Photo: Cadillac
Even if Cadillac is busy with the imminent launch of the CT5 mid-size sedan and XT6 mid-size crossover, the crown jewel of General Motors didn’t forget about its sporting heritage. And with the arrival of the CT6 V-Sport, a new chapter unfolds, one that relies on forced induction and boost pressure.
Initially believed to bear the name LT7, the 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 in the full-size luxury sedan is called GF18. But for the general public, Cadillac refers to the eight-cylinder engine as the Blackwing. In an e-mailed statement to Roadshow, the automaker announced the name of the V8 and “a class-leading 627 pound-feet of torque.”
The closest eight-cylinder competitor that we can think of is the Mercedes-AMG S63, which uses the wet-sump version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that debuted in the GT line of coupes and roadsters. And if you were wondering, the M177 is torquier thanks to 664 pound-feet at 2,750 rpm.
We’re still scratching our heads, trying to understand what Cadillac is trying to imply with the “class-leading” swagger. Even in the American full-size sedan segment, the Charger SRT Hellcat dishes out 650 pound-feet. On the other hand, no American automaker has a twin-turbocharged engine in this segment.
Turning our attention back to the Blackwing, the hot-V configuration promises minimal turbo lag and reduced packaging compared to the conventional layout of a twin-turbocharged engine. Technologies also include electronic wastegate control, twin throttle bodies, dual-independent camshaft phasing, variable-pressure oiling system, Active Fuel Management, and stop/start.
Assembled by hand at the Performance Build Center in the Corvette’s stomping ground of Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Blackwing is also described as a “Cadillac-exclusive engine.” Knowing General Motors, that won’t be the case in the long run, not when Chevrolet is out and about, testing the C8 Corvette.
Instead of an ending note, here’s a question for you. If it were your money, would you spend them on the Cadillac CTS-V (650 horsepower) or the CT6 V-Sport (550 horsepower)? As far as aural pleasure is concerned, we’d go for the small-block engine in the CTS-V every single time.
The closest eight-cylinder competitor that we can think of is the Mercedes-AMG S63, which uses the wet-sump version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that debuted in the GT line of coupes and roadsters. And if you were wondering, the M177 is torquier thanks to 664 pound-feet at 2,750 rpm.
We’re still scratching our heads, trying to understand what Cadillac is trying to imply with the “class-leading” swagger. Even in the American full-size sedan segment, the Charger SRT Hellcat dishes out 650 pound-feet. On the other hand, no American automaker has a twin-turbocharged engine in this segment.
Turning our attention back to the Blackwing, the hot-V configuration promises minimal turbo lag and reduced packaging compared to the conventional layout of a twin-turbocharged engine. Technologies also include electronic wastegate control, twin throttle bodies, dual-independent camshaft phasing, variable-pressure oiling system, Active Fuel Management, and stop/start.
Assembled by hand at the Performance Build Center in the Corvette’s stomping ground of Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Blackwing is also described as a “Cadillac-exclusive engine.” Knowing General Motors, that won’t be the case in the long run, not when Chevrolet is out and about, testing the C8 Corvette.
Instead of an ending note, here’s a question for you. If it were your money, would you spend them on the Cadillac CTS-V (650 horsepower) or the CT6 V-Sport (550 horsepower)? As far as aural pleasure is concerned, we’d go for the small-block engine in the CTS-V every single time.
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