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Report: 2019 Cadillac CT6 To Drop 2.0L Turbo Four Cylinder Engine

The Cadillac CT6 will not be offered with the turbo-charged 2.0L LTG four-cylinder engine for the 2019 model year. That much is according to GM VIN code documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and discovered by TTAC.

The development would make the 3.6L V-6 LGX as the base engine for the 2019 Cadillac CT6, while the twin-turbo 3.0L V-6 LGW would remain as an upgrade. In addition, the CT6 Plug-In model will continue being offered with the 2.0L LTG engine. All models will have all-wheel-drive standard, with the exception of the CT6 PHEV, which will remain rear-drive.

2019 Cadillac CT6 Engine Lineup

Based on the VIN document, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 will have the following engine lineup:

  • 3.6L V6 LGX with making 335 hp (250 kW) @ 6800 rpm and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm) @ 5300 rpm
  • 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 LGW making 404 hp (301 kW) @ 5,700 rpm and 400 lb-ft of torque (542 Nm) @ 2500-5100 rpm
  • 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG in the CT6 PHEV making 265 hp (198 kW) @ 5500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 N-m) @ 1700-5500 rpm mated to a 4-mode hybrid plugin system and 18.4 kWh lithium ion battery

The brand has previously confirmed plans for a 4.2L twin-turbo V-8 engine with a DOHC configuration, and it’s possible that the 2019 CT6 will be the first to get it.

The to-be discontinued 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG made 265 hp (198 kW) @ 5500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) @ 3000 rpm in the 2016-2018 CT6.

A Word Of Warning

We should note that Cadillac has yet to officially announce these changes, and the information could be incorrect. In fact, GM can submit data to the NHTSA 60 days prior to starting production of 2019 model year vehicles. Given that production of 2019 model year GM models is still months away, the automaker has plenty of time to file changes. However, we do not believe the information about dropping the 2.0T engine is incorrect, since the discontinuation of the engine has been more or less expected, at least for the North American market.

This past summer, Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen that the CT6 would move further upmarket – and potentially further downscale. It would now appear that the latter is no longer going to take place.

Potential Impact On Pricing

We are curious what kind of impact dropping the 2.0L Turbo LTG motor from the lineup will have on 2019 CT6 pricing.

Specifically, will Cadillac increase the sedan’s price by making the 3.6L V-6 engine standard, as it was optional for the 2016-2018 model years, or will it simply offer the 3.6L V-6 AWD model for the price of the 2.0L Turbo RWD model. We’d put on our money on the price increasing for the 2019 model year.

Other Changes For 2019?

The 2019 Cadillac CT6 is expected to receive a midcycle refresh or enhancement (MCE) highlighted by a revised exterior design that would take on cues from the Cadillac Escala concept. A fleet of 2019 CT6es was spied undergoing testing in October wearing camouflage to cover up the design changes.

It’s also possible that the refreshed CT6 will (finally) introduce the Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-8 engine with a Dual Over-Head Cam (DOHC) configuration. Recent leaks have suggested that a variant of the same engine may or may not end up in a model of the upcoming mid-engine Corvette (aka Corvette C8 / future Corvette).

Marketplace Performance

Cadillac CT6 sales have increased 23 percent to 9,701 units in the first 11 moths of 2017, which will be its first full year on sale in the United States. The full-size sedan accounted for 9,169 U.S. deliveries in 2016.

About Cadillac CT6

2016 Cadillac CT6 Exterior 020

The Cadillac CT6 is a full-size prestige luxury sedan. It slots above the mid-size Cadillac CTS and compact Cadillac ATS as the largest Cadillac sedan.

The current model was introduced for the 2016 model year and represents the first generation of the CT6 nameplate. The 2018 CT6 represents the third model year of the first-generation CT6 and introduces such features as Super Cruise, Rear Camera Mirror Washer and an updated CUE infotainment system (to version 2.6). The vehicle rides on the advanced, high-tech and lightweight GM Omega platform that is currently not shared with any other vehicles, though a full-size crossover on the architecture has been rumored.

