The Cadillac CT6-V has had a rather wild and wooly journey to dealer lots. Following a rebranding effort in September of 2018 (the CT6-V was originally called the CT6 V-Sport), deliveries of the performance-oriented four-door luxury sled were delayed as a result of emissions issues. However, 2019 models began trickling in during Q4 of last year, while 2020 model year vehicles are hitting dealers now. To get a better understanding of the rollout, our sister publication, Cadillac Society, managed to track down Cadillac CT6-V production numbers, which we’re now reporting in the following post.
While we’ve known that the Cadillac CT6-V would be limited in terms of production numbers, Cadillac declined to outline exactly how limited that production would be. As such, we now have a clearer picture of how many units will roll off the factory floor.
That said, the information gleaned thus far has been relatively vague, with Cadillac providing only a rough approximation of Cadillac CT6-V production figures. Nevertheless, Cadillac Society also managed to obtain production figures for the CT6 Platinum 800T, which, combined with the CT6-V production figures, provides a gauge of Blackwing engine production.
For those who may be unaware, both the Cadillac CT6-V and the Cadillac CT6 Platinum are equipped with the twin-turbo 4.2L LTA V8 gas engine, otherwise known as the “Blackwing.” The Blackwing engine is only offered on the Cadillac CT6, with the CT6-V equipped with the high-output version, and the CT6 Platinum 800T equipped with the low-output version.
| Model Year | Brand | Model | Transmission | Power hp / kW @ RPM | Torque lb-ft / Nm @ RPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | Cadillac | CT6 Platinum | 10L90 | 500 / 373 @ 5000-5200 | 574 / 778 @ 2600 – 4600 |
| 2019-2020 | Cadillac | CT6-V | 10L90 | 550 / 410 @ 5700 | 640 / 867 @ 3200 – 4000 |
As for the production numbers, we’ve combined figures from the U.S. and Canada, given the CT6-V is marketed exclusively in those countries.
| 2019 MY | 2020 MY | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 825 | 575 |
| Canada | 50 | 25 |
| Total | 875 | 600 |
As we can see, approximately 1,500 units of the Cadillac CT6 will come with the Blackwing engine, which includes both the 2019 and 2020 model years. Unfortunately, the nameplate will be discontinued at the end of this month, making the twin-turbo 4.2L LTA V8 gas engine a sort of “one-and-done” affair. Rumor has it the Chevrolet Corvette C8 will use the Blackwing as the basis for a new up-level powertrain, but as of now, the engine won’t see further implementation with any other Cadillac.
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This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Comments
This is a such waste that GM doesn’t want to put that engine to other models. At least, they could put that engine in the CT5.
@OHV-V8… I agree.. but I’l add that its a waste in general to produce this car with any limits in production at all. The CT6 from V6 to V8 plus the Hybrid are exemplary cars.. and GM should be as proud of it as it is any Corvette.. and I am a lover of both. In the past I have driven and absolutely enjoyed the CT6 3.6L, CT6 3.0LTT, as well recently test driving the Platinum v8 and the VSeries (which I have on order) and let me be another one to say.. Cadillac finally has.. had.. a car that could have reclaimed its top tier status. The Platinum in particular, and outside of the performance upgrades really is the true example of this. Right on down to the upgraded interior materials shown immediately with the steering wheel hub.. which is leather like in my CTS-V (or the Escalade and ELR) versus the standard rubber material all luxo manufacturers like to use these days for some reason. (My hope is that I can buy the hub (the middle of the steering wheel that covers the airbag) separately and switch it out. Of course the ability to get Super-Cruise in the Platinum is another example of its superior luxury over the VSeries. Just to be clear though.. the VSeries’ performance upgrades are so much more attractive to me that I am willing to deal with the lack of Super-Cruise and the leather hub lol. My only gripe is that they should have been an option even in the VSeries.. even if it meant the car would go over the $110K price threshold that GM seems so cautious to cross. Perhaps its the years of hearing from its own country that its not worth of that price and the Germans are that has led them to be so afraid to simply go for it.. cause they have not only the capability to match the Germans (as evidenced by this car..) but the capability to actually surpass them on all fronts. I cannot stress enough that this car, along with my CTS-V and the current Escalade (the upcoming one is gonna blow U away) truly truly already match the supposed craftsmanship of the Europeans. Americans, ironically, since I’ve seen both Europeans and Chinese say they have too, simply do not wish to admit it. Point blank the CT6 is as good as the S-Class, let alone the 7Series and A8, which after driving those two recently as well.. I say it is better than. Where they and the S-Class actually win.. is the simple fact that the Germans allow more options.. for more money to be added.. again.. for MORE MONEY Cadillac.. when the customer wants to spend it. Its as if I were selling widgets and my $100 widget A-T6 was a good as your $100 A-550 on all fronts, but U allowed your customers to pay U an additional $10 to add extra stuff to your widget, which would only cost U $1.. but I wouldn’t allow my customers to pay me an additional $10 for stuff that, due to amortized costs because I also sell Buicks, Chevys, and GMCs (cause I’m tired of creating new names lol), only costs me $.75. Its INSANE
What was my original point again LOL.. Oh.. the CT6 production should not stop unless they are simply moving its production to a plant that is not Detroit-Ham and have to for a limited time to accommodate the changeover.. which could be.. and the CT6 returns in 2022 as a new car altogether called the Escala or something.. going in-line with Cadillac saying they are going back to names. The OMEGA and BlackWING tech simply is too great to be a one-off. If they are.. it completely contradicts GM’s supposed bean-counter ways.. it contradicts their desire to make money on every platform.. it contradicts logic in and of itself.
