Photo: Cadillac
DOHC valvetrain technology, two turbochargers, eight cylinders. The Blackwing V8 – also known as LTA – is an interesting piece of engineering for General Motors, a Cadillac-exclusive engine that’s currently employed by two versions of the CT6 full-size luxury sedan.
Everyone was looking forward to the all-new Escalade receiving this powerplant, but Cadillac apparently said no. The hotter iteration of the CT5-V luxury mid-size sedan won’t receive it either, and that’s worrying in these segments if you take a look at the competition.
“A highly placed source at GM” spilled the beans to MotorTrend, which means that the Escalade will soldier on with the small-block V8 while the CT5-V will stay put with six cylinders arranged in a V. Why isn’t the latter model getting the Blackwing V8 engine, you’re wondering? MotorTrend reports “that isn’t happening due to cost-cutting at Cadillac.”
The most aggravating thing about the crown jewel of General Motors is that both the CT5 and XT6 luxury mid-size crossover “were originally intended to be built on the CT6’s Omega rear-wheel-drive platform.” Given that Cadillac developed the Blackwing for the CT6, it would’ve been pretty straightforward to install the twin-turbo V8 in the CT5 as well as the XT6.
On the upside, the Escalade will get independent rear suspension along with full-sized siblings Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL. The pushrod V8 develops 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet in the current generation of the Escalade while the LT2 engine in the C8 Corvette Stingray Z51 levels up to 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet.
Turning our attention back to the CT5-V, the higher-performing version could borrow the LT1 from the Camaro SS with ease. The platform on which the Caddy rides upon is an evolution of the Alpha in the ‘Maro, hence the sufficient space in the engine bay of the CT5-V. From 6.2 liters of displacement, the SS cranks out 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet.
“So you’re telling me this is what Cadillac plans to throw at the E 63 S 4Matic+ from Mercedes-AMG and M5 Competition from the BMW M division?" Unfortunately so, dear reader, and we’re not happy either.
“A highly placed source at GM” spilled the beans to MotorTrend, which means that the Escalade will soldier on with the small-block V8 while the CT5-V will stay put with six cylinders arranged in a V. Why isn’t the latter model getting the Blackwing V8 engine, you’re wondering? MotorTrend reports “that isn’t happening due to cost-cutting at Cadillac.”
The most aggravating thing about the crown jewel of General Motors is that both the CT5 and XT6 luxury mid-size crossover “were originally intended to be built on the CT6’s Omega rear-wheel-drive platform.” Given that Cadillac developed the Blackwing for the CT6, it would’ve been pretty straightforward to install the twin-turbo V8 in the CT5 as well as the XT6.
On the upside, the Escalade will get independent rear suspension along with full-sized siblings Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL. The pushrod V8 develops 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet in the current generation of the Escalade while the LT2 engine in the C8 Corvette Stingray Z51 levels up to 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet.
Turning our attention back to the CT5-V, the higher-performing version could borrow the LT1 from the Camaro SS with ease. The platform on which the Caddy rides upon is an evolution of the Alpha in the ‘Maro, hence the sufficient space in the engine bay of the CT5-V. From 6.2 liters of displacement, the SS cranks out 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet.
“So you’re telling me this is what Cadillac plans to throw at the E 63 S 4Matic+ from Mercedes-AMG and M5 Competition from the BMW M division?" Unfortunately so, dear reader, and we’re not happy either.
Google News