The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing immediately cemented its status as a track-ready powerhouse, boasting an impressive 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. This remarkable output comes courtesy of its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, known as the LT4. Enthusiasts might wonder why Cadillac opted for the LT4 for the Ct5-v Blackwing Engine, especially considering General Motors offers the even more potent supercharged 6.2L V8 LT5. The LT5, found in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 C7, cranks out a staggering 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. To understand this decision, we delve into Cadillac’s reasoning behind choosing the LT4 over the seemingly superior LT5 for the CT5-V Blackwing engine.
In an interview with Cadillac Society, Mirza Grebovic, the V-Series Blackwing Chief Engineer, shed light on the selection of the LT4 engine. He explained that while the initial excitement revolved around maximizing power, the ultimate goal was to create a balanced driver’s car. This focus on the driver experience led them to carefully consider the practical implications of using the LT5 in the CT5-V Blackwing.
Drivability and Visibility Concerns with a Larger Engine
Grebovic highlighted that fitting the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing with the LT5 engine would have introduced several drivability challenges, most notably concerning visibility. The LT5 engine, as implemented in the Corvette ZR1, utilizes a dry sump lubrication system, necessitating a shaker hood. Implementing this shaker hood design on the CT5-V Blackwing to accommodate the LT5 engine’s height would have severely compromised the driver’s outward visibility.
According to Grebovic, “If you put the LT5 in the CT5, we ran into simple issues – you can’t see out of the car. In the ZR1, you can notice that it’s a dry sump system and it uses that shaker hood. We couldn’t put a shaker hood on the CT5. You would have to make it so high that you can’t see outside the car, and we wouldn’t have met regulatory requirements for vision.” This crucial point emphasizes that integrating the LT5 engine wasn’t just a simple engine swap; it would have required significant and potentially detrimental modifications to the vehicle’s design and functionality.
The Necessity of a Dry Sump System and Chassis Considerations
Furthermore, the dry sump lubrication system of the LT5, while essential for the Corvette ZR1’s extreme track performance, is not deemed necessary for the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing engine. Grebovic pointed out that the CT5-V Blackwing utilizes different tires compared to the ZR1 and therefore does not generate the same level of cornering forces that mandate a dry sump system. The absence of a dry sump system also influenced engine placement, preventing the engine from being positioned as low as possible due to architectural differences.
Beyond engineering challenges, Grebovic argued that even with the LT5’s increased horsepower, the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing might not necessarily achieve superior performance. The chassis and tire setup are optimized for the LT4’s power delivery. He suggested that channeling the LT5’s additional power to the ground effectively would necessitate extensive modifications.
In conclusion, while the LT5 engine is undeniably a powerhouse, the LT4 engine emerged as the optimal choice for the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing engine. The decision reflects a strategic balance between raw power and overall vehicle dynamics, ensuring the CT5-V Blackwing delivers exceptional track capabilities without compromising crucial aspects like visibility and handling. Ultimately, Cadillac prioritized creating a well-rounded and driver-focused performance sedan, where, in this case, more power wasn’t necessarily the pathway to a better car.
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