Cadillac looks poised to continue carving out its niche in the high-performance four-door luxury sedan segment with the upcoming CT5-V, which is slated to debut alongside the smaller CT4-V on May 30th. However, one big question remains: just what will power the Cadillac CT5-V?
For those not up to speed on the newest Cadillac product, the CT5-V is the upcoming hot-to-trot version of the Cadillac CT5, which debuted just last month at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. The D-segment model will go head-to-head with heavy-hitting German rivals like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63, and that means it’s gonna need some serious V8 firepower under the hood.
And as far as we know at the moment, there are really only two options for what will be under the hood of the Cadillac CT5-V.
Supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4
The first is GM’s supercharged 6.2L V8 Small Block LT4. In the outgoing, third-generation CTS-V, the LT4 made 640 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. It was also found in such GM performance powerhouses like the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Z06 and sixth-gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The LT4 is a very capable overhead valve (OHV, otherwise known as push-rod) performance mill, to say the least.
Cadillac’s Twin-Turbo 4.2L V8 LTA “Blackwing”
The other engine option to slot under the Cadillac CT5-V, is the twin-turbocharged 4.2L V8 LTA, otherwise known as Blackwing. Developed specifically for Cadillac, the unit is Cadillac’s first twin-turbo V8 engine and, unlike the push-rod LT4, the LTA utilizes a more sophisticated Dual-Overhead Cam (DOHC) design. Currently, the LTA is only available in the forthcoming Cadillac CT6-V, where it will produce 550 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 627 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm.
| Engine: | GM V8 LT4 | GM V8 LTA Blackwing |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6.2L | 4.2L |
| Valve Configuration | OHV | DOHC |
| Power (hp) | 640 @ 6400 rpm (CTS-V) | 550 @ 5700 rpm (2019 CT6-V) |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 630 @ 3600 rpm (CTS-V) | 627 @ 3200 rpm (2019 CT6-V) |
| Aspiration | Supercharged | Twin Turbocharged |
| Charge Cooling | Integrated dual coolant-to-air intercoolers | Twin water-to-air intercoolers |
| Fuel System | Direct injection | Direct injection |
| Construction Type | All-aluminum | All-aluminum |
| Fuel Type | Premium required | Premium required |
While both engines would provide the necessary output to make the forthcoming Cadillac CT5-V a beast, each engine also comes with its own unique character and personality. For example, the LT4 is more of an old-school, bombastic performance bombshell, whereas the LTA creates a more refined tidal wave of power.
So, what do you think: will the Cadillac CT5-V use the supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8, the turbocharged 4.2L LTA V8 Blackwing, or some other engine entirely? Vote in the poll and posting in the comments section below.
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Comments
Well there is only one option the Cadillac engine.
I had thought I had heard that there was a higher hp version of the Blackwing coming? The engine we have now is just the jump off point.
Isn’t the CT5-V up against the E63 and M5 where the CT4-V takes on the C63 and M3?
No. One class lower across the board.
CT5 is a D segment car that’s larger than the typical D segment cars (C-Class, 3 Series, etc.).
CT4 will be a C segment car that’s slightly larger than typical C segment cars (A/CLA-Class, A3, etc.)
In the same vein, the CT6 is an E segment car that’s larger than the typical E segment cars (E Class, 5 Series, A6, etc.).
Looks like we need to do a piece that explains the positioning.
Well if not in vehicle size, the engines listed would pit specs against the M5
M3 has what? 430hp from a twin turbo V6?
Well the 3.6 put out 464 so I imagine in the CT 4 there will have to be a different Mill right?
Alex truth be told it is Cadillacs fault that some of your guests/readers do not understand the new positioning of the Cadillac Sedans.
They once again decided to go the Tweener route and I honestly cannot think of one Brand that is successful in doing so. There is a reason Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar, and BMW all have proper sized sedans. It is a formula that just works as long as you have the proper vehicles.
I mean Mercedes, Audi, and soon enough BMW all offer four Sedans. So much for the Sedans are dead huh?
I mean the CT6-V is a complete joke (I do love the car however) if Cadillac is forcing us to compare it against the BMW M5.
