Home » 2019 Cadillac CT6 Engine Lineup Uncovered

2019 Cadillac CT6 Engine Lineup Uncovered

2019 Cadillac CT6 Engine Lineup Uncovered

The 2019 Cadillac CT6 delivers a rather substantial refresh consisting of an exterior facelift, an improved interior with tactile infotainment system controls, as well as the introduction of Cadillac’s all-new twin-turbo 4.2-liter V-8 engine in conjunction with (but not limited to) the 2019 CT6 V-Sport. And now, Cadillac Society has uncovered that the 2019 CT6 engine range.

Based on VIN decoder documents filed by Cadillac parent firm, General Motors, with the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2019 CT6 will be offered with five engine choices.

2019 Cadillac CT6 Powertrain

Power and torque figures are preliminary
Engine RPO CodeLFYLGXLGWLTA (CT6)LTA (CT6 V-Sport)LTG with HP9
Displacement2.0L3.6L3.0L4.2L4.2L2.0L
ConfigurationI-4 DOHCV-6 DOHCV-6 DOHCV-8 DOHCV-8 DOHCI-4 DOHC
AspirationTurboAtmosphericTwin TurboTwin TurboTwin TurboTurbo with Plug-In Hybrid Electric
Fuel InjectionDirect InjectedDirect InjectedDirect InjectedDirect InjectedDirect InjectedDirect Injected
TechnologiesAuto Stop-Start, VVTAuto Stop-Start, VVT, AFMAuto Stop-Start, VVT, AFMAuto Stop-Start, VVT, AFMAuto Stop-Start, VVT, AFMPlug-In Hybrid Electric
Power (hp / kW @ RPM)TBA335 / 250 @ 6800404 / 301 @ 5700500 / 373 @ 5000-5200550 / 410 @ 5700265 / 198 @ 5500 + Electric
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ RPM)TBA284 / 385 @ 5300400 / 542 @ 2500-5100553 / 750 @ 2600 – 4600627 / 850 @ 3200 – 4000295 / 400 @ 3000-4000 + Electric
Transmission10-speed automatic10-speed automatic10-speed automatic10-speed automatic10-speed automaticElectric Variable Transmission 4-mode, Hybrid Plug-In
Transmission RPO CodeMHSMHSMHSMHSMHSMRD

2.0L Turbo I-4

Last year, it was believed that Cadillac would stop offering the base turbo-charged 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine on the CT6, but this is only partially true.

What’s truly taking place is that the 2019 CT6 will stop offering the current-generation 2.0L Turbo engine, which is assigned the LTG production code. In its place will be the all-new 2.0L Turbo engine, which is assigned production code LSY. The boosted four-cylinder was first announced for the 2019 Cadillac XT4, and it looks like it will make its way to the 2019 CT6, while mated to the new 10-speed automatic transmission.

Power and torque ratings have yet to be announced, but in the XT4, the new motor makes 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. We expect those figures to be higher in the CT6 due to the opportunities awarded by the longitudinal powertrain orientation and more capable transmission. By comparison, the outgoing 2.0L LTG made 265 horses (198 kW) @ 5500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque (400 Nm) @ 3000-4000 rpm.

3.6L Naturally-Aspirated V-6

The naturally-aspirated 3.6L V-6 (production code LGX) carries over from the 2016-2018 CT6, but is now mated to the new 10-speed automatic transmission. The atmospheric six-banger makes 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque.

Thanks to the new transmission, we expect this motor to perform even better in the 2019 model in terms of responsiveness and fuel economy.

3.0L Twin-Turbo V-6

Previously the top-end engine in the CT6, the twin-turbo 3.0L V-6 (production code LGW) also carries over from the 2016-2018 CT6, but is now paired with the new 10-speed gearbox. The engine is rated 404 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

As with the 3.6L V-6, we expect this motor to perform even better than before when it comes to performance and MPG.

4.2L Twin-Turbo V-8

The highlight of the 2019 CT6 is the all-new twin-turbo 4.2L V-8. Assigned production code LTA, the all-new engine is available in two versions – one for the CT6 V-Sport, and another for non-V-Sport models.

In standard guise, the boosted eight-cylinder makes 500 horses and 553 pound-feet of torque. In the CT6 V-Sport, it makes an even better 550 horsepower and an astounding 627 pound-feet of twist.

Both tunes of the new Cadillac V8 DOHC engine are mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission.

