The Cadillac CT4-V first hit the scene for the 2020 model year, bringing an even-greater focus on performance for the luxury four-door nameplate. Now, it looks as though the upcoming 2024 Cadillac CT4-V will introduce a model refresh, which begs the question – can we expect more power from the CT4-V’s turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine?
At this point, GM has yet to release anything official that this will indeed be the case. Nevertheless, there are a few interesting things to consider that may support the idea.
GM’s pickup truck lineup certainly provides some good food for thought. For those readers who may be unaware, the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 also offer the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine, with both models introducing significant torque boosts following the debut of the fully refreshed 2022.5 model years. Prior to the refresh (2019 through 2022 model years), Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models equipped with the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine were rated at 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet torque. After the refresh (2022.5 model year to present), torque was increased to 430 pound-feet for both models.
GM’s midsize pickups are also worth mentioning. The 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon both cradle the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine as well, and both are rated at a maximum of 430 pound-feet of torque.
Which brings us to the Cadillac CT4-V, which is available exclusively with the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine. Output ratings, however, are set at 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, falling well short of the 430 pound-feet maximum on offer by GM’s turbocharged four-cylinder pickups. That said, the comparison isn’t exactly apples to apples, as the transmissions on offer differ significantly across all models mentioned and may affect what is possible with engine output. Still, the different torque figures in play are worth considering all the same.
| 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4-V | 2019-2022 Silverado 1500 | 2019-2022 Sierra 1500 | 2022.5 – Present Silverado 1500 | 2022.5 – Present Sierra 1500 | 2023 – Present Colorado | 2023 – Present Canyon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 325 | 310 | 310 | 310 | 310 | 310 | 310 |
| Torque | 380 | 348 | 348 | 430 | 430 | 391 or 430 | 430 |
| Fuel type | Premium required | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular |
| Transmission | 10-speed auto | 8-speed auto (Gen 1) | 8-speed auto (Gen 1) | 8-speed auto (Gen 1) | 8-speed auto (Gen 1) | 8-speed auto (Gen 2) | 8-speed auto (Gen 2) |
All told, the fact that GM’s turbocharged four-cylinder pickup trucks produce an extra 50 pound-feet of torque over the Cadillac CT4-V is pretty interesting. Add in the fact that the trucks produce these figures while running Regular gasoline, and one can’t help but wonder what would happen if the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B engine were configured to run on Premium gasoline, as is currently required by the Cadillac CT4-V.
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Comments
This article should have included the CT5-V because with a bump for the 2.7 the 3.0 will need one as well.
I doubt power numbers will change. GM would have to use the newer engine in the Cadillacs and if that cost them $7 they wouldn’t do it. No problems with the slowest in segment Cadillac V even if the parts delivery Silverado engine has a more powerful version running on cheap gas.
Would require a new turbo design. Current LB3 truck engine wheezes out past 4000 rpm as the turbo is designed and optimized for low RPM torque, not high RPM performance needed in a track car. The caddy increased the power slightly by better exhaust flow.
The increase to the truck torque was taking advantage of torque that was already there, but needed durability testing. Also, where they increased the block strength to handle the extra torque, the older lighter block would probably be better in a track car.
At this point, the 2.7 should just replace all gm six cylinders that aren’t turbocharged. As close at it is to the 3.0, they could even replace the twin turbo 3.0 with it. I question why the CT5-V didn’t get the engine from the CT4-V Blackwing.
I wonder why the 325HP engine in the Cadillac has to have the expensive premium petrol when it only has 15HP more than the engine in the pickup. Even the torque is much lower and therefore the load on the engine as a car and not a pickup! The 315HP engine with big torque in the pickup is actually more heavily loaded and should therefore require the more expensive super fuel.
Or is it all just funny software programming so that the Cadillac just needs super petrol – just premium?
Cooling. The pickups have bigger grilles and better cooling. Bigger charge air cooler means cooler cylinder air, and bigger radiator means lower cylinder block temperatures in limiting conditions. Effect is less tendency for detonation, which allows lower octane fuel.
The HP and Torque ratings between the engines may be taken at different RPMs which would explain some of the variances. The high torque may be with higher pump psi and fuel used. The ideal would be 430 lbs. torque at 1500-4000 RPM and 325HP at 5-6k RPM in the Cad or something on that order. If the high torque comes on too fast the acceleration control can be messy, i.e. pop necks and irritate passengers if not controlled. I am speaking with experience with my
V-Sport and a very irritated and/or scarred wife from time to time when my right foot cannot control itself.
The V used to represent a track ready vehicle. Better off buying a 2019 ATS-V. This platform is not nearly nice enough to carry the V badge.
Unleash the 2.7L from the constraints imposed by the automatic. Provide enthusiasts a 6 speed manual option, while at it support a crate engine program, and enjoy the sales boom.