A year ago, Cadillac said it was moving to a new naming convention that utilized engine torque ratings as a means of identifying particular model variants. Now, all new Cadillac models have adopted that new naming convention.
Previously, the various Cadillac model variants were identified via engine displacement numbers – for example, 3.6, 2.0T, or 3.0TT, with the “T” and “TT” denoting aspiration type (turbocharged and twin-turbocharged, respectively). By comparison, the new naming convention uses the torque rating, as measured in newton-meters and rounded to the nearest 50. The “T” for turbocharging designation is still used where applicable (for example, 350T).
To note, all 2020 model year Cadillac models use this new naming convention, with the exception of the hot-to-trot V-Series models, which instead rock a V-Series badge.
The new badging is located on the rear of each Cadillac model, either on the trunk lid or liftgate, depending on the body style. The badges include designations such as 400, 600, 350T, 450T, 550T, 800T and even 600D. The “T” denotes turbocharging, while “D” denotes a diesel engine.
Check out the complete Cadillac model range in the table below:
| Model | Engine | Power (hp / kW @ RPM) | Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM) | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT4 | 2.0L Turbo I4 LSY | 237 / 177 @ 5000 | 258 / 350 Nm @ 1500-4000 | 350T |
| CT4 | 2.7L Turbo I4 L3B | 309 / 231 @ 5600 | 348 / 472 @ 1800 | 450T |
| CT4-V | 2.7L Turbo I4 L3B | 325 / 242 @ 5600 | 380 / 515 @ 1800 | V |
| CT5 | 2.0L Turbo I4 LSY | 237 / 177 @ 5000 | 258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 | 350T |
| CT5 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 LGY | 335 / 250 @ 5600 | 400 / 542 @ 2400-4400 | 550T |
| CT5-V | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 LGY | 360 / 265 @ 5600 | 405 / 550 @ 2350-4000 | V |
| CT6* | 3.6L V6 LGX | 335 / 250 @ 6800 | 284 / 385 @ 5300 | 400 |
| CT6* | 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8 LTA | 500 / 373 @ 5000 | 574 / 778 @ 3400 | 800T |
| CT6-V | 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8 LTA | 550 / 410 @ 5000 | 640 / 867 @ 3400 | V |
| XT4 | 2.0L Turbo I4 LSY | 237 / 177 @ 5000 | 258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 | 350T |
| XT5 | 2.0L Turbo I4 LSY | 237 / 177 @ 5000 | 258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 | 350T |
| XT5 | 3.6L V6 LGX | 310 / 231 @ 6600 | 271 / 367 @ 5000 | 400 |
| XT6 (China) | 2.0L Turbo I4 LSY | 237 / 177 @ 5000 | 258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 | 350T |
| XT6 (North America) | 3.6L V6 LGX | 310 / 231 @ 6600 | 271 / 367 @ 5000 | 400 |
| Escalade Gasoline | 6.2L V8 L87 | 420 / 313 @ 5600 | 460 / 623 @ 4100 | 600 |
| Escalade Diesel | 3.0L Turbo I6 LM2 | 277 / 207 @ 3750 | 460 / 623 @ 1500 | 600D |
Critically, the new naming convention will ease Cadillac’s transition to all-electric powertrains, given torque ratings can be applied to both electric motors and internal combustion engines. According to a recent report from our sister publication, Cadillac Society, the forthcoming EV Cadillac models will use the newton-meter torque rating, plus a letter with regard to badging. The purpose of the letter is currently unclear.
As a reminder, Cadillac debuted two new all-electric vehicle concepts last week, including the Lyriq crossover, and the Celestiq flagship sedan. Stay tuned, as we have more info on these two EVs coming down the pipe, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
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View Comments
How about NAMES? What’s wrong with NAMES?
They are starting to give the vehicles names.
Unless you're suggesting they name the engines too?
Cadillac stretches the truth as the XT6 has a 400 badge which gives the impression that the engine generates 400 lbs-ft of torque when in fact, the 3.6L V6 generates far fewer that 400; Cadillac should be truthful with the true lbs-ft of torque it generates or move to a more powerful engine.
Its Newton-meters; not lb-ft. I'm glad GM is full of engineers and not all the salty, ignorant trolls from GMA.
Amen.
This won't be confusing at all....
I also think it is funny that the only one they round down on is the LS/LT engine. NO ONE in the car buying public uses newton meters as a torque measurement and most non-enthusiasts don't even know what it means. At least they aren't multiplying it by the final drive to create even more non-realistic numbers like they are doing on the Hummer truck.
Are they switching to KW instead of horsepower as well? My new CT4 only makes 177 (but lets round up to 200) KW but it is a 350T.... and the T drops on anything with a 3.6. WHY? If you get the base engine does it mean you have low-T?
Why not use zero to 60 times? More customers relate to that rather than torque.
What is even stranger is some have the T and some don't.
Non Cadillac people are going to think that Cadillac has a 3.5 Turbo, 400 cubic inch engine, etc.
Since a V doesn't advertise it's power, the rest should just say 2.0T, 3.0T, etc and let the V be mysterious.
350T
350 = Torque Number in newton meters (euro manufacturer are also using this, see Koenigsegg Jesko, 1600Hp with 1600NM)
T = represent turbo engine.
There's not any atmospheric engine that have a T badge.
I still have to explain to people that the 4 on the back of my old SRX stands for all wheel drive and not 4 cylinder. Now I will have to explain that it doesn't mean it only has 4 NM of torque! Waste of money for the emblem as most people will not have a clue as to what it actually means.
@commonsense: Actually, I am quite easy to work with because I am fully up-front with my terms. It's my money and I decide on how I spend it or where. Simple. I'm certain there are many more out there in the same place I am rather than where you are. Apparently, you like dealer plates and tags on the back of your vehicles? And attitude? You are so funny.