Photo: Cadillac
Back in March 2018, Cadillac unveiled the CT6 V-Sport along with the 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 that heralds a different approach to performance for the luxury automaker. Little did we know back then, but the CT6 V-Sport also spells the end for the CTS-V mid-size sedan and ATS-V compact executive sedan (and coupe).
Confirmed by Cadillac to The Detroit News, the two models are on their way out for all the right reasons. First and foremost, the CT5 will replace the CTS at the end of 2018 for the 2019 model year, after which Cadillac will take the veils off a compact executive sedan going by the name of CT4. Or CT3, whichever source you decide to take at face value for the time being.
“As a result of the overwhelming response the CT6 V-Sport received when revealed in early 2018, we’ve decided to formally make it a V-Series, signaling the expansion of V-Series,” declared Mark Reuss, product development chief at General Motors. The thing is, isn’t this decision somewhat of a disappointment?
550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet (850 Nm) of torque aren’t bad at all for a full-size luxury sedan, but on the other hand, the CTS-V relies on the small-block V8 from the Corvette Z06 and Camaro ZL1, developing 650 horsepower and 630 pound-feet (854 Nm) on full throttle.
Even though Cadillac won’t comment on the subject for the time being, the GF18 in the CT6 V-Sport is a clean-sheet design that hasn’t unveiled its maximum potential. An increase in boost, intake-charged air volume, more aggressive exhaust system, or larger hot-V turbochargers could bring this fellow to 650 horsepower and beyond, depending on how much General Motors is willing to sacrifice reliability.
The GF18 is hand-built at the Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “Wait, isn’t Bowling Green the place where Chevrolet manufactures the Corvette?” It certainly is, and as you all know, the mid-engine Corvette coming next year will go turbo too.
Turning our attention back to Cadillac, the V-Sport family will welcome the CT4 and CT5 at the appropriate time. The next generation of the Escalade will also feature the GF18 twin-turbo V8 engine, along with independent suspension at the rear axle.
“As a result of the overwhelming response the CT6 V-Sport received when revealed in early 2018, we’ve decided to formally make it a V-Series, signaling the expansion of V-Series,” declared Mark Reuss, product development chief at General Motors. The thing is, isn’t this decision somewhat of a disappointment?
550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet (850 Nm) of torque aren’t bad at all for a full-size luxury sedan, but on the other hand, the CTS-V relies on the small-block V8 from the Corvette Z06 and Camaro ZL1, developing 650 horsepower and 630 pound-feet (854 Nm) on full throttle.
Even though Cadillac won’t comment on the subject for the time being, the GF18 in the CT6 V-Sport is a clean-sheet design that hasn’t unveiled its maximum potential. An increase in boost, intake-charged air volume, more aggressive exhaust system, or larger hot-V turbochargers could bring this fellow to 650 horsepower and beyond, depending on how much General Motors is willing to sacrifice reliability.
The GF18 is hand-built at the Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. “Wait, isn’t Bowling Green the place where Chevrolet manufactures the Corvette?” It certainly is, and as you all know, the mid-engine Corvette coming next year will go turbo too.
Turning our attention back to Cadillac, the V-Sport family will welcome the CT4 and CT5 at the appropriate time. The next generation of the Escalade will also feature the GF18 twin-turbo V8 engine, along with independent suspension at the rear axle.
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