Cadillac unveiled the 2019 CT6 V-Sport, the first-ever V-Performance model of its top-of-range sedan. The introduction of the high-performance variant coincides with a makeover of the entire CT6 lineup that incorporates the newest iteration of Cadillac's design language featured on the Escala Concept. The Cadillac V-Sport portfolio currently includes the CTS V-Sport and the XTS V-Sport.

"Cadillac V-Sport is the embodiment of our passion to deliver an exhilarating driving experience without compromises," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. "The all-new CT6 V-Sport provides the perfect balance of performance and luxurious refinement."

The Cadillac CT6 V-Sport boasts an all-new Cadillac 4.2L Twin Turbo V-8 estimated at 550 horsepower (410 kW) and stunning 627 lb-ft of torque (850 Nm) that elevates the CT6's performance to a new plateau and offers drivers an unparalleled experience behind the wheel. The engine is a clean-sheet design and introduces unique design elements developed to balance performance and efficiency with compact, mass-efficient packaging.

At the center of the Cadillac Twin Turbo V8 is a "hot V" configuration that transposes the conventional layout of the cylinder heads' intake and exhaust systems to mount the turbochargers at the top of the engine - in the valley between the heads - to virtually eliminate turbo lag and reduce the engine's overall packaging size.

"With the introduction of the all-new CT6 V-Sport, Cadillac begins a new chapter in its performance legacy with the introduction of the brand's first-ever twin-turbo V-8 engine," added de Nysschen. "It is the centerpiece of the new CT6 V-Sport, an engaging sport sedan infused with DNA of Cadillac's world-renowned and championship-winning motorsports program."


The new Cadillac Twin Turbo V-8 is matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its broad, 7.39 overall gear ratio spread enhances off-the-line performance and contributes to reduced engine speed on the highway for refinement and efficiency. Narrow steps between the gear ratios also help the engine maintain the optimal speed for maximum power at almost all vehicle speeds.

OPTIMIZED FOR PERFORMANCE
The first-ever Cadillac CT6 V-Sport includes a bold, dark front with a large V-inspired mesh grille and new horizontal LED headlamps with strong vertical signatures, making it distinctly Cadillac. Lower aero components and Gloss Black side window surround trim provide the performance sport sedan's chiseled exterior with a dark and distinguished look. New, unique 20-inch V-Sport wheels with summer-only tires, lower aero components and spoiler further express the sedan's performance capabilities.

• New, summer-only performance tires developed exclusively for Cadillac V-Sport are tuned to deliver crisp response and track capable performance while retaining isolation and comfort.
• Mechanical limited-slip rear differential increases traction at the limit and provides more predictable performance during spirited and track driving.
• V-Sport specific suspension tuning for improved roll control, cornering capability and steering response.
• A new 19-inch Brembo brake system developed specifically for the CT6 high-performance application.
  • Brembo monoblock, fixed-opposed, four-piston
  • Equipped with performance linings and air deflectors that direct air to cool the brakes during sporty, aggressive driving
• Modified steering and Magnetic Ride Control damper calibrations
• Exhaust system with active valves offering reduced back pressure and more sound character
  • Tuned for V-Sport model, with a performance oriented exhaust note

TRACK MODE, OPTIMIZED FOR PERFORMANCE

• Maximized Magnetic Ride Control damper control
• Re-mapped steering efforts for sportier, dynamic feedback
• Track-tuned Active Rear Steer
• Revised AWD torque split
• Unique, track-focused stability controls
• Track focused active exhaust valve calibration

"The CT6 V-Sport was developed for driving enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds: a high-performance sports sedan and a luxury car with all the comforts and technology that come with it," said Lyndon Lie, CT6 chief engineer. "With its lightweight architecture, an all-new Cadillac Twin Turbo V-8 coupled with the tightened suspension and revised AWD torque split, we've enhanced the CT6 to be well-balanced and capable of all conditions."

REFRESHED CT6 LINEUP
CT6 retains a dominant vertical light signature and adds horizontal elements to give the front end a more aggressive appearance. That inspiration continues to the back with the new rear lighting graphic, which is most visible at night.

"The V-Sport gave us the opportunity to accentuate the aggressive dynamics of the architecture," said Andrew Smith, executive director of Cadillac Design. "The CT6 is the first entry that incorporates cues for the new Sport and V-Sport model strategy, which allowed us to make the car look as powerful as it drives."