2.0L Turbo Plug-In

The CT6 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) remains powered by a combination of a pluggable 45 kW Hybrid Propulsion Electric motor and 2.0L I-4 turbo (LTG) making 265 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A 4-mode Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) brings power to the wheels.

Despite the CT6 PHEV showing up in the NHTSA for the 2019 model year, we have reason to believe that the vehicle will not be around for much longer in the U.S. market.

2019 Cadillac CT6 VIN Decoder Document
Written by
Alex is the founder of Cadillac Society. He has a deep passion for automotive business strategy and enjoys driving his ATS sedan on twisty mountain roads.

21 Comments

  1. I just don’t understand why GM keeps shoving the Family V6 in Cadillac vehicles. It is starting to get embarrassing for them. The Big Three V6 engines destroy the 3.6. It is an utter joke how GM treats Cadillac. We obviously now know why Johan didn’t last. Unbelievable.

    Reply
  2. I like the 2019 CT6 new look very much. If I had the money, I would get the PHEV version, or the V6. The V8 is too much for my needs and would get low MPG.

    Reply
  3. A MID ENGINE LGW 3.0 V6TT,IS THE perfect home for that powertrain ! an ELR /CIEN HALO .

    Reply
  4. I wonder if the CT6 would have had more success if these new V8 engines were available at launch. Also, the 2.0L engine is the same one as the XT4 so i wonder what the power output will be? Surely more than the 237hp thats available on the XT4.
    I also feel that the 4 banger should’ve just been dropped altogether. The CT6 is too stately for a 4 cyl. Minimum the NA V6.
    Another quick point, just like i feel its a mistake to not have the Vsport trim launched with the CT6 in 2016, its also a mistake not to have a XT4 vsport at launch.

    Reply
  5. What are the “Interior Improvements” mentioned?

    Reply
    • From what we know thus far:

      1. New rotary controls for the Cadillac infotainment system (née CUE)
      2. New gear selector/shifter that also introduces Electronic Precision Shift – shift-by-wire mechanism that removes the physical connection between the gear selector and the vehicle’s powertrain
      3. Second-generation Rear Camera Mirror that improves on the first-generation system in the 2016-2018 model, but now has a new frameless design for the mirror along with zoom and tilt features
      4. Next-generation, 5-watt wireless charging with larger charge area for better phone compatibility (the current system is not compatible with some devices, such as the Apple iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X)

      Full info here:

      http://cadillacsociety.com/2018/03/21/refreshed-2019-cadillac-ct6-introduced-with-escala-inspired-styling/

      Reply
  6. They should make a non-turbo version of the V8 and drop the 3.6 V6 and maybe the 3.0TT, depending on the performance. That will improve the economy of scale for the V8 and help prestige. MPG standards are less important now, thank goodness.

    Reply
    • The V8 will be available in other future application. Although still pending, the CT6 is not Cadillac’s true flagship but a placeholder until Escala/CT8 debut pass ‘2022.

      Some people want fuel efficiency so there is a reason for offering various engine choices. However for the moneyed crowd, fuel economy is not an issue with them but it does help with less fill-ups at gas stations. Also another reason is CAFE.

      Reply
      • I agree that the Escala will be the “true” flagship, but the CT6 is by no means a placeholder. It will remain in the lineup as the tweener competitor to the E-Class and S-Class… as part of Cadillac’s new strategy of offering vehicles “between segments”.

        Reply
  7. My understanding is the 2.0ltr 4 Cyl is not a big mover and I heard its not going to remain in the line up: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/12/2019-cadillac-ct6-to-drop-base-turbo-engine

    Also, the 3.6 is a greatly improved engine, the whole engine was redesigned in 2016 w/the same displacment and its more refined. I had a 2013 ATS 3.6 which was terrific but I could sense a lack of refinement even though the power delivery was smooth. Give me a normally aspirated powertrain “ANY” day over a turbo. The V8 will be a welcome addition from a prestige perspective as the engine will be hand built and signed but the builder, very bespoke. That said I see no reason to not include a Corvette V8 perhaps in the CT5 (Seville is what it should be called) or the CT5 Coupe (Eldorado). Though the pushrod V8 is poo-pooed among “sophistocates” it represents “America” and more than gets its job done with a lot less complexity.

