The CADILLAC LTA is a 6,162 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It features OHV, 16-valve configuration with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. Rated at 335 kW (455 PS) and 623 Nm of torque, this engine was developed for performance-oriented applications in Cadillac's full-size luxury and fleet lineup.
Fitted to the CT6 and high-trim DTS, the LTA was engineered to deliver strong low-end pulling power while maintaining refinement and smoothness. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled three-way catalytic converters and secondary air injection system, meeting U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV III ULEV-70 standards for its production run.
One documented reliability concern is premature lifter wear, particularly in early production units before 2018. This issue, referenced in General Motors Service Information Bulletin 18-NA-023, is attributed to oil flow restriction in the lifter gallery during cold starts. In 2018, GM revised the oil gallery design, improving durability in later models.
Production years 2016–2020 meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV III ULEV-70 standards (EPA Certification #EPA-ENG-LTA).
The CADILLAC LTA is a 6,162 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for full-size luxury sedans and fleet vehicles (2016–2020). It combines OHV architecture with direct injection and variable valve timing to deliver strong low-RPM torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet U.S. emissions standards, it balances performance with everyday drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,162 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 103.3 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 335 kW (455 PS) @ 5,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 623 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 / LEV III ULEV-70 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (interference design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 2 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 220 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for relaxed cruising and spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent lifter and bearing wear. GM dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its shear stability and protection for the direct injection system. Extended idling or short-trip driving accelerates wear in pre-2018 engines with original-spec lifters. The Bosch HDEV5 fuel system is robust but sensitive to fuel quality; always use premium unleaded (RON 91+). Post-2018 models feature revised oil galleries per GM SIB 18-NA-023, significantly enhancing long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification (GM SIB 18-NA-023). API SP/ILSAC GF-6 compatible oils acceptable.
Emissions: EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 certification applies to all models (2016–2020) (EPA Type Approval #EPA-ENG-LTA).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities (GM TIS Doc. C42100).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C42100, C42140, C42200, SIB 18-NA-023
EPA Engine Certification Database (EPA-ENG-LTA)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Test Code
The CADILLAC LTA was used across CADILLAC's Omega platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised cooling routing in the CT6 and shorter accessory drives in the high-trim variants-and from 2020 the facelifted CT6 adopted the LF4 twin-turbo V6, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear face of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (GM TIS C42200). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('A' for LTA series). Pre-2018 models have silver valve covers with "LTA" branding; post-2018 units use black valve covers with "LTA" marking. Critical differentiation from LT1: LTA uses direct injection and OHV; LT1 uses similar architecture but different bore/stroke and calibration. Service parts require production date verification - lifters for engines before 08/2018 are incompatible with later units due to gallery redesign (GM SIB 18-NA-023).
The LTA's primary reliability risk is lifter wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Internal GM quality reports from 2018 noted a significant share of pre-2018 engines requiring lifter replacement before 120,000 km, while NHTSA records show low emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Extended high-load operation and insufficient warm-up increase lifter stress, making oil quality and operational procedure critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2016-2020) and NHTSA failure statistics (2018-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CADILLAC LTA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with CADILLAC or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
CADILLAC Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialCADILLAC documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