For North American markets, the CT6 is built by GM USA at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck factory. For China, the model is built at the Cadillac China factory, aka SGM Jinqiao. The CT6 Plug-In model is built at this plant for global markets, including the United States.

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GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. I am astounded at GM for having one of the most underrated, yet best R&D departments out of any car company around. The biggest shame of it all being all that money and technology is funneled down the drain because GM has got to have the most unrecognizable brands and nameplates globally of any car company.

    Can someone give me a reasonable answer for this serious problem? This absolutely relates to the Cadillac brand btw. Cadillac can’t seem to keep any nameplates around for too long to be remembered and grow on people.

    Reply
    1. Agreed about the R&D department. It’s brilliant and very good.

      But what do you expect from a company that stopped caring for a good 20-30 years, if not more? Things are turning around… but it takes time, patience and money to turn around tarnished brands.

      Reply
    2. There’s going to be many factors, the largest is going to be because its an American company…Lincoln is even more unrecognizable IMO…

      Reply
    3. I completely agree!

      Reply
  2. And were is these CT6 going?

    Reply
  3. Johan de Nysschen is a moron as dropping the LTG 2.0L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo will mean Cadillac’s CT6 will be much heavier as the performance difference between the base CT6 and the 3.6L V6 is very small because the 3.6L V6 and the Twin-Turbo 3.0L V6 requires so much additional structural strengthening; but if de Nysschen wants Cadillac’s CT6 to be exclusive.. why not get Chevy’s new LT5 755 hp supercharged 6.2L V8.

    Reply
  4. Did ever cross your mine, there something else coming, there will be diesel 4,6, cylinder engines. For sedans and crossovers.

    Reply
  5. Its quite obvious that this is happening because a V8 is around the corner for the 19 CT6. The other thing I think we need to think about is that this unfortunately is the closest thing Cadillac has a a flagship since the CT8 was canned. Therefore you need this car to be more flagship oriented and that means no 4 banger.

    Most people right from start questioned a full size sedan having a 4 Cyl but I think the plan was to have the CT8 have all the top flight engines and the lower cost CT6 with a more affordable range. Well we see that GM no longer feels a flagship is needed and will make do with the CT6 as the top halo car. Which I think is why even they realized a flagship dose not look like a halo car with the standard small 4cyl.

    Reply
    1. what’s wrong to offer i4 if platform good enough to carry it? even bmw 7 series offer 2.0 at some markets…..
      On my opinion 2.0 RWD CT6 good base option for current class.

      Reply
  6. Cadillac really needs new engines. The 3.0 TT was a good start, but they need to expand. I think the base engine for this car should be a detuned 3.0TT with 300hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The weak spot of the NA 3.6 is the lack of torque compared to other engines, especially down low. From there the mid-level engine would be the 3.0TT with 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. And then the range topper being some kind of V8 with around 500 hp.

    I can also see why they removed the 2.0 in terms of shaping the future portfolio. This will allow Cadillac to bump up the base price on the CT6 and open the market more for the CT5 which will fill the $35,000-$55,000 range. CT6 currently starts at $54,000. Bumping this up a bit will allow for less overlap in the portfolio and hopefully a better chance at success for the coming ATS/CTS/XTS replacement.

    Reply
    1. Any chance Cadillac will let us turn off start/stop feature on upcoming C5–I notice some of the German luxury cars give the driver that option.

      Reply
  7. Why do people feel they need that option? Just let the car work as it was desinged.

    Reply
    1. When you have to replace the starter several times then you will know. Not to mention its hard on everything start stop, hard on your battery and electrical system

      Reply
      1. Your completely delusional

        Reply
      2. Not to mention its hard on everything start stop, hard on your battery and electrical system

        Where did you get that from? Yes, the stop start can be annoying for some people, but what evidence do you have that it’s hard on the battery and electrical system? Don’t you think the smart people that engineer these systems in modern cars know what they are doing? Time and technology is changing, my friend. I’m old enough to remember the sentiments in the 80s, when manufacturers were making the switch from carburetor. Lots of people didn’t want a fuel injection car, because of pre conceived reliability problems. Heck, go back a few years on these forum, and u’ll see people turning up there nose about a 2 litre 4 cylinder engine with 250 plus hp. Lots of prediction about how an engine that small, can’t be reliable with that high, turbo charged power. The point I’m making, is, just relax, believe in technology, what we think impossible or problematic today, will be the norm tomorrow

