2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport Arrives With 550-HP 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8 Engine And Chiseled Looks
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Surprise! Cadillac has more to show aside from the 2019 Cadillac XT4 at the 2018 New York Auto Show. Meet the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport, which ushers in the brand’s long-awaited 4.2-liter twin-turbo DOHC V8 engine.
Exterior Design
Cadillac has heavily reworked the 2019 CT6 V-Sport’s design, which will translate to the entire 2019 CT6 lineup. The front fascia moves away from a glorified CTS style and adopts the Escala concept’s angular mesh grille, while the headlights slant inward toward the grille itself for a more horizontal look. The LED running lights, meanwhile, sweep straight down to project the vertical look. It’s an incredibly cleaner look with more refined lines, and we think it’s doing the CT6 a lot of favors.
At the rear, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport also adopts new taillights, which extend down and across the trunk line. Cadillac first applied this design to the 2018 XTS, which also first debuted with the Escala concept. Regular 2019 CT6 sedans will also adopt the look, and Cadillac will adopt “Luxury” and “Sport” trims with more distinct personas, per the brand.
Performance Starts With 4.2L DOHC Twin-Turbo V8
How about the performance figures for the brand-new 4.2-liter dual-overhead cam twin-turbocharged V8 engine? Cadillac estimates peg the engine to produce 550 horsepower and a whopping 627 pound-feet of torque. With the new engine, engineers started from a blank canvas and emphasized tight packaging and performance.
Notably, the 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 features a “hot V” configuration, which allowed engineers to mount the turbos at the top of the engine itself. The placement should reduce turbo lag to a minimum and the design helped keep the engine rather small.
Power will be sent to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission with a 7.39 overall gear ratio. Cadillac says to expect “narrow steps” between gear changes to maintain speed.
The engine may be the centerpiece of the 2019 CT6 V-Sport, but engineers didn’t overlook other elements. The performance sedan boasts new summer-only tires developed exclusively for the Cadillac V-Sport line, a limited-slip differential and V-Sport tuning for the handling, steering, and improved roll control. Specifically, the active rear-steer is track-tuned and the all-wheel-drive system features a revised torque split. Yes, the CT6 V-Sport is AWD only.
Further, 19-inch four-piston Brembo brakes provide stopping power and were developed exclusively for V-Sport cars. Tweaks to the Magnetic Ride Control system and a tuned exhaust system give the CT6 V-Sport further poise and a louder bark.
Technologies Abound
The Cadillac User Experience still powers the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport, but the new controller includes volume and seek forward/back controls for the audio system. Additionally, a large center dial handles primary features and shortcut buttons give drivers quick access to their most-used apps.
Notably, Super Cruise is not included with the 2019 CT6 V-Sport. However, it does feature a 10-inch infotainment screen, next-generation wireless phone charging that’s compatible with more phones, a second-generation frameless rearview camera mirror with tilt and zoom features and a full suite of active safety technologies.
Look for more information and details on the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport when GM Authority is live from the 2018 New York Auto Show next week.
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Yes! This is what Cadillac needed. Finally, the fruits of JDN are starting to appear, and the XT4 will show that in full force. The design of the Escala looks like it translated nicely to the body of the existing CT6. Looking at the engine, with those numbers and AWD this thing should be a rocket. I’m very excited to see AWD as an option on performance Cadillac. I hope this engine stays exclusive to Cadillac.
It will be interesting to see the shake up in the rest of the CT6 lineup. I wonder if we will also see new Cadillac exclusive V6 and 2.0T after the introduction of XT4.
I could be wrong but I thought it said it was AWD only.
I wrote that confusingly. I didn’t mean as an option on the CT6 V-Sport. AWD is standard on the CT6 V-Sport. What I meant was that we finally have a high performance Cadillac with AWD to choose from, rather than just the RWD CTS-V, ATS-V, etc.
Is it known if this is an Cadillac exclusive engine? If not could this be the rumored C8 TT engine? Maybe in a detuned form? also could this be going into a Camaro I just read on another site that this engine is lighter and more compact then a LT4 and LT5 which is impressive and only weight 520 lbs.
Also I can certainly see this engine going into a Escalade V-Sport model.
And for the main point….. the refresh looks amazing makes its look so much more aggressive rather then floaty.
