Cadillac's 2019 CT6 V-Sport - unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show - is generating plenty of interest among performance car enthusiasts. Cadillac's reinvented top-of-the-line sedan has a lot going for it, including a bold new look and a brawny, all-new engine rated at 550 HP. Cadillac is also introducing a slew of performance-oriented tweaks aimed at making the car competitive with any performance sedan - foreign or domestic -- on the road today.
Let's take a quick look at why the CT6 V-Sport is generating such enthusiasm:
All-New V8 Engine and Performance-Optimized Drive Train The 2019 CT6 V-Sport features an all-new, Cadillac-exclusive V8 engine configured in a "hot inside V" layout that positions its twin turbochargers and catalytic converters between -- not outside -- the cylinder heads. Benefits of this design include the elimination of "turbo lag," improved engine efficiency, and a narrower engine profile allowing it to be mounted lower in the car (thus lowering overall vehicle center of gravity).
As Jordan Lee, Cadillac's chief engineer for V8 engines observes, "designing an all-new engine was the best way to achieve the performance goals for the CT6 V-Sport. It builds on Cadillac's well-established turbocharging know-how and forges new ground with innovative features that deliver exceptional performance and refinement."
Two versions of Cadillac's new engine will be available for the 2019 CT6 V-Sport: one rated at 550 HP with 627 lb.-feet of torque; the other rated at 500 HP with 553 lb.-feet of torque. Each is mated to a new 10-speed, electronically-controlled automatic transmission whose wide (7.39) gear ratio is designed to improve off-the-line performance.
The CT6 V-Sport features all-wheel drive with a selectable "Track" mode that optimally distributes torque to the rear wheels while activating steering and stability controls to optimize high-speed handling. Cadillac's well-regarded Magnetic Ride Control and steering system have also been modified to prioritize driving performance. For braking, a new Brembo 19-inch brake system features performance-optimized linings and air deflectors to allow for the direct cooling of brakes during aggressive driving episodes.
Exterior and Interior Enhancements The CT6 V-Sport adds a number of distinctive aesthetic touches -- many inspired by Cadillac's well-received Escala concept car -- aimed at making the already sleek-looking CT6 appear more track-worthy than ever. The car's front mesh grille is massive and dark, flanked by assertively-slanting LED headlamps; on the rear end, you'll find redesigned tail lights whose design reflects Cadillac's traditional vertical tail light aesthetic. Other exterior enhancements include 20-inch wheels, low-profile tires, and a spoiler.
The CT6 V-Sport features an improved CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system utilizing a convenient console-mounted controller and shortcut buttons to allow fast access to frequently used apps. Other enhancements include Surround Vision (providing a 360-degree camera view around the car), and a second-generation Rear Camera Mirror with zoom and tilt features. And Cadillac's 10-inch UI screen has been upped to 1080p HD resolution. The new CUE also features improved voice recognition, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi network, and cloud-based navigation capabilities.
The CT6 V-Sport includes Cadillac's available suite of safety features, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward/Reverse Automatic Braking, and Safety Alert Seat. (Cadillac's Super-Cruise driving assistance feature is, however, not available for the CT6 V-Sport.)
The Best of Both Worlds Can Be Found at Sarant Cadillac Those seeking competitive driving thrills while riding in unparalleled luxury will applaud the arrival of the new CT6 V-Sport. As Cadillac's CT6 Chief Engineer Lyndon Lie puts it, "the CT6 V-Sport was developed for driving enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds: a high-performance sports sedan and a luxury car with all the comforts and technology that come with it."
The CT6 V-Sport is expected to become available sometime in early 2019. To learn more about this exciting new car, call Sarant Cadillac at 877-212-1682 or use our website's online contact form.