What a waste.
The difference between the Germans, Japanese and GM is that they carefully create a business plan and make adjustments along the way if needed. GM creates a business plan and if it’s not going the way that will return better EPS next few quarters they cancel it, effectively throwing away 100’s of millions of dollars and then blame the market. Instead of cancelling the vehicle, why not cancel the incompetent, inbred management team that lacks the courage to see an expensive project through to its full potential.
The Chinese aren’t getting any?
They kept the V-16 line going for 10 years of the Great Depression, and that had its own wheelbases and styling.
There has to be a reason for this cancellation? Does the engine have major issues?
Perhaps but it is most likely that Mary changed her mind. She’s decreed that GM’s future with be premised on her Triple Zero plan and Cadillac is to take the lead on that so there’s no room for a multi-valve V-8 in an all electric future.
Shakespeare himself couldn’t write a better tragedy. The dismal last act of Cadillac’s long story is perhaps the saddest of them all.
Unless they are successful at making the changeover.. and the world is receptive of it. In truth it was bound to happen. Despite many of us being tied to the economies of oil.. the slippery slope.. ecuse the pun.. couldn’t last.. can’t last.. shouldn’t last.. 4ever 😉
Considering GM’s track record with Cadillac over the past 10-12 years, I have my doubts.
To go thru all the engineering costs, to develop and build this engine for a tiny amount of builds is a totally waste of shareholder’s money. Now we can see why GM does not earn a lot of money.
Sad part is that management at GM has been doing this for the past 35 years, but there is no accountability when these things fail.
I just think there is something bigger at play here (I drive a 2019 3.0TT CT6 Sport and love it)- if they need to move production out of D-Hamm to make room for the new electric stuff, I get it, but that leaves a pretty big short-term hole in the lineup- Cadillac without a large sedan? Got to wonder if they don’t import it from China for the next couple years and then gear up for the larger, fancier Escala (electric?) but are holding off on that announcement for fear of a barrage of Trump tweets.
I completely agree with MiatsoCi, “The OMEGA and BlackWING tech simply is too great to be a one-off. If they are.. it completely contradicts GM’s supposed bean-counter ways.. it contradicts their desire to make money on every platform.. it contradicts logic in and of itself.”
sdfullofit,
If you’re so F*&?%$?g smart why don’t don’t you apply for a job at GM?
The CT6 doesn’t sell and isn’t profitable. Money must be allocated to electric cars. Bet you haven’t noticed that Tesla is worth double in market cap than GM and Triple Ford…?
Thanks Bill- good idea, I’ll apply today!
And yes, I am aware of Tesla’s market cap.
This article states that “the nameplate will be discontinued at the end of this month” but the article those words link to says “It is currently not clear if it plans to build the full-size luxury sedan at another one of its plants, or it will replace it with a different product sometime in the future.”
So… which is it? Is GM going to cancel domestic sales of the CT6? Or just domestic production? Or has that not yet been made clear?
IMHO…Cadillac is really coming across as way more “confused” than Tesla.
Issues of the CT6’s mortality, indecision on where the Blackwing engine will be used, the death of the “V” Brand (“Wait…no, it’s not dead yet – aka the Monty Python pet shop skirt – Well, maybe….We’ll let you know”.) and the apparent emergence of the XT6-inspired Escalade…to name a few.