I bet this engine is good for 700hp, so it very well could be a C8 engine option
I believe you will see this engine as the early mid engine Corvette base motor.
+1 Hightly possible to see that V8TT into Camaro.
As Camaro has been exporting to some countries since it back, Camaro helps with Cadillac and Corvette to make profits from global market for GM. Now, the point is here, if GM wants Camaro more sales in global market, they need lower letter V8 engine to skip some country’s vehicle tax. Some global buyers can not buy Camaro one of main reason is that tax. This also can explain why Camaro and Cadillac having 2.0tt engine for base level. Putting that V8TT in Camaro is perfect ideal for sales.
Put this engine a Silverado SS and ZR2/Raptor fighter. Same machine two different beasts.
They have greatly improved the image of the car with the Escala lights!!
Just that needed the CT6
Wooooooooow. Good job Mr. Johan.
Cannot wait to see what he has in store for Cadillac going forward. I was and still am so excited when GM hired this man.
Ok this is just a case of a car fixed. Imagine what they will do with a clean sheet of paper.
I thought the same, Scott.
Johan has just upgraded the model, which was created before him. Now imagine the new ones. OMG, Im so happy. Thank u, JDN. There also will be XT7(Cayenne’s rival). JXT8 – SUV flagman, which will go global, new Escalade. CT7- big coupe. CT8(Escala) – different variants. Also different V8 engines..
This will be much better and cost less than any of the foreign luxury supercars. I saw the Bentley Continental Supercar at “Motor Week” which costs $300K, and this new CT6 is a greater deal for much less.
Lol
Really looks great
Drew, your V8 Cadillac is ready…..
Is it ‘mmmmmmmmurican! enough for Drew?
Johan may have ruined it with too much power per liter and the TT setup.
I’m teasing Drew; but I sure hope this gives you some confidence in the man and the brand.
No no… Drew’s comments will be all about how this is not the right direction for Cadillac… and how Cadillac needs to have zero “sport” in its offerings… and how it needs to be all about products that, like the DTS, are sofas on wheels. Apparently, the Cadillac CT6 V-Sport is a product no one will be interested in or buy blablablablabal… you get the idea.
Ironically, Drew has never even driven any of the modern-day Cadillac vehicles, starting from the ATS and CTS to the XTS, CT6 and XT5.He has a DTS and truly believes that it’s the pinnacle of Cadillac. This circumstance raises many questions, does it not?
In response to apparently strong popular demand, I will render an opinion on this news. First of all though I have driven or ridden in several of the modern-day Cadillac vehicles. I won’t however waste a dealer’s time testing out a car I have zero inclination toward purchasing. For those I do rely on reading numerous reviews in the professional auto press, along with many comments from the general public.
As to the 2019 CT6 V-sport of this article, it does appear to be a very attractive vehicle, so I give credit to Cadillac’s designers and yes also to Johan on that. The exterior looks very nice, and I especially like that they didn’t add the gaudy air-scoops and spoilers that in my opinion ruin the otherwise classy looks of both the ATS-V and CTS-V. And from what we can see of the interior from the pictures here, that looks great too.
My question is though, how does the car ride and who is it really for? Although I am not entirely against some Cadillacs having sport handling, I feel that at their core every Cadillac should have a plush comfortable ride. If the car can handle well without sacrificing or even compromising the Cadillac ride, then that’s ok by me. Unfortunately that combination has never been achieved in a Cadillac, and I doubt this will be the exception. Reviews (yes professional reviews) have stated that the CT6 ride is overly stiff for a large sedan, and I doubt that the V-sport version is going to have a nicer ride than the other CT6s.
Putting “sport” and “luxury” has always been a strange combination to me. Especially since “luxury” to me includes the sort of plush ride that made Cadillac famous. If that’s a “sofa on wheels” then so be it. Most people would prefer to sit on a sofa in their living room to a hard, stiff-backed chair, for example. Wheels are a good thing too, even though too many of today’s cars have those ridiculous bicycle tires (aka low-profile tires) which ruin the ride and damage the suspension, as the price of allegedly “looking cool” or very marginally increasing handling at very high speeds.
