Over the weekend, we published details on the upcoming Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, which is slated to receive the supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 for motivation. Now, GM Authority has learned what will power that vehicle’s slightly smaller sedan sibling, also known as the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing.
The engine in question is the twin-turbocharged 3.6L LF4 V6. If that looks familiar, it’s because it’s the same lump found under the hood of the previous Cadillac ATS-V, the model which the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing indirectly replaces.
Cadillac ATS-V
Cradled by the new go-faster CT4-V, the LF4 is expected to produce roughly equivalent output levels as those of the ATS-V. For reference, the ATS-V is rated at 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque.
What’s more, buyers will be able to harness all that muscle using one of two transmission options – a 10-speed automatic, or a six-speed manual, which is surely great news for those customers looking for a three-pedal option. For reference, the previous ATS-V was offered with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.
It is believed the new go-faster Cadillac CT4-V will still utilize the Blackwing name, even though it does not equip the twin-turbo 4.2L LTA V8 engine known by the same name. Rather, the Blackwing engine is slated to go the way of the dodo with the discontinuation of the Cadillac CT6 at the end of the month.
To complement its prodigious output, the upcoming Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing will feature more aggressive body accents, a new front and rear end, wider wheels, bigger brakes, and a sharper suspension setup.
The new Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is expected to debut alongside the slightly larger CT5-V Blackwing sometime later this year, with an on-sale date planned for 2021.
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This post was written in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
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Comments
V-sport makes more sense than blackwing. Presenting the “V” as the entry level go fast model is deceptive. Calling the fastest version the blackwing is worse. Where were the bean counters this time? Then adding the nm rating…it’s all a waste of money and is confusing marketing. Oh yeah, the name changes as well. So unnecessary. The could have put that money into the interior.
Great the CT4 / CT5 will have V “variants”….but getting there was painful to read about / follow. Cadillac seems more confused on their product planning than Tesla.
Respectfully, hope “Blackwing” doesn’t become a “Blackeye” to the brand.
AWD?
I really liked the ATS and looked at one, but the back seat was tight even for my daughter in junior high. Hopefully they rectified this issue or the sales will be insignificant.
The trunk was even more of a joke. These two traits of course also translate over to the Camaro along with horrible back and side visibility making sales tepid.
No suh luck
Cadillac CT4 vs. Cadillac ATS – Interior Dimensions
Dimension Cadillac CT4 Cadillac ATS +/- Cadillac CT4
First Row Headroom (in.) 38.3 38.6 -0.3
First Row Legroom (in.) 42.4 42.5 -0.1
First Row Shoulder Room (in.) 55.2 55.2 0
First Row Hip Room (in.) 53 53 0
Second Row Headroom (in.) 36.5 36.8 -0.3
Second Row Legroom (in.) 33.4 33.5 -0.1
Second Row Shoulder Room (in.) 53.9 53.9 0
Second Row Hip Room (in.) 52.5 52.3 0.2
Cadillac CT4-V
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I’m over here scratching my head wondering why your comment got any thumbs down. Is it because you correctly indicated the interior dimensions or because of a typo!!??
It’s disappointing to know but the interior dimensions of the CT4 are basically the same of the ATS save for a 0.2 gain in back seat hip room. Whoop-di-do!!!
First they go V6, then it’s fwd, next thing you know you’re driving a Malibu.
I highly doubt that all-wheel drive will be available during any part of its product cycle for either the four or the five in the top tier versions.
It’s sad that GM cannot do a complete job.
???
If I missed something here I apologize, but on the Cadillac site “Build and Price” you can spec out a CT5-V AWD right now.
But yes, when Blackwing is released, you may well be right, no AWD.
But really, nearly 700 HP/TQ is a lot to ask from a car AWD system. Even the Dodge boys took it out of the Charger. (except the V6 powered cars)
That is the 300hp V. You cannot spec the Blackwing yet
In fairness, GM did a good job on the ATS-V. It was competitive in it’s segment for a while. Biggest gripe from the motor press was why not use the LT1? If they used the right motor from the parts bin, it might have topped its class.
In the case of the CT4, you have to wonder whether there is any effort or investment to move the bar. In fact, we should be happy if they don’t tune down the engine like the 2.0L turbo.
Agreed, I love my 2016 ATS-V Coupe. Handles and flies. My complaint is why didn’t they market this car properly. It was received well by most of the Car Mags. It was much better than the M3 of that time. Refine it massage it to 500 HP as the years go on, that 3.6 was made especially for that car. Alas not to be.
Soooooo neither V-Blackwing is getting a Cadillac Specific engines that GM spent R&D on?
You just cannot make these things up. GM, please stop having the Beancounters run your Company. Wow
Cadillac supposed to offer their own tuning of the engines now. I see the HP/TQ output is higher on the CT4-V than the Siverado same as for the engine note for the 2.7 turbo model.
