new wielding and multi-material joining technology.
I’m all for better performance and power. It will be interesting if Cadillac adds extra horsepower, will the car be any faster and it will handicap handling around corners, for example make the tail slide a bit. Could be a good time to add AWD from the CT6 if going for more power and torque.
Of course the source is pure speculation.
Well here are the facts.
#1 the old car never was given all the power the engine had. That engine passed warranty and emissions testing at GM up to 725 HP. The new engine has a much higher threshold and can easily surpass this. It would be foolish to not expect Cadillac and the Corvette not to pass up the Hellcat at least in limited numbers at some point. That was not hearsay it is what I was told a few years back by a GM driveline engineer.
#2 The car that gets the extra power will be tuned to use all it is given. For example the Corvette people have tested up to 1,000 HP reportedly and as of now are having trouble putting it to the ground. GM will give a car only the power it can handle. The Hellcat has more power than it can use and the management system holds it back. The car is fast but should be faster and is computer restricted for traction etc.
Good. Even better if it comes in coupe form.
Who doesn’t want to see a generation 3 CTS coupe?
Who? The guy who approves it and it only sells 30,000 units and then has to answer for it. That is who.
Coupes are a tough sell and the smaller ones generally do better.
Have you notice how few CTS coupe are out there now? They even had a extra year over the sedans yet they are far from common everyday sights.
There will be a couple coupes in play but I am not sure you will get one as large as the CTS anytime soon.
You have a better chance at a CT8 Sedan convertible before a CTS coupe. Yes Johann has tossed that idea out already for a future Halo car.
Don’t get me wrong I love a coupe and would like to see it too but this is where I mean think with your head not your heart. In the end this has to make money and the most profit it can compared to other programs.
Why do we have so many SUV and CUV models because they make money as they sell easy and for higher prices. If Coupes did the same we would have them everywhere but unless it says Mustang or Camaro on the back there is just little meat on the bone here.
Sounds awesome! But as good as the current CTS-V is, there’s still room for improvement. Motor Trend posted a comprehensive article on how GM can make the CTV-V even more great! All I’d like to see is the option of a stick, and for the LT4 to not experience heat soaking issues or engine failure! Other than that, it’s a gem!!!
Link?
http://wot.motortrend.com/its_time_for_a_cadillac_vmax.html
I personally agree with their assessment of the 8-Speed, but everything else is a bit “excessive”. Plus “Vmax” sounds rather “Chevy-ish” to me….
While Chevy enjoys using a supercharger to increase engine horsepower, Cadillac favor twin-turbochargers as the LF4 is a twin-turbo 3.6L V6 and the upcoming LGW twin-turbo 3.0L V6 as Cadillac’s LT4 replacement could be a twin-turbo variant of the 6.2L V8 not unlike Hennessey Performance’s VR1200 that generated 1,226hp @ 6400rpm although Cadillac would be happy with possibly 850-900hp.
I think its great that Cadillac will be offering more horse power in the CTS-V, but I hope they also consider adding AWD.
I believe all AMGs are AWD. Besides putting more than 650 HP to the ground with only 2 wheels might not be so easy.
Let’s not forget that Chryco is ready to upgrade the hellcat to keep it on top.
I would like a Caddy that has power & performance, but don’t loose the classy & comfort of a Caddy. A Chevy with a Caddy crest in not a Caddy no mater how many horsepower you put under the hood. If the company wants the consumer to see Caddy as a stand alone , Then maker it perform & stand out all others.