The All New CT5 is much bigger than say a BMW 3 Series Sedan and the BMW Trunk is almost twice the size of the CT5.
Don’t get mad at some for being utterly confused. Lets be honest Cadillac themselves seem to be confused as well. It is a shame.
GM is destroying a Golden opportunity with Cadillac. Look how much money Audi brings into the VW Family. GM just never seems to play the Long game. The Beancounters just will never allow it.
No.No.No. No. No.No. No. No.No.No.
Get it through ur *ucking heads already. Its a D segment car. D D D D D D D D. Even though its a lil bit bigger than the models from that segment, but it is still small for the E segment. Its a D class.
CT4 is a C segment. CT4 is a lil bit smaller for the D class.
CT5- D. Or D with a lil +
CT4- C. Or C with a lil +.
Now say that Ct5 is an E class car. I dare you, I double dare you *other*ucker. Say E one more god damn time.
This is the whole problem with alphabet soup naming conventions. They have no meaning. The last twenty years Cadillac is more worried to compete again the European giants instead of selling the Cadillac as what it is. OKay, I agree they had to reinvent themselves so they wouldn’t become a “my daddy’s Oldsmobile “, but how many BMW buyers really wanted a Cadillac. Probably none since they want a BMW first and foremost, like my son. After years of BMW reliability problems he was glad to get rid of it and replace it with a Honda Ridgeline, two daughter you know.
Bottom line is Cadillac brand no longer has an identity. They’re still trying to sell the “Standard of the World”. If it wasn’t for the big Escalades they be in sad shape like all other sedan makers.
This has nothing to do with Cadillacs nomenclature and everything to do with established market segments.
But let me turn it back on you. Can you tell by the name what size car a Deville is? How about the Fleetwood? The Seville? The Eldorado? The Allante? The Brougham?
If the answer is “it’s just a big Cadillac”, then the old names haven’t solved anything as none of the old names tell the consumer anything about what market segment Cadillac is in.
That is right, I was commenting on Matski argument where he was debating what was what. In the past when you stated the Sedan Deville, you knew what it was. The problem was the name Cadillac wasn’t rarely mentioned.
Blackwing for sure! Go Cadillac or go home!
I believe it has to be the blackwing, and btw the LT4 is still offered in the z06 and Zl1 not wasn’t as far as I know the Zl1 still lives.
LT5 for the CT5-V has a nice ring to it. Head of Cadi should use this as an excuse to cram it in there.
What about old Northstar. CT5 looks like poor cheap crap when you compare it to Genesis. 10 years back Caddy was trendy maker but now it is crazy look. I want to see Caddy glory day again!
I’m convinced the LT1 will be the engine because the blackwing is such a low volume pricey engine.
Am I the only one who thinks the Blackwing needs another 50 horsepower on paper to compete with the M5?
It’s 550hp in the CT6. M5 puts out 600 horsepower.
M5*s real hp is 695 hp. E63 puts 700 hp. They both underestimate their power. Thats why they are so quick. So to compete with them Caddys Blackwing needs at least 100 hp more.
Unless cadillac underestimates this engine too. But for the current Ct6 its enough. The next generation Ct6 will be direct rival of the m5/e63. So lets leave big numbers for the next gen.
As for the Ct5, 550 hp would be perfect for the d segment car. It’s known that the upcoming m3 will have 500 hp. It means 550+ real numbers.
I believe their ratings are on a hot soaked engine. Similar to the power ratings on the ZR1 which is “at least 755hp”.
LT4 is much cheaper and there’s your answer
These LT4 and the blackwing engines have a similar weight (LT4 is slightly lighter) and the LT4 produces more horsepower and torque then the blackwing. Furthermore twin turbo converted LT4 engines running less boost then the blackwing makes around 1200BHP something that will take the blackwing something like 40+psi of boost to get to (if at all possible).
The blackwing block is even smaller then Ford’s modular/coyote motor so don’t expect a larger displacement normally aspirated version of that engine. With such a small bore it isn’t going to have the airflow and the engine would need to use a larger stroke mostly to increase displacement which is going to take away from max rpm capability.