        Reply
      3. I have owned a car with start stop feature and it’s not a problem driving them. And the engine as a whole has had zero problems or issues

        Reply
      4. Here is an interesting and informative video about stop start. My position is stop start is an annoyance, and it doesn’t save enough fuel (if any at all) to justify the annoyance for me, but I have no concern about reliability, or it affecting the battery etc negatively

        Reply
        1. People like you are pathetic

          Reply
    2. Because a lot of people including me just don’t like it.
      Period.
      So just have the owner of the car decide how the car is operated!
      The Germans are clever enough to see this.
      Luxury is about having a choice.
      Cadillac has enough disadvantages as it is.
      Do we want customers one more reason to run to the Germans because Cadillac wants to decide for their customers how they should use their cars?
      GM just doesn’t learn.

      Reply
  8. This is the right move for Cadillac , even though the 2.0L Turbo is a good engine it;s not what you want in your flagship model just for the image part of it .
    The 3.6 is a Corporate engine and Cadillac needs their own engine again if just for the image of it plus as it was said above this can move the car more upscale and give their new cars that will replace the CTS room to grow eventually dropping the XTS .
    Did I read it right that the CT6 will all be offered as AWD in ’19 except for the plug-in model ?

    Reply
    1. Zach “Did I read it right that the CT6 will all be offered as AWD in ’19 except for the plug-in model ?”

      I missed that part…but as I was reading through I was thinking it would be a good move if they still offered a RWD option.

      Reply
  9. I’d love to see John Hennessey build a CT6 LT1 or LT4

    Reply
  10. The CT6 qualifies as a flagship sedan, but the majority of buyers are going to go for the smaller siblings. The ATS (I’m current form) could have been the CT3 with the LWB version showing up as the CT4. The problem is they don’t push the envelope far enough and there’s no cohesion with what they are offering. The German’s same design different size works, because you can get almost the same level of equipment no matter which car you choose. Things like LED lighting comes standard across the board and optional high grade audio systems are available on all models. Cadillac forgets that the 3, C, & A3/A4 make up a the majority of what the Germans are selling and the interiors share a similar theme with the flagship models.

    Reply
  11. CT6, CT5, CT4:: small/medium/large.

    Reply
  12. Cadillac has two new diesel engines coming, and new V8 engine as well. They have to make space for CT5 and CT4 coming up.

    Reply
  13. I was hoping the CT4 would make its introduction along with the XT4, seeing as the ATS is a bit older than the CTS and it should be replaced in MY19. With the CT6 update popping up all over every website, it seems a little strange that mules of the new CT4/5 haven’t been seen.

    Reply
  14. Admonite ,
    Last sentence of the second paragraph ” all models will have AWD as standard except for the PHEV which will be FWD only ” .
    Am I missing something here ?

    Reply
  15. While there’s essentially nothing wrong with offering a fuel efficient option for a car of this caliber, I’m all for Cadillac’s decision to drop the 2.0L base engine from their lineup. With GM utilizing this engine in so many non-premium applications, from the Malibu to the base Camaro, the 2.0 is simply loses its appeal in the Cadillac applications; although I’ve got no gripes about the use of this engine in the more mainstream Cadillac sedans and CUVs, such as the ATS and the upcoming XT4. In due time, we expect Cadillac to start producing fruits reflective of their autonomy from its corporate GM parent! Unique and exclusive engines will be among the most critical of these fruits!

    Reply
  16. Great start, now when are they going to get rid of the halogen bulbs in the XT5? I would also love the option to get the rear HVAC in the CT6 without the dual TVs.

    Reply
    1. Why are you pinching pennies on a luxury car? Now I really could car less what happens in a back seat of a car because I am not the one riding back there. But if getting hvac in addition to tvs as a package is required and the customer doesn’t like that. Then that just says look I am cheap and I don’t want to spend a few bucks more on a luxury car. So I understand why Cadillac doesn’t cater to people like you. They want people with deep pockets, not people who are going to be buying a luxury car on the cheap

      Reply
      1. “Now I really COULD car less what happens in a back seat of a car”

        So you’re really saying that you do care.