No. They need to offer their “Cadillac Specific” engines in their vehicles. And yes, Tuned up obviously.
Like the 3.0TT and the 4.2TT
If not, then why did they spend R&D on them?
Might as well put them in Chevy, GMC, and Buick like all other GM engines end up. That is my point.
Add a stick to the awd 2.7 V. It would be a stand-out choice among the youtube reviewers, granted with a well received interior.
General Motor new math. You have to waste money to make money. Any bean counter worth his beans should know better than that. If they are letting bean counters advocate they do stupid stuff like that they should all be fired.
What other brand uses the LF4?
Oh ok. So because they place a Turbo on a Chevy engine it is now considered a Cadillac engine? Lol
Cadillac was the first to have the 3.6 but you can call it a Chevy engine if it makes you feel better.
There is no such thing as a “caddilac engine” anymore. Ask Alex, it is a GM engine. “Caddilac only” means built by GM, used only in caddilac. Take the “Chevy” small block. Made by GM, used in all brands but buick. Not a Chevy engine!
I had an ATS 3.6 Premium and really liked it. That said the back seat was tight but only had occupants a few times. Trunk was enough for me and the wife and the folding seat helped. That said the ATS-V could have had a V8 and that was one of its critiques… gotta love how this new CT4 is essentially a re-skinned ATS and they’re not fixing that aspect. The Chinese had the ATS-L which was longer, with a bigger back seat, why was that not sold here instead of the regular ATS and why does the new vehicle not hold a V8? Can these idiots do anything right or better?
They seem to be spending more time and money on creating bogus names like “blackwing”, creating fabulous platforms “Omega” and insane motors like the hand built “Blackwing V8” only to deliver zero….
The other thing was my ATS was recalled 7X and the dealer svc was the worst… the brand needs so much I”m not sure it’ll make it. The Escalade cannot carry the brand…
Dare Greatly.
Price point should be interesting. As I have a 2016 ATS-V the difference would be a sedan and new suspension set up and probably north of $80 K . Sounds like a summer rerun. They could have tweaked it in HP to close to 500 hp. It should be a nice car though.
This car should only be available as a coupe. I’m somewhat a tall gal and the back seat of this vehicle is too small for my elegant legs.
Easily corrected with flats and surgery.
Smaller, same engine, better transmission, updated interior, Irrelevant name, mediocre styling. Still keeping my V!
I don’t get it…
Don’t get me wrong, the LF4 is a great engine. In fact, I’m still looking for a good deal on a Cadillac “Certified Used” ATS-V, but why continue using the old LF platform? “Supposedly” the current generation LG is a better, stronger engine with the timing chain issues now fixed. (So they say) So why wouldn’t they put all the go-fast bits on the LG? Heck, they could even call it the LG4. Even the 3.0TT in the CT-5 is on the LG platform. I’m really starting to fear the same fate for this generation as the last. $80k or more new, $60k or less one day used…
The LF4 has a different block and heads than the other LF engines. It has specific oil and coolant passages for the turbos. Not saying it doesn’t have the same timing chain issues. I hope it doesn’t. Only have 23,000 miles on mine.
I’m at 25,000 and I have never heard of timing issues. I would love more information on that please. Thank you.
From the LGX engine article featured here in GM Authority:
“Camshaft drive: all-new, with a simpler design featuring two chains and six sprockets vs. the previous three chains and nine sprockets, with lower chain loads, which enhances durability.”
But hey, if owners of the previous engines say keeping the oil clean and topped off prevents issues, I’m certainly not gonna disagree! Just like so many other complex machines today, they don’t tolerate neglect…
LF4’s issue has been LSPI. Cracks the ringlands in a cylinder or two and then oil begins to leak into the turbos. The result is that if left sitting, on startup there is massive smoke ouput.
It took a while for GM to even figure out the issue. They started by replacing turbos, but after repeated turbo fixes customers still had the problem. They won’t be GM customers now so I guess in a sense it’s problem solved!
@Nedrasteve
It is very simple. The Beancounters are running GM now for the last couple of years.
LFX didn’t have any timing chain issues. LLT and LY7 were the problem childs. When was that rumor started, chain design was changed with LFX including suppliers. I’ve heard nothing about LFX but plenty on LLT and LY7. LLT was continued for use in Traverse and Enclave up too 2017, but even then the supplier was changed and oil change intervals were adjusted to prevent that issue. Unless you know something I don’t!?! I currently have a 3.6 Performance at 63k not a single issue to report.
The new LG V6 is also reportedly smoother, while LF4 is reportedly quite coarse and unrefined.
Could be that the CT4 will actually get a 3.6TT V6 based on the LG and GMA simply is guessing wrong. All we can tell from spy video is that it’s a twin turbo six.