“Sport” and “luxury” together is a little like having a fine single-malt scotch, and dumping in some cherry Coca-cola. Both have their fans individually, but combining them generally doesn’t work to the point of fully pleasing either camp. A couple of possible exceptions – the MB S-class and the 2019 Audi A8, which – at a cost of over $100k – will combine sporty handling with a plush comfortable ride. When the active suspension actually works, that is. But Cadillac does not offer this and at any rate a true “luxury sport” sedan is not available from anyone below $100k, without compromising one or both of these.
So back to the CT6 V-sport itself. This is probably a good car for the Autobahn, with the very smooth roads and relatively short trips, at speeds often exceeding 100 mph. But is the massive torque and very high HP of this engine necessary for US roads, which are not so perfect and rarely exceed 70 mph? I do like V8 engines and I do like turbochargers, but a twin-turbo V8 may be overkill here, especially on a car that is supposed to be light for its size.
Which all leads to the question – who is this car for? It’s going to be very expensive, likely in excess of $90k I would guess. Do the people who have that kind of money, and also who want a big sedan, really want the driving dynamics of a sports car? I can just imagine someone hauling 4 well-dressed adults to the opera in this thing, while weaving in and out of traffic like a maniac, at high speed. Actually no I can’t really imagine that. Nor can I imagine the wealthy back-seat riding exective in China preferring to ride in a car with massive power and sports-handling ability, at the expense of a nice roomy comfortable ride.
So maybe this car is for rich young people who want Camaro-like driving dynamics in a big luxury sedan? Which includes? Mark Zuckerberg? But Zuckerberg would likely be razzed by his liberal buddies for driving a gas-guzzling V8, not to mention an American car. So I don’t know that he would be in the market for this.
There’s also the situation of the summer-only performance tires. Again this suggests that the car is for someone of wealth who doesn’t mind owning two sets of tires and changing them twice per year. But who also feels a need to get their kicks from having a “sporty” car. I know some rich people who have the extra summer driving car, often a sporty convertible, that they keep garaged all winter. So this car would have to be for someone who is rich but only wants one car?
I can think of one role that this car may play well. That’s as a “halo” car for the brand. Until 2021, when the Escala supposedly arrives. Overall though, it looks like a nice car and it might even sell in Germany, if it had a German luxury badge. I don’t see much of a market for it in the USA, and if it doesn’t have a nice plush ride then I don’t see it as a real Cadillac. But congrats to Johan on making a car that he would like personally, this fits with his strategy at Infiniti of the “Eau Rouge” project, which was abandoned shortly after he left that brand for the Cadillac job.
And here he is!!!,
Single Malt with Cherry Cola has become just as cool as eating NY pizza with a knife and fork, dude. 2016 was 2 years ago now…
There never was any joy in that cold, dead, black heart of yours, was there?
Oh no, I said ‘black!’
What should we say about outed election-fixers now? “You Nixxer”. Too soon?
What the hell are you even talking about? Are you trying to compartmentalize others again that don’t fit your world view?
You think I vote like Drew does.
Drew thinks I vote like you do.
Both of you are still dead wrong.
Zuckerberg doesn’t have left-wing friends, fool. If you’ve been on earth recently, you would know that Zuckerberg and his customer Nix from Cambridge Analytica are extreme friends of Breitbart guy Steve Bannon. And Nigel Farage, Julian Assange, Kenyatta, and just about every election fixer out there with some money for him. Looks like Nix’s psych triggers got you good!
Zuckerberg was happy to let Obama mine Facebook in 2012, and the left-wing media had nothing to say about it.
When the other side does the same thing, boy oh boy the hypocracy is on display when the feigned outrage begins to spew forth in a desperate attempt to blame Hillary’s loss on anything but Hillary.
Frankly, I think it’s telling of your collective character that you’re all perfectly okay with Hillary’s fixing of your primary, in essence regarding all of the Bernie supporters as ‘deplorables’ who don’t know better and choosing for them.
Conservative candidates didn’t/don’t like Trump, but they didn’t rob me of my right to choose my candidate.
You lefties are all suffering from Dunning-Kruger effect, and that’s how your masters like it. Wake up before it’s too late.
No way was I happy with the Tammany Hall aggressive hijacking of Elizabeth Warren and her weak substitute, Bernie Sanders. None of my comments here said that. Of course, that doesn’t stop folks like you putting thoughts in my head for me, does it? No wonder folks like you literally can’t handle political debate.
Dunning-Kruger? Yup, that’s what led directly to your Kahneman-Tversky. However, your Stanley Milgram was born right in.
