The Cadillac CT6-V isn’t long for this world and it appears the model’s twin-turbo 4.2-liter Blackwing V8 engine will also suffer a similar fate.
According to Motor Trend, the engine has effectively been “orphaned” due to cost cutting moves. As a result, it will likely die with the CT6-V.
However, this wasn’t what GM originally had in mind. According to the publication, both the CT5 and XT6 were supposed to ride on the Omega platform that underpins Cadillac’s flagship sedan. This would have made installing the Blackwing V8 into these models a relative breeze.
Also Read: Cadillac Sings Ode To New 550 HP Blackwing V8 Engine
Unfortunately, GM blinked in the face of slowing sales and decided to cut costs. This meant the CT5 was moved to the Alpha platform, while the XT6 was transferred to the C1XX architecture that underpins the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia. Thanks to this decision, the models reportedly can’t use Cadillac’s exclusive V8.
Unfortunately, the bad news doesn’t end there as the magazine is also reporting the Blackwing is a no-go for the 2021 Escalade. They say this is due to cost cutting as well and it means the model will have to stick with familiar pushrod V8s. This means the SUV will likely have 6.2-liter V8 that develops 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 460 lb-ft (623 Nm) of torque.
The news is disappointing, if true, but the death of the Blackwing engine doesn’t mean there won’t be any high-performance Cadillacs in the future. The company has already confirmed proper successors to the ATS- and CTS-V, and rumors have indicated there could be an Escalade-V with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that develops around 650 hp (485 kW / 659 PS) and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque.