Given the Down Powering of the 2.0T and 3.0TT engines — by 35hp and 69 hp respectively — it is not unreasonable to speculate that the CT5-V will not be as powerful or as fast as the CTS-V. GM may be trying to slot it into the same power bracket as the M3 which makes 425 hp (albiet with a “competition” variant with a tad more at 444hp).
If so, there are two obvious candidates. The un-neutered 3.0TT (LGW) engine making 404 hp / 400 lb-ft as-is and a big turbo version of the Silverado pickup truck’s 2.7T Inline-4 making about 420~450 hp / 420 lb-ft.
Guys,
I think both engines should be offered. Make the CT5 V line broader like the 911 or 3 series. More engine choices. Let us pick which one we want.
A mi manera de Ver las cosas me parece que el error aquí es el siguiente por una Parte el ct6 V ya que es un vehículo de rendimiento obligado y por eso el error o la confusión. Pasando al tema del blog el ct5 debería utilizar el LTA pero ajustado a 650 HP como mínimo en cambio a mi Parecer el ct4 V debería utilizar la versión sin turbo del mismo motor estimado en 500 HP y así deberían sobresalir en el segmento de una manera única ya que que el futuro CT4 es el nivel de entrada más accesible a Cadillac entonces hay que hacerlo con estilo y ya como las SUV y CUV de Cadillac son aburridas exceptuando a la Escalade entonces creen sedanes atractivos y veloces
I’m assuming the Tweener CT5-V will be getting the Blackwing and the Tweener CT4-V will get the 3.0TT. At least that is what it should be but honestly who knows what GM will do.
I still would love someone to ask GM/Cadillac how they can release a Brand new sedan that is almost the size of a 5 Series yet the BMW 3 Series Trunk makes the CT5 trunk look like a joke. That would be great to know. I have been trying to figure out how a car so much bigger overall can have such a tiny trunk. I mean it is insane. It’s as if GM either wants potential customers to move to their CUV’s or to a completely different Brand altogether.
Cadillac has lost credibility of late, and in order to help get some of it back, needs to go with the Blackwing. First of all, it would be Cadillac exclusive (at least initially) and secondly it is virtually dead on even with the LT4, torque wise. This would move Cadillac to perceived innovation of a new GM overhead cam’d engine (even though those pushrods are still awesome). And if Cadillac goes ahead with other rumored badging (listing torque), the V series is going to have the same T650 on the back lid whether LT4 or Blackwing.
I know this is wishful thinking, but wouldn’t it be nice if Cadillac developed a twin turbo inline 6 for the CT4-V? Inline 6 seems to be making a comeback, with not only Mercedes, but heck, even Mazda just announced they are developing one. BMW’s B58 is probably the best 6 cylinder engine available today, and other than packaging, I can’t think of any advantage a V6 have over a straight 6, especially when you talk about powering a rear drive luxury car.
I personally love inline six engines. BMW’s is amazing.
I would only purchase a BMW with that inline to be honest. I would take it over even their V8.
Cadillac argued that it needed the Blackwing V8 so it wouldn’t need to borrow the LT4 from Chevrolet and given this argument, Cadillac should use the Blackwing V8 in as many vehicles possible as the Blackwing V8 should be an option for the XT6 and Escalade; Cadillac should even consider shoehorning the Blackwing V8 in the CT4-V.
It would be a good option for the CT5-V, but overkill for the CT4-V. It would not make sense if the CT4-V is competing against the likes of the CLA45, with its boosted 2L 4 cylinder, and Cadillac probably would not be able to price it competitively. A V8 in the CT4-V competing against the Germans 2 and 2.5L would be nice, but I don’t see it happening
Hey omegatalon, why don’t they put the Blackwing V8 into the Chevy Blazer to make a Blazer SS? Hahaha.
No, no the S/C 6.2 is for the Blazer, only the Blackwing is for the XT5..?.
I just heard from a person that I trust that Cadillac just dropped the 3.0TT from the CT6. The 3.6 Should be dropped not the 3.0TT. Unbelievable.
If true, Cadillac is turning into a complete joke.
Alex, can you shed any light on this? I hope this is completely false.
Yup. It is true.