        Reply
        1. No I don’t and people that focus on the back seat of a car really should not be making decisions about building cars.

          Reply
          1. If you don’t care about the backseat then the CT6 isn’t for you. This car is all about the backseat.

            Continental, S-Class, XTS and the CT6 are all backseat focused cars. They have executive car service written all over – present day Town Cars, pretty much. The problem is people think these vehicles are something different, when they’re not.

            A comfortable backseat with amenities is on the top list of must-have features in this segment.

            There is always the CTS for you, if you could care less about backseat passengers

            Reply
          2. Rolls-Royce

            Reply
          3. But you keep saying you COULD care less. That means you still care about the quality of the rear seats.

            Reply
      2. The term ‘pinching pennies” can be best defined as less than a nickel/5% so 1-4%…The CT6 is a full size sedan which means most people buy this car not to be the solo driver, but to carry around people in the back…If you build on a CT6, you have to up-trim and add two packages for roughly $12K+ to get rear HVAC…With a $55K base and a final MSRP roughly $12K over base, it’s nearly a 20% premium…Also the CT6 only sold 777 last month…

        Reply
        1. So spend the extra 12k and stop being a cheap a s s ! If you really care about your back passengers (which I dont) then it would seem to me that you would have no problem paying the extra! Like I said penny pinching at it best

          Reply
          1. “If you really care about your back passengers (which I dont) ”

            But you do care! You keep saying you COULD care less about the back passenger seats.

            If you COULD care less about something, that means you still care about it.

            If you COULDN’T care less about something, that means you don’t care about it.

            Reply
  17. Really this is what you focus on!

    Reply
    1. Yes, because every time you say “I could care less”, you sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about.

      If you COULDN’T care less, that means you can’t care anymore about the size of the ATS rear seats.

      If you COULD care less, that means you still do care about the size of the ATS rear seats.

      Now you should know why we focus on it. You’re giving us all conflicting messages of what you really mean.

      Reply
      1. To clarity the confusion when I go to look at a car that has a back seat weather it’s a camaro or a 4 door car or truck like a Chevy SS, Malibu, Silverado, Colorado ECT! I don’t pay any attention to what is back there, the condition of the back seat in any vehicle is not any importance to me!

        What truly amazes me is how much attention people put on the back seat! Grown adults who won’t sit in the back seat for 1 minute during the time they own the car or truck make the condition of the back seat a deal breaker. So they disregard a car or truck because it has one inch less leg room then the competition and claim that’s the reason why it’s a better car or truck! Which is completely ridiculous!

        So I ask the question, why do people seem to focus on the wrong things when picking a car or truck?

        Reply
        1. Here’s a question for you: why does it bother you so much, what other people focus on?

          Reply
          1. Because they focus on the things that are not important! Powertrain, suspension, braking, driving dynamics, down force I could go on but you get the point!

            Instead they focus on available cup holders, center console, instrument cluster, inch by inch demensions of the back seats!

            I’ve said it before if the back seat or the trunk area is to small for you then you are looking at the wrong car. So go pick a bigger car and stop trying to change cars like the camaro, ate, cts, Malibu, cruze wanting GM to make the back seats and truck bigger.

            Instead of adjusting these cars why don’t go buy the next bigger version of that type of car?

            A camaro is to small for you then go buy a SS but no there no way I could ever do that.

            The ATS is to small then buy a CTS or a CT6 but no I could never do that.

            See this is on the buyer! Find a car that fits what you need, wanting a small car with lots of room is the definition of stupid!

            So I wish GM would focus on build cars that run circles around anything on the road and leave the cup holders to the other guys

            Reply
            1. Now then….

              Could you care less about the rear seats in the ATS?

              or…

              Couldn’t you care less about the rear seats in the ATS?

              Reply
            2. And you think that berating other’s is going to change anything? That others should always think just as you do? That’s not realistic!
              Different things are important to different people…deep down you must surely know that will always be the case…so why not agree to disagree…and let it go.