In addition to the introduction of the Cadillac CT6 V-Sport, the 2019 CT6 lineup incorporates Cadillac's new "Y" trim strategy for its models - each model will have Luxury and Sport trims with distinct personas and features. On non-V-Sport CT6 models, new horizontal high-lumen headlights and a revised taillight design refresh Cadillac's signature lighting, inspired by the Escala Concept.

INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Led by the latest Cadillac user experience - the brand's most advanced infotainment interface - the CT6 offers a connected environment.

The Cadillac user experience is a dynamic platform that offers a smartphone-like experience with an intuitive interface, faster response and improved voice recognition from previous generations. The system can be updated over time to meet a customer's evolving connectivity needs. It leverages the cloud and available embedded 4G LTE connection to enable personalization, available connected navigation and news, marketplace and entertainment applications via the app store and a new rotary controller that offers users alternative ways to interact with the system.

The new controller includes volume and seek forward/back controls for the audio system; shortcut buttons for fast access to the most frequently used apps such as Audio, Phone, Navigation (if available) and Home; and a large center dial to operate primary features of the most frequently used apps, scroll menus and lists and select other apps to be displayed.

Additional CT6 technologies include:

• Super Cruise, the first truly hands-free driver assistance feature for the freeway, is available (non- V-Sport only).
• The 10-inch diagonal Cadillac user experience interface screen has 1080p HD resolution.
• Next-generation, 5-watt wireless charging with larger charge area for better phone compatibility.
• Available Cloud-connected navigation provides real-time traffic and routing.
• Rear-seat Infotainment has media input through USB, HDMI or Wi-Fi connection to a phone.
• The second-generation Rear Camera Mirror has a new frameless design and zoom and tilt features.
• The full suite of available active safety features includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward/Reverse Automatic Braking, and Safety Alert Seat
• Available Surround Vision provides a 360-degree camera view around the vehicle, displayed on the Cadillac user experience screen, helping the driver avoid nearby objects during low-speed maneuvering
• Available industry-first Surround Vision Recorder video recording system can record front and rear views while driving, and 360 degrees of recording if the vehicle's security system is activated.
• Night Vision helps identify people and large animals via heat signatures on a display in the driver information center.
• Available Automatic Parking Assist with Braking steers the vehicle and applies the brakes at idle speed to help park in parallel or perpendicular spaces while the driver follows text commands, selects gear, and overrides braking and acceleration as needed.
• Available Front Pedestrian Braking provides pedestrian detection indications, alerts and automatic braking to help avoid collisions or reduce the harm caused by one.
• New available Rear Pedestrian Detection alerts the driver, when in Reverse, of an imminent collision with a pedestrian by providing visual notification on rear view camera display.

Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver's responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle's owner's manual for more important feature limitations and information.

Cadillac's First-Ever Twin-Turbo V-8 Engine
Cadillac begins a new chapter in its high-performance legacy with the introduction of the brand's first-ever twin-turbo V-8 engine. It is the centerpiece of the 2019 CT6 V-Sport, an engaging sports sedan infused with DNA of Cadillac's world-renowned motorsports program.

Developed as a small-displacement V-8 in the classic vein and offering exceptional power density of 131 hp (98 kW) per liter, this new Cadillac-exclusive 4.2L Twin Turbo V-8 - GM estimated at 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 627 lb-ft of torque (850 Nm) - elevates the CT6's performance to a new plateau and offers drivers an unparalleled experience behind the wheel. An optional 500-horsepower version will also be available.

"Cadillac's performance technology reaches new heights with the new and exclusive 4.2L Twin Turbo V-8," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. "The engineering prowess embodies the very spirt of Cadillac performance on and off the racetrack."

The new Cadillac Twin Turbo V-8 is a clean-sheet design that also introduces unique design elements developed to balance performance and efficiency with compact, mass-efficient packaging.

"Designing an all-new engine was the best way to achieve the performance goals for the CT6 V-Sport," said Jordan Lee, 4.2L TT V-8 chief engineer. "It builds on Cadillac's well-established turbocharging know-how and forges new ground with innovative features that deliver exceptional performance and refinement."

At the center of the 4.2L Twin Turbo V-8 is a "hot V" configuration that transposes the conventional layout of the cylinder heads' intake and exhaust systems to mount the turbochargers at the top of the engine - in the valley between the heads - to virtually eliminate turbo lag and reduce the engine's overall packaging size.

In a conventional turbocharged engine, the cylinder heads receive the pressurized air charge through ports at the top of the engine and the exhaust exits through ports on the lower outside of the heads into manifolds connected to the turbochargers.

