Cadillac today announced details of a new twin-turbo, 420hp V6 engine and 8-speed transmission – both firsts for the brand – for the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS midsize luxury sedan debuting next week at the New York Auto Show ahead of its scheduled on-sale date this fall. The engine will also will be offered in the 2014 XTS large luxury sedan.
The new V6 will be a 3.6-liter powerplant with 118 horsepower per liter, while the new automatic enhances fuel economy and acceleration over a 6-speed automatic.
"The new Cadillac twin-turbo brings a new dimension of technologically advanced performance to the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan," said David Leone, executive chief engineer. "Delivering power and sophistication, it marks another large step forward in the product-driven expansion of Cadillac."
Rated at an SAE-certified 420 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft. of torque, it is the most powerful V6 ever from General Motors. Cadillac notes it also has 15 percent greater power density than BMW 535i's turbocharged 3.0-liter six, which is rated at 300 hp, for a ratio of 100 horsepower per liter (74 kW/liter) – and even the BMW 550i's TwinPower 4.4-liter V8, rated at 400hp, or 91hp per liter.
A pair of smaller turbochargers and an efficient charge air cooler help provide more immediate power delivery. Additionally, approximately 90 percent of the 3.6L twin-turbo's peak torque is available from 2,500 rpm to 5,500 rpm, giving the engine a broad torque curve. Those features help the new CTS sedan reach 0-to-60mph in an estimated 4.6 seconds and achieve an estimated top speed of 170mph.
The new engine is a comprehensive upgrade on the 60-degree, 3.6-liter DOHC V6 offered in today's SRX, XTS and ATS. However, almost every component is unique. New features include:
- All-new cylinder block casting
- All-new cylinder head castings
- Strengthened connecting rods
- Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength
- 10.2:1 compression ratio
- Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts
- Two turbochargers produce more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa)
- Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves
- All-new direct injection fuel system
- Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness.
The 2014 CTS sedan will also feature the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 321hp, as well as a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine rated at an estimated 272hp.