Fascinating.
I would argue that your over-inflated view of yourself (Dunning-Kruger) manifests in your Kahneman-Tversky (liberals are always guilty of the thing of which they accuse you). After all, how else would you justify supporting liers who sell our uranium to Russians, send pallets of hard cash to our enemies under the cloak of darkness, and pander to illegal aliens (abandoning the citizens to whom they have traditionally lied) in an attempt to cheat the system and round up enough votes to take over the government, and use a false dossier to investigate a Presidential candidate?
Now, as to Stanley Milgram, again you are accusing me of something of which you are guilty.
It is your side, not mine, who are subversively and violently (and with the tacit approval of your masters) attempting to prevent any other side from being heard. 1930s Germany, anyone?
Ergo, it is you who is the fascist, not I.
Dan, its better to remain silent and let us assume you are an ignorant fool, than to press “post comment” and remove all doubt.
Luxury and sport don’t go together, of course. All those millions GM wasted on electromagnetorheological dampers was PIFFLE … and don’t mention McLaren’s hydraulic kinetic suspension, because that was invented by Chris Heyring, an Aussie.
Low profile bicycle tires – like the Specialized Turbo Levo Fattie? Or the E-Grizzly?
Was there need for a long ass paragraph sir.
“Do the people who have that kind of money, and also who want a big sedan, really want the driving dynamics of a sports car?”
Yup. That’s why they’re buying Panameras. By the shipload. Why should VAG have all that money? Because you say it’s somehow ‘wrong’ money for Cadillac and America?
I would like to point out that the article mention s both “sport” and “luxury” trims.
I have proposed this idea before and I hope Cadillac uses it in the “right” way…..i.e. Sport should be the hardcore, stiff, fast, thrilling driving experience that comes form say a CTS V or V-sport…. Every Cadillac model should have this. Luxury should be the soft, comfortable, plush ride experience of the XTS and should also be available on every model. The biggest changes should be suspension, seats and materials.
I am very excited for the “Northstar 2.0”, I saw this on Instagram this morning and went through the roof.
So all those wealthy people in LA, Miami, and Houston are just changing their wheels twice a year for fun? Because northerners do it and they don’t want FOMO? Tell me why!
The only other thing i wish the had changed was moving the rear license plate to the bumper and adding the boat-tail truck lid found on the escala and xts. Regardless, it’s still a huge improvement.
trunk*
Finally. Thank God. Now please GM don’t start putting this engine in pickups and everything else you build. Cadillac needs their own engines.
It’s not going into the trucks… but maybe the C8 Corvette…
In a perfect world there would be a Cadillac-only engine but I can accept the Corvette as being a co-recipient of this powerplant as it is also a high-end premium product. Using that little 2.0 L Turbo four in Cadillacs that is extensively used in GM’s entry-level products is what I view as a cardinal sin. Still, I would suggest that Cadillac have its own line of engines with it’s own “Northstar”-like branding and that they only be used in Cadillacs or perhaps also in a Corvette but with modifications and different branding. The Cadillac engines should be where new technologies are launched.
GM desperately needs to shake the notion that Cadillacs are nothing more than high-end Chevrolets. Step one was exclusive platforms, step two is exclusive engines, and, in my opinion, step three is separate production facilities. I believe Cadillac needs its own Bowling Green or another way of thinking of it is that Cadillac needs Clark Street again.
This is progress though, huge progress and my opinion is that 4.2 liters is pretty much a perfect displacement for a Cadillac V-8.
If it wasn’t for the Vette, this engine wouldn’t exist. Right now Caddy volume can’t come close to justifying a brand motor. In a perfect world there would be a lot less power plant sharing, but almost every manufacturer does it.
What engines are going into the trucks?
Does this mean Cadillac is back…??? 🙂 I love it
These engines will be going into trucks this year. It does not make any sense to send a CT6 from Detroit Hamtramck to Bowling Green to install the engine. It would be more cost-effective to put the engines in trucks and send them to Detroit Hamtramck. ( insert laughter here )
Drew?
DREW!
DrooooOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooeeeeewwwwww???
(Same for all you other JDN haters…)
Engineer Dr Professor Sir De Nysschen, THANK YOU!
Most positive comments seen on here in a long time. That says something about this move.
