Amid the hubbub of global reveals at the 2018 New York International Auto Show Cadillac quietly stole the thunder with the 2019 CT6 V-Sport and its Mercedes-esque 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8. The introduction of GM’s first DOHC V8 engine in a quarter-of-a-century kicked off a litany of speculation surrounding its use in upcoming Corvette projects, along with the engine’s potential for different displacements, natural aspiration, or another form of forced induction.
“The LTA was designed from the ground up with turbos in mind,” Cadillac V8 chief engineer Jordan Lee told GM Authority on the New York show floor. “Think of it as a point solution for Cadillac. It’s a purpose-built and designed engine for the CT6 V-Sport.” Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen has even gone so far as to proclaim that Corvette is never getting this engine, but that could prove to be more sematics than substance, when it comes to differing displacements or components. While the new 4.2-liter LTA V8 engine is unlikely to ditch its hot V turbos any time soon, Lee did note that his team could certainly engineer the engine to work without turbos if it was needed.
He also added that the engine’s torque curve isn’t finished being shaped and that the architecture most definitely has the appetite for more power. “This engine has two fuel pumps, but can have as many as four,” said Lee, who also oversaw the development of GM’s current family of small block V8s, including the 6.2L LT1, LT4, and LT5. With 550 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque offered up as the motor’s opening salvo, it’s fair to assume this new DOHC V8 could have the potential to give the world's best a real run for its money.