With Cadillac's innovative hot V design, the intake-charged air enters through the lower outside of the heads and exits through the top inside - where the turbochargers are integrated with the exhaust manifolds - for quick spool-up that translates into more immediate power delivery. The design also allows closer mounting of the catalytic converters, for efficient packaging.

Additional engine highlights:

• Twin-scroll turbochargers
• Electronic wastegate control
• Twin water-to-air charge coolers
• Twin throttle bodies
• Direct injection
• Dual-independent camshaft phasing
• Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation)
• Variable-pressure oiling system
• Stop/start technology

Each engine will be hand-built at the Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

SMALL DISPLACEMENT, LARGE EFFECT
The new Cadillac Twin Turbo V-8's foundation is an all-new, durable and lightweight aluminum cylinder block that houses an equally robust, lightweight rotating assembly composed of a forged steel crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods and high-strength aluminum pistons.

The crankshaft's 90.2mm (3.55 inch) stroke complements the cylinder bores' 86mm (3.39 inch) diameter to give the engine its 4.2L (255 cubic-inch) displacement.

Its comparatively small bore dimension enables the reduction in the size and weight of the pistons, optimizing the engine's geometry to match the fast-rev capability permitted by the engine's low-inertia, twin-scroll turbochargers. The result is exceptional responsiveness and immediacy of power across the rpm band.

The turbochargers produce up to 20 pounds of boost (1.38 bar) and are matched with electronic wastegate control for more precise boost management and more responsive torque production. In fact, 90 percent of the engine's peak torque is available at only 2000 rpm, and it is carried through 5200 rpm for a confident, virtually bottomless power reserve.

TWIN-SCROLL TURBOCHARGERS
The turbos' twin-scroll design broadens their performance capability, offering quicker response and greater efficiency. Rather than a single spiral chamber (scroll) feeding exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold to drive the turbine on each turbocharger, the twin-scroll design has a divided housing with two exhaust gas inlets and two nozzles to drive the turbine. Generally, one of the nozzles contributes to quicker response and boost production, while the other contributes to overall peak performance.

Each of the engine's integrated exhaust manifolds/turbocharger housings splits the exhaust channels from the cylinder head so the exhaust flows through separate scrolls based on the engine's exhaust pulses. When matched with precise valve timing, that separation leverages exhaust-scavenging techniques to optimize gas flow, improves turbine efficiency and reduces turbo lag.

The electronically controlled wastegates - one per turbocharger - are used for more precise management of the engine's boost pressure and subsequent torque response for smoother, more consistent performance. They are independently controlled on each cylinder bank to balance the turbo compressors' output, for greater boost pressure response.

WATER-TO-AIR CHARGE COOLING AND DUAL THROTTLE BODIES
An efficient water-to-air charge-cooling system contributes to the engine's performance, enhancing the turbochargers' effectiveness. Similar in concept to an engine's radiator, the system's intercoolers cool the boosted air charge before it enters the cylinders. Cooler air is denser, which means there is more oxygen in a given volume, resulting in optimal combustion and more power.

The system features a pair of heat exchangers located above the valley-mounted exhaust manifold/turbocharger housings. The turbos pump pressurized air directly through the heat exchangers and into the cylinder heads. The heat exchangers are cooled by their own coolant circuit.

The intercoolers lower the air charge temperature by more than 130 degrees F (74 C), packing the combustion chambers with cooler, denser air. Also, the system achieves more than 80 percent cooling efficiency with only about 1 psi (7 kPa) flow restriction at peak power, which contributes to fast torque production.

Before entering the combustion chambers, the cooled air charge flows through a pair of throttle bodies, one for each engine bank. Each electronically controlled throttle body has a 59mm diameter opening.

NEW 10-SPEED TRANSMISSION
The new Cadillac Twin Turbo V-8 is matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its wide, 7.39 overall gear ratio spread enhances off-the-line performance and contributes to reduced engine speed on the highway, which enhances refinement and efficiency. Smaller steps between the gears also help the engine maintain the optimal speed for maximum power at almost all vehicle speeds.

ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGIES
Direct fuel injection is used to optimize efficiency and performance. With direct injection, a higher compression ratio - 9.8:1 - is possible because of a cooling effect as the injected fuel vaporizes in the combustion chamber, reducing the charge temperature to lessen the likelihood of spark knock. A pair of engine-mounted, camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pumps supplies fuel to the specialized injectors at 5,075 psi (350 bar), with each pump supplying fuel to one bank of the engine.

Active Fuel Management (AFM), also known as cylinder deactivation, imperceptibly shuts down half of the engine's cylinders in certain light-load driving conditions to enhance fuel economy. Unique deactivating rocker arms are used for each of the four valves of the cylinder being deactivated.