              Reply
            3. I got a bigger truck (Silverado Crew Cab 4×4 LTZ) but it leaves my back seat passengers uncomfortable as it has no rear AC. And as this truck cost some $50,000 I find that reprehensible on the part of GM, as it’s cheap ass cost cutting! It does nothing to improve the vehicle, or the customers view (if the customer is objective that is). And GM is now hearing and fixing this…why are you trying so hard to defend mediocrity?
              I think what I see so far of this new GM truck looks great! I also think the competition trucks are great too! Even though they all are quite pricey…and that’s exactly why discerning buyers expect more.

              Reply
              1. Th gen why did you buy it if you didn’t like it? Why are you so worried about your back seat passengers?

                Reply
                1. I didn’t buy it – it was purchased for me as a company truck.
                  I have bought dozens personally though – currently own three.

                  I’ll take my own advice here and “let it go” as it’s clear you lack the capacity needed for an objective discussion.

                  Reply
                  1. So you have the gall to complain about a truck that somebody else purchased for you to use! And you think I am a A hole! Are you serious? If I was your boss I heard you complain about a vehicle that I was paying for I would ask for the keys back and tell you to walk you ungrateful you know what!

                    I think it’s part if the American culture that we have come accustomed to, always looking over the fence to see what the neighbor has, complaining that you don’t have what they have, and not ever being satisfied or happy. Complaining or bitching is something that brings you happiness. And I just don’t understand Why? Misery loves company and it seems like you want to bring people down with you.

                    What I have been trying to say all along is that all of these options you talk about are nice but they are not and shouldn’t be selling points! I would never say I can’t buy a Chevy truck because it doesn’t have rear ac or vents! And it’s sad that you act like a little kid that doesn’t get their way.

                    By the way it takes two intelligent people to have a intelligent conversation and as of right now I am still looking for the other intelligent person! That means you!

                    Have a nice day! I wonder what you going to find to complain about today?

                    Reply
                    1. A few points:
                      My Boss recently agreed to change from GM trucks unless quality and features improve. He’s no fan of not having rear AC either. He didn’t realize it when ordering as previous gen GM trucks had rear AC.
                      I’m not American!
                      I’m not complaining – I’m being objectively critical. You’re complaining and whining that everyone doesn’t think the same as you do.
                      Which makes you an Ass…as that’s completely unrealistic!
                      I’m going to focus now on Christmas and family / friends…so Bye!

                      Reply
            4. But why does it bother you what others think? Even GM is listening and taking surveys to make needed changes.

              Reply
              1. Because this complaining makes GM think changes need to be made to sale cars and trucks. How many trucks do GM sale per month? Close to 80k! If that’s the case then rear ac doesn’t effect sales.

                These comments make people think the camaro would be a better car if it had a bigger back seat which is ridiculous.

                Making the camaro bigger will make it heavier, slower, and not handle better. Which is the main reason to build and buy a camaro. To drive fast not haul a bunch of people around town.

                Reply
  18. oh thanks for answering the question

    Reply
  19. Good move by Cadillac to drop the 2.0 engine in the CT6. Cadillac should have minimum luxury standards, and the 2.0 engine does not make it, especially for the current flagship CT6. It’s also a bit ridiculous for the CT6 prices to range from $55k to $88k, or whatever it has been with the 2.0 “base” version at the bottom. If Cadillac does want to sell to some degree on snob appeal, then those who shell out $88k for the top of the line, fully optioned model, may wonder if their neighbors think they really have a cheap-o $55k base model. Again the CT6 at the very least should be so outstanding that there should not be decontented cheap versions offered.

    The same view should be pursued across the line at Cadillac. It’s incredible to me that Cadillac not only sells some small sedans that are cramped and hard-riding, but that it has base versions of the ATS and DTS that come with vinyl seats and halogen headlamps, in this day and age. Are you kidding me? That’s not Cadillac being Cadillac, and I don’t care if the Germans might do the same thing in their base versions. A brand should stand for something. If GM wants to sell cheapened/decontented versions of vehicles, let them sell them under another brand such as Chevrolet.

    Reply

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