Very sad that they didn’t just drop in the LT1 like was originally planned for the ATS. It has a better powerband, lower center of gravity, and is also smoother. A small block V8 would dominate the Germans instead of trying to emulate them with a twin turbo six.
from the 2.7 turbo 4 from the silverado to this old dog of an engine with the CT4’s hideous and disproportionate looks… I guarantee you this entire line is deep sixed in a couple years. I have some hope for the CT5 though.
From this angle CT5 looks a lot like a refreshed Pontiac G6. I like it more after seeing this collection of pics.
Responded to Josso’s comment about the back seats in the ATS being cramped and he hoped there rectified this issue.
I showed the chart comparing the CT4 and the ATS and I get 3 down votes. The chart actually shows the rear seat clearance being .1 inch less.
Vcat
JANUARY 28, 2020 AT 8:00 AM
No such luck
Cadillac CT4 vs. Cadillac ATS – Interior Dimensions
Dimension Cadillac CT4 Cadillac ATS +/- Cadillac CT4
First Row Headroom (in.) 38.3 38.6 -0.3
First Row Legroom (in.) 42.4 42.5 -0.1
First Row Shoulder Room (in.) 55.2 55.2 0
First Row Hip Room (in.) 53 53 0
Second Row Headroom (in.) 36.5 36.8 -0.3
Second Row Legroom (in.) 33.4 33.5 -0.1
Second Row Shoulder Room (in.) 53.9 53.9 0
Second Row Hip Room (in.) 52.5 52.3 0.2
Cadillac CT4-V
Oh well whatever float your boat.
.
We were all offended by your typo.
My sarcasm gets down-voted all the time for some reason. Don’t take it personally.
I don’t take any of it personally. If they are like me they all have their opinion. No love lost.
Some of those style comments are tedious. The CT5, CT6, XTS and XT5 exist(ed). They never wanted an ATS/CT4, a small sports sedan.
Not saying the alphas don’t have sub-par packaging. But, it’s a dead horse, until a real generational change.
This makes no sense as Tadge Juechter said any engine bay big enough to fit a 3.6L DOHC-4v V6 was big enough for the LT4; the only reason not to use the 650 hp LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 is a Cadillac reason and not that the LT4 won’t fit.
Adaptive cruise was not available in the ATS or the V.
Aren’t these supposed to be luxury cars?
The ATS Driver Awareness Package included Adaptive Cruise Control.
So is the drivetrain 100% carryover? Anything new or exciting here like AWD? Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool that what was the ATS-V will continue to live, but hoping there’s some improvement.
GM has disappointed before.
History has taught me not to hold my breath.
Rajesh Chugh
“History has taugh me not to hold my breath”
Sounds like you threw a lot of tantrums as a child. That ended with you holding your breath until you passed out.
It’s sad that your parents never loved you enough to keep that from happening.
Hi Peter G,
My family has had GM cars my entire life.
More recently I had a CTS-V in 2012.
I then got an ATS-V in 2016.
I live in the midwest so all wheel drive is important to me. For winter I kept a second set of wheels and tires just for snow since these two cars are rear wheel drive.
No performance SUVs from GM yet because they simply don’t want to take the risk.
Still looking forward to having all wheel drive and even adaptive cruise in fine vehicles like these.
A CT5-V “plus” with 6.2 L supercharged V8 with all-wheel drive is not too much to ask.
Will GM deliver?
Probably not. They’re going to put the 4 & 5 out there, orphan them with zero marketing and kill them both in 4 years saying no one wants sedans…except no one wants THESE sedans. GM gives what it wants not what customers are desiring… that’s another reason GM is failing…
Practically speaking, the GM business will continue to focus on reaping more profits from pickup trucks and the larger SUVs. These sedans are likely on the chopping block and hanging on for dear life using existing tooling and off-the-shelf components.
But if they could just drop the LT1 in this car, it would a real 4-door Camaro at least!!
I digress…back to reality, if we get the old ATS-V back with better interior, I suppose we should be happy
GM management motto… FEAR GREATLY!
Cost Cut Greatly..
Well said Patrick!!
Right on the money xjug!
Let’s say GM starts to fail financially in the next 5-10 years.
Let’s say that they rush to market with multiple electric vehicles that somehow don’t catch fire with the public.
And then they shoot themselves in the foot they having fewer internal combustion products than the public may be looking for.
Will it be time for another Federal bailout?
Or would they be acquired by someone else?
The last time was the only time they will be bailed out. I think they feel the China market will save them. That is who they are building for as of now. The GM as anyone here over 60 yo. knew is long gone.
I keep saying this, GM went BKd with sports sedans, off-road SUVs, etc an most the current GM management still remembers the CEO had to drive from Detroit to DC for a bailout. Embarrassing, you think they want that again?.
