When Cadillac announced the CT4 in late May, it only provided details about the high-performance mid-level CT4-V model, which is powered by a turbo-charged 2.7L I-4 L3B engine (320 horsepower / 369 pound-feet of torque) mated to a ten-speed transmission. However, the powertrain for the regular Cadillac CT4 model was not announced at that time. Luckily, Cadillac Society has uncovered just that.
The regular Cadillac CT4 will be powered by a turbo-charged 2.0L engine (production code LSY) making 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That’s the same powerplant as what’s found in the base Cadillac CT5, XT4, refreshed XT5, and the XT6 (in China). In the CT4, though, the boosted four-banger will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (production code M5N).
| Engine | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque @ RPM | Transmission | Suspension | Drivetrain | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT4 | Turbo 2.0L I-4 LSY | 237 @ 5000 | 258 @ 1500-4000 rpm | 8-Speed Auto | FE2 | RWD or AWD |
| CT4-V | Turbo 2.7L I-4 L3B | 320 5600 | 369 @ 1800 | 10-Speed Auto | FE3 with Magnetic Ride Control (RWD models only, not for AWD models) | RWD or AWD |
| CT4-V Blackwing (expected) | Twin-Turbo 3.6L V-6 | 470 | 460 | 10-Speed Auto / 6-Speed Manual | FE3 with Magnetic Ride Control | RWD or AWD |
The fact that the regular Cadillac CT4 will be powered by the turbo-charged four-cylinder LSY engine is not unexpected. In fact, that’s something we have already been expecting before the new model was even announced. What is surprising, however, is that the boosted four will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, rather than the all-new ten-speed unit.
Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury
The eight-speed transmission has often been criticized for sub-par behavior, such as erratic shifting behavior and various vibrations. Cadillac’s parent firm, General Motors, has recently issued a Technical Service Bulletin that seems to resolve these issues for existing vehicles with the transmission.
Cadillac CT4 Sport
The regular Cadillac CT4 will be available in three trim levels – the base Luxury, as well as the up-level Premium Luxury and Sport – with rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive on offer. A standard FE2 suspension will underpin all of those models. Meanwhile, the CT4-V will have the upgraded FE3 suspension with Magnetic Ride Control on rear-drive models (units of the CT4-V with all-wheel-drive will not have Magnetic Ride Control, while still featuring the sportier FE3 suspenders).
Cadillac CT4 Sport
Now that we know the powertrain combination for the regular Cadillac CT4 as well as the CT4-V, the only variant in the model range for which we have yet to find out powertrain details is the next-level CT4-V, which we initially reported will be called CT4-V Blackwing. That model is expected to be powered by an improved version of the twin-turbo 3.6L V6 LF4 engine found in the last-gen ATS-V. We expect the dual-boosted six to be mated to a choice of a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic transmission.
We’ll keep our ears to the ground and report once we know more. In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac CT4 news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
Johnls_39
For some reason, the CT4 is becoming my least favorite Cadillac sedan every time I hear something about it.
The next engine has less hp/torque figures but will use the same 8 speed tranny? Does not make any sense. The 10 speed tranny makes much more sense.
Ricky
It is the least expensive Cadillac. It doesn’t have to be your favorite Cadillac. It just needs to be someone’s favorite.
It will compete very well with the segment… that’s all that matters.
Greg
Exactly. The starting price of the CT4 will, like the CT5, be considerably lower than its predecessor.
Alex Luft
Yup. The CT4 should start in the very low $30,000 range… like $32,000. It’s not often that the least expensive model of any automaker is anyone’s favorite, but I am liking what I am seeing thus far. Yes, I would upgrade from the ATS to the CT4, no questions asked. Just the interior improvements alone are very much worth it.
SAMUEL RUSSELL
The CT5V needs to also have a manual transmission.
John Borgia
My first new Cadillac was a 1976 Coupe DeVille in Cotillion White I had it for 18 years & it was beautiful!!
Catbert
A space filler model, for sure. Not a single feature on the base model that would prompt someone to rush to the show room, or even amble to the show room.
Greg
Do you know what the features are going to be, aside from the powertrain; and how it compares to the competition?
Alex Luft
Since when did people buy mainstream luxury cars like these based on features? They don’t. They buy them first and foremost based on a slew of other criteria like brand reputation, reliability, price, fuel economy… all while features are secondary.
But since you seem to think that features are so vital, please name a single feature that cars in the CT4’s class have that make them desirable, and make them desirable over the CT4.
John Stewart
I ha.ve the 8 speed trans in my CT6 and its worst trans I’ve ever had, can’t believe they still using it. The so-called “fix” referred to in the service bulletin does not fix it!
Felix
It’s not about the features or price. This is a new Cadillac that is supposed to reflect quality and reliability and enhance the image of Cadillac. Then they go an install a part with a history of problem that to this day still haven’t been properly addressed.IMO a bad move on Cadillacs part.
Alex Luft
Who knows if the issues with the 8 speed have been solved or not? We do not know, so let’s reserve judgment until we drive it.
John Borgia
currently drive 2017 atsv with twin turbo v6 will miss it as it goes back in 90 days hopefully CT5 with new 3.0 twin turbo 335hp engine will be coming soon …no one expected 2020 Ct6 to be arriving yet but guess what they are showing up so maybe CT5 will be right behind it as i believe both built in Lansing Plant ..remaining hopeful John B
Alex Luft
CT6 is built at Detroit-Hamtramck, at least for now.
The CT5 and CT6 programs are entirely separate from each other.
Geoff
Honestly, people who slot into the CT4 (non-v) aren’t going to care or even know it has an 8 speed versus a 10 speed. It’s fine for those people. If you’re so concerned, buy the CT4-V.
feathers
As a current ATS-V owner, I will never touch another GM product with the awful 8-speed tranny. No way!