It will be available for you to test drive next spring, when it goes on sale.
Now that Cadillac confirmed the V-Sport, which we saw earlier in the year, will be joining the performance sub-brand as an official V model, let us take a minute to get to know it better. It’s worth taking a look at the 4.2-liter twin-turbo engine V8 that Cadillac calls Blackwing. We don’t know why, but it is a cool name.
This engine is completely new and significantly improves the CT6 performance category. The standard sedan produces 404 horsepower (301 megawatts) from a 3.0-liter twin turbo V6 engine. The Blackwing all-aluminum engine increases that output to 550 HP (410 kW) & 627 lb-ft (850 Newton-meters).
The company calls it a hot V design. Exhaust manifolds are placed in the valley between two cylinder banks, instead of exiting from the outside. Cadillac claims that the twin-scroll turbochargers, which are integrated into the manifolds at top of the engine create a compact DOHC powerplant with less turbo lag. These turbos can provide up to 20 pounds of boost at full speed.
Jordan Lee, Cadillac’s chief engineer on the Blackwing, stated that “designing an all-new engine was a great way to achieve performance goals for CT6 V-Sport.” It builds upon Cadillac’s turbocharging expertise and introduces innovative features that provide exceptional performance and refinement.
It is possible to talk about this engine and not mention the possibility that it might also be found in the new Corvette mid-engine Corvette. Although there are several engines that could be included in the highly anticipated Chevrolet supercar’s options list, it’s clear that the Blackwing’s clever packaging could prove to be a space-saver for a mid-engined vehicle. We’ll have to wait to see if this engine is added to the Corvette or used as a basis for something else.
The CT6-V also has upgrades. The all-wheel drive system gets a trick limited slip differential, which makes it a little more dynamic. There are also tweaks to magnetic ride control suspension and upgraded Brembo brakes that help to channel all that power. The automaker’s 10-speed automatic transmission will be used.
Cadillac should have the CT6V available for customers next spring. The CTSV, ATSV will be available until the 2019 model year as they are phased out.