Cadillac Just Renamed The CT6 V-Sport To CT6-V

In a rather unexpected turn of events, Cadillac has decided to rename one of its most anticipated models – the 2019 CT6 V-Sport. So going forward, the Cadillac CT6 V-Sport will be known as the Cadillac CT6-V.

The surprising move was announced at Cadillac’s most recent national dealer meeting this week, which marked the first time Steve Carlisle took the stage as President of Cadillac.

However, it was Mark Reuss – who has recently begun to oversee Cadillac at its parent, General Motors Company, that shared his take on the name change.

“Beginning with the debut of the CTS-V Sedan in 2004, the V-Series sub-brand sparked new life into Cadillac,” GM President of Global Product Group and Cadillac Mark Reuss said in a statement. “As a result of the overwhelming response the CT6 V-Sport received when revealed in early 2018, we’ve decided to formally make it a V-Series, signaling the expansion of V-Series.”

From what it seems as of this writing, the CT6 V-Sport will literally get a name change – and only a name change. In other words, Cadillac won’t be making any changes or adjustments to the vehicle as it makes it a “true” V-Series model.

Initially announced in March 2018, the 2019 Cadillac CT6-V is a high(er)-performance version of the full-size Cadillac CT6 sedan. The vehicle introduces the marque’s 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine – a clean-sheet design that carries the internal codename “Blackwing”.

The new boosted eight is Cadillac’s first dual-overhead-cam V8 engine since the Northstar engine family. Cadillac announced that the motor will have two outputs, depending on the model:

• 500 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque for the Platinum model, and
• 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque for the V-Sport model (now CT6-V)

Notably, Cadillac’s 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8 Blackwing engine features a “hot-vee setup”, configuration where the turbochargers are mounted atop the engine for quicker spooling – thanks to less plumbing between the exhaust ports and turbines – and smaller packaging.

The CT6-V will be available exclusively in AWD. Shifting duty will come from the new 10-speed automatic transmission mated to a with a limited-slip rear differential and summer tires developed specially for the model.

Modified tuning is applied to the steering system, with a special calibration in store for the Magnetic Ride Control dampers. Specific suspension tuning for improved roll control, cornering capability and steering response will also be in order.  The vehicle rides on 20-inch wheels and features a new 19-inch Brembo monoblock, fixed-opposed, four-piston brake system developed specifically for the high-performance application of the CT6.

Special aerodynamics are also in order, consisting of performance linings and air deflectors that direct air to cool the brakes during sporty, aggressive driving. Also included is a a specially-tuned exhaust system with active valves offering reduced back pressure, more sound character and a performance exhaust note specially tuned for the high-performance model model.

Currently unclear is when the rechristened CT6-V will go on sale. As of this writing, it has been six months since the CT6 V-Sport has been announced.