Dual overhead camshafts and a virtually silent chain-driven valvetrain contribute to the smoothness and the high output of the Cadillac Twin Turbo V-8, while dual independent continuously variable valve timing helps deliver optimal performance and efficiency. The dual independent system, which allows the intake and exhaust valves to be phased at different rates, promotes linear delivery of torque with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (horsepower per liter of displacement) without sacrificing overall engine response or drivability.

Oil jets located in the block are employed for performance and temperature control. Four jet assemblies in the engine drench the underside of the pistons and the surrounding cylinder walls with an extra layer of cooling, friction-reducing oil. The jets reduce piston temperature, allowing the engine to produce more power without reducing long-term durability.

Variable-pressure oiling system. A variable-displacement vane oil pump enhances efficiency by optimizing oil pressure as a function of engine speed. With it, the oil supply is matched to the engine load rather than the linear operation of a conventional, fixed-flow oil pump. The engine uses 10 quarts of General Motors' dexos2 0W40 motor oil.

Stop/start technology shuts down the engine when the vehicle stops momentarily, such as at stoplights. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes their foot off the brake. An auxiliary battery powers electric accessories such as the climate system, power windows and radio during engine restarts.

Cadillac is expanding its V-series performance subbrand starting with the arrival of the CT6-V in the spring.

General Motors product chief Mark Reuss made the announcement Wednesday at Cadillac's dealer business conference in Las Vegas.

Reuss, in a statement, said the decision to expand the V series was a "result of the overwhelming response the CT6 V-Sport received" when it debuted in March at the New York auto show.

The CT6 V-Sport, which GM has decided to badge as a V-series model, is powered by a Cadillac-exclusive 4.2-liter Blackwing twin-turbo V-8 engine that generates 550 hp and 627 pound-feet of torque.

Cadillac said future V-series models will follow suit and include enhanced propulsion systems, chassis and brake systems.

A Cadillac spokesman declined to elaborate on what future vehicles will feature V-series variants. The V series debuted on the CTS sedan in 2004. Cadillac offers V-series versions of the ATS and CTS, which are expected to be replaced with new cars. The ATS sedan was dropped after the 2018 model year but the ATS coupe carries over for 2019.

The V-series expansion comes as Cadillac prepares to introduce a new or redesigned vehicle every six months through 2021 -- beginning with the XT4 compact crossover arriving in dealerships.

The next product, Cadillac President Steve Carlisle said last week, will debut at the Detroit auto show. It is expected to be a three-row crossover to slot between the XT5 midsize crossover and the flagship Escalade SUV.

After the large crossover, a small sedan will be introduced to replace the ATS compact sedan; followed by a smaller sedan and the next-generation Escalade in 2020; then, a redesign of the XT5 and possibly a performance EV and/or sports car based on the Chevrolet Corvette.

While the V series does not account for a significant portion of Cadillac's sales, the subbrand generates higher profit margins and, officials say, produces a halo effect for the brand.

"Three generations later, V series is recognized and coveted by many as a symbol of Cadillac Performance engineering," Carlisle said in a statement.

The 2019 Cadillac CT6-V price has been set at $88,790. That much will get you a base CT6-V, and the price doesn’t include fees such as tax, title, license, delivery, or dealer fees.

However, the price does include tuition and luxury accommodation at the 2-day Cadillac V-Performance Academy at Spring Mountain. The offer is valid for one year and is reserved for the original owner of each new, unused model.

Initially announced as the 2019 CT6 V-Sport but then renamed to CT6-V, the large sedan is powered by an all-new Twin-Turbo 4.2L V8 DOHC LTA engine called Blackwing. The hand-built engine delivers a Cadillac-estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 627 pound-feet of torque (850 Nm). It is mated to a GM 10-speed transmission. Power is put to the ground via an all-wheel-drive system.

The 2019 Cadillac CT6-V arrives in mid-2019. Only 275 units will be made available for the United States. As of right now, the CT6 range is set to be discontinued after the mid-2019 model year, but we have heard that this will change.

While Ford made a cannonball-sized splash when it announced its withdrawal from the passenger car segment, GM's slow retreat has been more akin to skipping rocks. A discontinuation here, another there.

On Thursday, GM seemingly hammered the final nails in the coffins for two more sedans in the US: the Cadillac CT6 and the Chevrolet Impala. According to the Detroit Free Press, the CT6 will exit production in January, while Impala production will wrap up at the end of February.