That 2-series/A3 fighting small-RWD Cadillac – can I have one with this TTV8. Please? I’ll pay M2/RS3 money for it, I promise!
That combo would make the M2/RS3 seem like toys by comparison. That would be like v12 vantage levels of nuts.
Starting on a black canvas, not just a blank one? Dude, these folks are freakn SERIOUS!
I wonder how they did that. Did they get MyPaint to start on a black page, or did they go ahead and buy full-on black computers?
Got to lay of the cheap drugs, buddy.
Old Trombone: should have been blank canvas. Corrected. 🙂
I was hoping for a laugh! Noice writing and luscious photo choice, cheers mate!
I bet that V8 is very de-tuned. It’s probably good for over 700 HP.
Without naming any names… I see that all the haters of JdN and Cadillac’s direction/strategy are laying low. What a great day.
100%
I’m actually still shocked that GM went out of their way to bring him in. One of the best things GM has done in many years. I truly believe Johan and company will bring Cadillac back. Still not a fan that the upcoming CUV’s will be Corporate bin FWD platforms though. Oh well. Cadillac just needs product to make money ASAP.
Only first gens. Xt4-XT6 will be rwd, later.
If you don’t mind me asking, is this a hunch of yours or actual knowledge of future product from inside GM?
I hope this is true, the RWD XT4, and will wait for it. The CT6 looks great. I do also think it is ridiculous that a Chevy Cruze has a 2.0T like our Cadillac AST or even an old Chevy Cobalt. Its a Cadillac after all. I will also like to see the new CT4and a decent HP torque engine standard. I don’t need a V with all that HP but want more than a Chevy Cruze . What Say You?
Cruze doesn’t offer the 2.0. Cruze has 1.4l T and 1.6l TD
Yep Sorry, just the Cobalt. Have you driven either one of them to compare.
I don’t know whether I fall under the category of a JdN hater but his comments last week about why Cadillacs don’t sell were pretty cringe worthy so he can be an easy target. I do sometimes question whether he understands the history of Cadillac and when and why the brand began its decline. I still suggest more focus on Cadillac’s history and less on BMW’s as a strategy for success. Having said that, during their heyday, Cadillac was known for their exclusive V-8 engines and this move could be viewed as a return to that formula.
Nice job!
Now – please – market it through a variety of media channels.
Not a big volume seller, but it’s big impact likely helps the entire lineup and breathes life into Dare Greatly.
Holy Mary, Mother of god! I didn’t see this one coming!
Dave wasn’t kidding when he said the engine will be in the 5xxhp area. 627 if-Ft is AMG number! Daymn!
I have a couple of minor complains (Grille & rear bumper), but nothing can’t be fixed aftermarket.
I see the interior received attention as well. Hopefully they took care of its current shortcomings.
Looking forward to the Sport & Luxury models & I’m curious to see whether the 500hp version of the 4.2L is exclusive to the Luxury model or available across the line up.
Also, if they can do this with an existing design, can’t wait to see what they come up with with a blank RWD canvas … Or the next Escalade!!!!
I believe the standard V8 w/ 500 HP/553 ft. bls. of torque will be available in Platinum trim only and several models in higher trim in the future.
Looks amazing…. BUT WILL CADILLAC EVER OFFER THESE TYPES OF TRIM PACKAGES WITHOUT PAYING A MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE V ENGINE UPGRADE?? LIKE MERC DOES WITH AMG PACKAGES ETC??
I can get a tricked out AMG package without the license losing 9000 hp. As much as I would love a V series I can not justify the mega cost. But I DO love black trim. My Xt5 would look amazing in it. But there is nothing with Cadillac.
Yes, there’ll be a 500hp version of the 4.2 for the non V-Sport CT6 models.
I reckon it’ll be considerably cheaper than the V-Sport as the V-Sport have 19″ brakes, active exhaust, mechanical differential, different dampers & so on.
This engine will build at Bowling Green Assembly plant……
The future C8 Corvette base powerplant?
Word is as reported by folks over at MT, this engine is known internally as the GF18 and will be hand-assembled, plus personally signed by the builder. All signs point to this engine being exclusive to Cadillac just like the Northstar engines of yore.
The Northstar engine was not exclusive to Cadillac. There was a 4.0 L Northstar used in the Oldsmobile Aurora.