Cadillac is dropping the 3.0TT from the CT6 sedan. What a Joke GM is turning Cadillac into.
So let me get this straight. Cadillac decided to build Tweener Sedans.
So we get….
CT4 – 1 Series Competitor
CT5 – 3 Series Competitor
CT6 – 5 Series Competitor
So if we are to believe GM that the CT6 is a 5 Series competitor they’re idea of going head to head with the 5 Series is to keep the Corporate 3.6 HFV6 in the lineup instead of the “So Called” Cadillac Specific 3.0TT which was actually developed for the CT6?
I mean you can’t even make this stuff up.
I cannot wait to hear how stupid I am from other GM/Cadillac fans because I am done making excuses for GM’s Beancounting ways recently.
Everyone here knows but won’t admit it that GM is slowly destroying the Cadillac Brand and it is an utter shame. They should be embarrassed of themselves. If they are unwilling to go All In with Cadillac, then just sell it off. Cadillac deserves much better.
Did you actually study what you typed?. The 3.0tt is in the CT5 but magically the 3.0 is gone in the CT6…. I do believe only the ME CT6 will be 3.6 only for now.
My question and I will copy it and save it. What takes the place of the ATS-V??? What engine? Will it have more HP and Lb Ft than the 3.6 twin turbo? Thank you all.
Doesn’t matter which V8 they use IMO (but don’t even think about a TTV6)
Real question: is there going to be a chassis that can put all the power to the ground? The current CTS-V cannot match the acceleration of its lower-powered rivals and it’s not for lack of power.
I really love this car the only real disappointment I have is the lack of not out doing the power 3.0tt in the ct6. Much less 69 LESS hp. The car it’s replacing the cts has always been the most performance focused vehicle for cadillac. Except for the xlr v in some aspects. But that’s another story. Also the panaray system should’ve been an option (there’s still a chance I hope) but, from what I heard so far the ct5 v will be a major let down. Lets look at the 1st gen cts v even having 2 engines in it’s life span they both made 400hp-395lb-ft of torque. The 2nd gen got up to 556hp-551lb-ft of torque. That’s 156 more hp and, 146 more lb-ft of torque. The 3rd gen 640hp-630lb-ft of torque. That’s 84 more hp and, 79 more lb-ft of torque than the 2nd gen. Now the ct5 v is rumored to get the same engine as the ct6 v with 550hp which is 6 less than the 2nd gen and, 627 lb-ft of torque which is 3 less than the 3rd gen. And, it this point anything less than 50hp and, 50lb-ft of torque more than the 3rd gen is a let down despite it in a different segment (either way u look at it, it’s replacing the cts v) and, why go by industry standards, make the fastest sedan once again like in 2009. And, who’s to say they won’t bottle neck the black wing in the ct5 v like they did the 3.0tt ct5. Also 1 of my favorite parts of the cts/ct5 is the vertical front light bars and, I heard the ct5 v won’t have it. the 3rd gen cts v is my all time favorite car But if the ct5 would get a hp boost, panaray and, the steerable rear wheel tires it would be a close 2nd. Maybe even get the 3.6tt from the ats v (not as a v version) but, I think I’d just look at the ct5 v in sheer disappointment if anything I heard is true. (I do think the black wing would make a great v sport for the ct5 tho.
If the CT5 V doesnt have a minimum of 650+ HP 6+ L V8 and AWD I’ll most likely be getting the new GT500. I’d have preferred to have my 700+ HP car also be 4 door luxury commuter, but 550 HP is laughable and will be two generations back to 2008. Meanwhile every other car in this price range in 2020 is going to be packing close to 800 HP.
The previous three generations of CTS-V were able to offer luxury and reliability at less cost while having the same power output of every other car including dedicated sports car and muscle car of the generation. eg 400 HP for V1 was on par with 2004 Z06, Cobra, SRT at the time, so was 556 in 2009. 640 fell short only to Hellcat and now in 2020 we will see everyone elses answer to Hellcat at 720+ while Cadillac is going back to 2008 at 550? No thanks.
My dream car would have been a LT5 powered AWD CT5V with the Tremec 7 speed. Well over 700 HP is non negotiable in a 100k top trim performance car in 2020.