Previous Next

The Cadillac CT6 V-Sport

A big sedan meets a very powerful engine.

Part of the fun of having a brand new 4.2-litre twin-turbo V8 engine is figuring out what cars to put it in. As part of their growing performance-oriented V-Sport line, Cadillac has decided to put this powerful new motor into their flagship sedan, the CT6. Like chocolate and peanut butter, a big V8 and a full-size Cadillac are the perfect match.

I recently had a CT6 Platinum for a week in Los Angeles, and with a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 making some 404 horsepower, I certainly wouldn’t have described it as slow. Thanks to Cadillac’s new engine, the V-Sport ups the ante with 550 horsepower and an incredible 627 lb-ft of torque. If the Platinum was quick, the V-Sport is going be a rocket.

Not unlike Mercedes’ current gen 4-litre twin turbo V8, Cadillac’s new V8 uses a “hot V” design that places the pair of turbochargers in the space between the V-shaped banks of the engine. This configuration takes up less space in the engine bay and can aid in overall performance.

Connected to GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission, the CT6 should be capable of making the most of the new engine’s big torque while still offering reasonable efficiency for longer and more relaxed trips (at least within the context of a big sedan with a very powerful engine).

Like chocolate and peanut butter, a big V8 and a full-size Cadillac are the perfect match.

Having had the chance to try the CT6 Platinum on a variety of roads, including L.A.’s wonderful Angeles Forest Highway (stay tuned for details of that trip in NUVO’s forthcoming summer print issue), I can only imagine the added appeal (and grunt) of the V8. Not only is power and torque way up, but that V8 sound will almost certainly win over the shout of any V6. From a twisty California forest road to a long cruise on the highway, a V8 just feels like the natural choice for the CT6.

In addition to the all-wheel drive layout found on other CT6 models, the V-Sport has a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, new 19-inch Brembo brakes, a new V-Sport exhaust, and performance-spec tuning for the suspension, Magnetic Ride Control system, and the steering.

With an updated and slightly more sinister appearance package that includes a new front grill, V-Sport specific 20-inch wheels, updated aero treatments, and gloss black brightwork, the CT6 V-Sport certainly looks the part of a V-series Cadillac. I’ve long been a fan of Cadillac’s hardcore V-Series models (especially the very rare CTS-V Wagon with a manual transmission) and it’s exciting to see them expand the program into their flagship sedan.

With a full complement of high-tech and luxurious features, the CT6 was already a compelling and easy-driving luxury sedan. While official pricing has yet to be announced, the V-Sport will likely become the top specification for the CT6 as Cadillac continues to grow and establish the high-performance models in their line-up.

_________

Never miss a story. Sign up for NUVO’s weekly newsletter, here.

SHARE