Roadshow reached out to the automaker to confirm this news but didn't immediately hear back. We've also reached out to Cadillac to make doubly sure this is the end of the road for the CT6, specifically. The luxury sedan, riding on a platform GM hailed as an engineering marvel earlier this decade, has had an on/off relationship with death.


The CT6 was originally included on the chopping block with other sedans such as the Chevy Cruze, Volt and Buick LaCrosse, though GM brass backtracked and said earlier this year the company was potentially looking at moving production to another plant. It's understood thus far that a final decision to discontinue the CT6 has not been made. After all, ending production and discontinuation are two different things.

Axing the Impala at Chevy will leave the brand with just a single sedan in the Malibu. GM previously wrapped up production of the Volt plug-in hybrid (a fantastic car, by the way) this past February and the last Cruze rolled out of the now-sold Lordstown assembly plant in March.

The end of CT6 and Impala production at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant will cost the plant 814 jobs. GM will offer transfers or buyouts to affected workers, according to the report citing state filings.

The Cadillac CT6 is arguably one of the best cars General Motors has ever produced, so it was understandably upsetting for many car enthusiasts when the automaker elected to kill the car off at the beginning of the year. It’s hard to blame GM for deciding to bail on the full-size luxury sedan, though. Not only are many consumers flocking from four-doors to larger crossovers and SUVs, Cadillac is also pivoting to electric vehicles and working diligently on its upcoming new Lyriq and Celestiq EVs.

Fret not, GM fans, as the Cadillac CT6 has now returned as a pickup truck! That’s right, The General has made the very unexpected decision to put the CT6 back into production at its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Metro Detroit as a pickup truck/ute/coupe hybrid. Sales will begin this fall, with prices expected to be announced at a later date.



In a statement, Cadillac president Beve Carlisle said the new Cadillac CT6 Ute solves the one glaring problem with the luxury sedan: it wasn’t a pickup truck!

“The pickup truck is America’s most popular vehicle bodystyle, so when our product team put forth the idea to put it back into production as a pickup truck, it was a no-brainer,” Carlisle said. “The CT6 Ute retains all the best parts of the sedan, like the Omega rear-wheel-drive platform and tech-laden interior, but with that extra bit of practicality that so many Americans crave.”



The Cadillac CT6 Ute is also a two-door, so those Cadillac enthusiasts who have been clamoring for a new coupe from the American luxury brand are also seeing their wish come true here.

Under the hood of the Cadillac CT6 Ute is Cadillac’s twin-turbocharged 4.2L Blackwing V8 engine. The automaker says it experimented with using its twin-turbocharged 3.0L LGY V6 engine, but found the more powerful Blackwing V8 was better suited to towing and hauling. The engine is paired with GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission in the ute.

Cadillac ended production of the CT6 for the US market in early 2020 but the luxobarge remained on sale in China. Large sedans equipped with combustion engines are still relevant in the world's second-most populous country, so much so it's getting a sequel. Meet the 2024 CT6, now with a fresh look inside and out. Without going into specifics, Cadillac says it rides on an "improved rear-wheel-drive platform" with an ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

The exterior takes after the stunning Escala concept from the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. While it can't match the presence and pizzazz of the showcar, it is a handsome car in a sea of crossovers and SUVs, such as the new Cadillac GT4 also reserved for China. Proportions have not been significantly modified as the second-gen model is 5223 millimeters (205.6 inches) long, 1890 mm (74.4 in) wide, and 1473 mm (58 in) tall.

The fullsize premium sedan is touted as having a segment-leading wheelbase of 3109 mm (122.4 in), which perfectly matches that of its predecessor. That tells us the 2024 CT6 isn't an all-new product but rather an evolution of first-generation model by utilizing an updated Omega platform. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission.



Since it's sitting at the top of the food chain in China, the 2024 Cadillac CT6 is brimming with technology. Aside from the already familiar 33-inch screen, it also gets Super Cruise, Magnetic Ride Control (4.0), and a digital rearview mirror. On the flip side, it can only be had with a small four-cylinder engine, a far cry from the mighty Blackwing of the US-spec CT6-V in which the twin-turbo V8 made 550 horsepower. This 2.0-liter has less than half, at just 233 hp.

Cadillac is charging RMB 359,700 ($50,800) for the base CT6 and RMB 469,700 ($66,300) for the flagship trim. For your money's worth, you can get the large sedan with a Renaissance Red interior as an alternative to Jet Black and Whisper Beige. The posh cabin has 26-color ambient lighting, AKG speakers, knurling textured and warm metallic accents, along with open pore dark ash wood.

The new CT6 goes on sale later this year in China together with the aformentioned GT4 and the revised XT4.