They diversed thier portfolio in LatAm and Asia so they don’t have to rely on the US only for survival.
I want to see awesome Caddies also but GM have to be around for that to happen.
I just had a thought. So this new car is going to receive the 464hp/445tq 3.6L V6 with a 10-speed auto, which is the one GM co-developed with Ford. Seeing that this is the case and Ford has a Hybrid version of this powertrain that boosts the 3.0L V6 from 400hp/415tq to 494hp/630tq. Just using basic math, it would boost the 3.6L to 554hp/660tq. That with an AWD system, Brembo brakes and the whole nine yards would actually make it a decent car without doing too much homework. Just saying
Exactly!!!!
This is why the GM effort looks so inadequate.
They need to build it with just enough power to allow for a decent all wheel drive system and make for a superior driving experience for winter or summer.
That’s what Mercedes and BMW would do.
This will be my last Comment to this thread as I have said more than I probably should have. Pick up the latest issue or read on line of Hot Rod Magazine and the interview with Mara Berra (No relation to Yogi) you will all know what she is all about and what Car lovers like us are in for, no conception about automobiles just HOW MUCH DOES IT COST. Thanks for listening.
She is a total joke. Bureaucratic finance geek that thinks all company’s can be run from the exact same playbook. No vision, No imagination, No clue! GM is stuck in a long time slumber in a management induced coma. GM once lead from far out in front of its competitors. Where does it lead from now? Cost cutting? Outsourcing?
Theis fools have decapitated Cadillac’s car offerings by dumping both large cars at once! What now MARY, have Cadillac dealers send those buyers to all the other large prestige car makers that are keeping there large cars? Do you even know that they are keeping there large cars and not foolishly dumping them and following GM down the dark tunnel to oblivion? BOLD mary BOLD!!!!
It’s a great engine, makes tremendous power. What’s not to like?
I am so glad i am no longer a GM shareholder!!!! No confidence at all that they know where they are or where they are going………………………..
I agree
It’s totally sad
They’re stuck in neutral
Not making cars and models that people really want
Corvette can’t save them
EVs won’t save them either – because they will end up making them with lackluster performance that no one will want
Lexus engineers have been spotted testing an LC race car likely powered by the brand’s new twin-turbocharged V-8. The engine, which will likely displace 4.0 liters, is expected to replace the brand’s current 5.0-liter mill and should appear first in an LC F.
Having owned a 2019 ats v for 14,000 miles I find it amusing that someone would describe the of LF 4 as course and unrefined. You can’t even tell it’s idling it is so smooth. I’ve driven it from NY to Florida 3 times and it’s as smooth and quiet cruising at 80 mph as my 2015 Camry XLE v6. And that Lexus designed v6 is as good as a v6 gets.
The coarsness is at higher rpms. And as good as a V6 gets isn’t as good as an inline 6, which is the standard to which the ATS-V is compared.
C63 gets monster sounding V8. WHY DID THEY NOT DUMP THE **** LT2 IN?
To say that the LF 4 is coarse & unrefined is absurd. I have a 2019 ATS V and when it’s idling you can barely tell it’s running. I have 18,000 miles on it and have driven it from Florida to New York several times. Smooth and quiet cruising at 80 mph. Very similar to my 2015 Camry XLE V 6 and that is the benchmark of V 6 engines used in the Lexus ES 350 as well. Also gets 26 mpg at that speed, the Camry gets 29 or so. Not a bad trade-off for the power that you have.
It’s all relative. Compared to GM’s LTG turbo I4 the LF4 is smooth as glass, but compared to a good V8? Not so much. And compared to BMW’s S58 inline 6 twin turbo the LF4 is a coarse and unrefined turd of an engine with an oppressively low redline.
Totally disagree with Mr lithium! As I said earlier, as smooth and refined as my 2015 XLE v6 Camry, and that says all you need to know . 0-60 3.8 seconds, 12.1 in the quarter mile, 189 top speed. Brilliant steering and chassis. M3,m4,. Sorely lacking especially with their artificial feel to the steering inputs. Read any comparison and that is what you’ll see.
Forgot to add that the 6500rpm redline is hardly oppressive. That BMW inline 6 that mr lithium refers to has a 7000 rpm redline. If 6500 is oppressively low than 7000 is not much better.
Oppressive low red line . With a high red line you don’t get all your power till around a 7500 rpm red line and not much on a low end. It’s about the torque
That’s not how turbo engines work.
Just look at GM
It’s totally sad
They’re stuck in neutral
Not making cars and models that people really want
Corvette can’t save them
EVs won’t save them either – because they will end up making them with lackluster performance that no one will want
Plus given all the stuff going on with China they really need to pull out of China too
We don’t need to be funding China’s standard of living
You already said that
If I was doing these Vs I would do LT2 CT4, LT5 CT5.