    Reply
    • It was everyone’s understanding that the 2.0L Turbo would be dropped in the CT6, but that doesn’t appear to be the case – according to the referenced NHTSA documents and the 2019 CT6 order guide. However, the 2.0L Turbo going into the 2019 CT6 will not be the same as the one in the 2016-2018 models.

      Specifically, the Turbo 2.0L in question here is assigned production code LSY, and it has been described by Cadillac as “all-new” when compared to the last-gen Turbo 2.0L LTG in the 2016-2018 CT6 (and ATS and CTS). From my personal understanding, the LSY is significantly more refined than the LTG it replaces.

      The CT5 will likely get some version of the new 4.2L Twin-Turbo motor… but I expect the CT5-V to stick with a supercharged push-rod V8.

      Reply
      • Interesting and good information, you’ve educated me and I read alot so thats hard to do. I wonder if this new 4 is a derivitave of the new 4 designed for GM’s pick ups? I cannot imagine GM spending the $$ to simultaneously design 2 new 4’s? This whole movement to 4 cylinders is troubling as they are just not strong enough when mass produced to push this much weight around. The turbos & supers boost them but at what cost? Longevity I’d say. I’ll stick w/normally aspirated as long as they’re still made…

        Gotta say I”m very excited about the CT-5(Seville) and better yet a Coupe version. Do you know whether the cutting edge weight reduction ala CT-6 is being incorporated in the new CT-5? If so that could dramatically reduce the 5’s weight to what nearly 3000lbs?

        Finally I recall the Escala was green lighted on this site 4 months ago, is that actually true?

        Reply
  8. NEW TO THE SITE

    DOES CADDY MONITOR THIS SITE FOR CUSTOMER FEEDBACK? THEY SHOULD I CANT SEEM TO FIND A WAY TO TELL THEM WHAT I THINK ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS

    Reply
    • Hi Kevin – and welcome.

      To answer your question, yes – we do see traffic from GM and Cadillac.

      If you’d like to express your thoughts about their products, I recommend starting a new threat in the appropriate forum. To do so, simply sign up for a new account and start a new thread.

      Cheers!

      Alex

      Reply
  9. I really like the CT6. Its a beautiful car, but its just a little too big for me. I prefer the current CTS. I have a 2017 and love it. The size is perfect and in my opinion, its even better looking than the CT6. I hope Cadillac doesn’t make the replacement CT5 too small.

    Reply
    • The new front end it great, but the third side window makes the CT6 look frumpy to me. I hope the CT5 doesn’t have it and does have a trunk bigger than 14 cu ft. But my next car will probably have to be a crossover because of aging joints.

      Reply
      • That rear vanity window is what gives the CT6 that long and large character. The alternative would have been to have a bigger rear door, which would not have looked in place.

        Reply
  10. Does the new V6 have better low-end torque than the old one, or are they just relying on the extra gears?

    I had a V6 STS that would drop to 1200 rpm if I took my foot off the gas pedal, then I’d have to wait for a downshift to accelerate because the engine was so gutless. I went back to a Northstar with the DTS Performance gearing to get immediate throttle response (and worse mpg).

    Reply
    • Depends on which V6 you’re talking about… since there are two now – the 3.6L naturally-aspirated LGX and the 3.0L twin-turbo LGW.

      Reply
  11. Let me say upfront, I love Cadillac. Cadillac should be busting out BLACKWING in brand new Cadillac’s like: (A) A new XLR-type hardtop convertible. (B) A brand new SUV/crossover PERFORMANCE model matching BMW/X6 or equivalent MB! Perfect use for BLACKWING! Cadillac’s BRANDING recently has been PERFORMANCE and they’re fucking up a great long-term by not pursuing BLACKWING utilization. GM also should provide Buick access to the BLACKWING for their Chinese market (where Buick’s rule!) I know eCaddy’s are coming, but please keep the PERFORMANCE factor. It’s obvious future GM will be just 4 brands. (1) GM truck’s, (2) Chevy truck/SUV’s (Corvette), (3) Buick, for China mainly, (GM should build a Buick long wheel-based sedan for Chinese limo market), and as for (4)Cadillac…, E-cars? Just when Cadillac was defining American PERFORMANCE? Does that sound right to you? 4 GM brands, all purposely headed for the land of misplaced and forgotten toys. I thoroughly despise GM’s highly politicized top management. Just when they develop a product that really could become the standard of the world, GM scraps it. I truly believe they are out of touch, and I wonder why.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Sign Up