All-new CTS Also Premieres Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
Following the path carved out by the original, the redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS will introduce advanced new technologies to the brand while also serving up a massive increase in premium performance. Of course, the two are closely related, since it’s the technologies—like twin turbocharging and an eight-speed automatic transmission—that will deliver 420 hp and 430 lb.-ft. of torque for enhanced performance.
Those numbers represent increases of more than 100 hp and 125 lb.-ft. of twisting power as compared to the most potent V6 in the current CTS lineup, yet the new powertrain still delivers competitive fuel-economy ratings of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. For comparison’s sake, those marks are an exact match for the 2013 BMW 550i and just slightly below the EPA line of today’s CTS with a similarly sized, naturally aspirated V6.
Speaking of which, while the current 3.6-liter V6 was the foundation for the new one, the 2014 powerplant features its own cylinder block and head castings, strengthened connecting rod, an all-new direct-injection fuel system, and, of course, two turbochargers that serve up 12 lbs. of boost and are complemented by vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves. Also notable: The turbo tech includes an integrated charge air-cooling system for nearly immediate response.
“It is a very short path from the turbos to the throttle body,” explained Richard Bartlett, assistant chief engineer for the powerplant. “The compressors draw their air directly from the inlet box and send their pressurized air through the intercooler basically immediately, giving the new CTS a tremendous feeling of power on demand.”
The 2014 Cadillac CTS will make its public debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show, then go into production later this year with the new twin-turbo V6, an upgraded version of the non-turbo 3.6-liter V6 and another fresh choice—a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 that will offer 272 hp.