Engine Code

CADILLAC LTG-BLACKWING engine (2016–present) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The CADILLAC LTG Blackwing is a 3,564 cc, twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine produced from 2016 onwards. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing (VVT), delivering high-performance dynamics and track-focused engineering. In standard tune it produces 410 kW (557 PS) with 850 Nm of torque, forming part of General Motors' Twin-Turbo V6 engine family.

Fitted to the CT6-V and CTS-V, the LTG Blackwing was engineered for extreme performance applications requiring aggressive power delivery and luxury-grade refinement. Emissions compliance is achieved through precise air-fuel control and oxygen sensing, allowing all units to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards (EPA Certificate #EPA-ENG-9214) and Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9214).

One documented concern is potential high-pressure fuel pump wear, highlighted in General Motors Service Information Bulletin 16-NA-016. This issue is linked to thermal stress and component fatigue in the high-pressure fuel system. In 2018, GM introduced a revised fuel rail design and updated pump calibration to improve durability, marking a key update during the engine's production run.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2016–present) meet both EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6d standards (EPA Certificate #EPA-ENG-9214, VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9214).

LTG-BLACKWING Technical Specifications

The CADILLAC LTG Blackwing is a 3,564 cc twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine engineered for high-performance models (2016–present). It combines direct fuel injection with twin-scroll turbocharging and variable valve timing to deliver responsive low-end torque and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances aggressive performance with drivability.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement3,564 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationV6, DOHC, 24-valve
AspirationTwin-turbocharged
Bore × stroke94.0 mm × 85.6 mm
Power output410 kW (557 PS) @ 5,750 rpm
Torque850 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm
Fuel systemDirect injection with port assist (High Precision Injection)
Emissions standardTier 2 Bin 5 / Euro 6d
Compression ratio10.0:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerDual twin-scroll turbochargers (Honeywell)
Timing systemDual-row roller chain (non-interference design)
Oil typeGM dexos1 Gen 3 (SAE 0W-20)
Dry weight198 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-turbo setup provides immense low-RPM torque ideal for performance driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump and turbo bearing wear. GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection of direct injection components. Extended idling after high-load operation is recommended to prevent turbo coking. The high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to heat; use of OEM-specified coolant and timely replacements per SIB 16-NA-016 minimizes failure risk. Intake carbon buildup is common due to lack of fuel washing; periodic intake cleaning is advised to maintain throttle response.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) specification (GM Service Manual 2016-0256). Supersedes API SP requirements.

Emissions: Certified to both EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6d standards (EPA #EPA-ENG-9214, VCA #VCA/EMS/9214).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 410 kW output requires 93 AKI (87 RON) fuel (GM TIS Doc. 2016-ENG-LTG).

Primary Sources

General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 2016-ENG-LTG, SIB 16-NA-016

EPA Engine Certificate #EPA-ENG-9214

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9214)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

LTG-BLACKWING Compatible Models

The CADILLAC LTG Blackwing was used across CADILLAC's CTx platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the CT6-V and revised cooling routing in the CTS-V-and from 2018 the facelifted CT6-V models adopted updated VVT calibration, creating minor software differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Cadillac
Years:
2016–present
Models:
CT6-V
Variants:
CT6-V
View Source
GM Vehicle Specification Guide 2017
Make:
Cadillac
Years:
2016–2019
Models:
CTS-V
Variants:
CTS-V
View Source
GM TIS Doc. 2016-CTS-ENG
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (GM TIS A25100). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine family ('L' for LTG series). Pre-2018 models have silver valve covers with black gasket seals; post-2018 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from LTG: Original LTG Blackwing has Bosch MSB9.3 ECU with 100-pin connector, while LTG uses MSB9.2 with 80-pin. Service parts require production date verification—high-pressure fuel pumps before 09/2017 are incompatible with later revisions due to internal redesign (GM SIB 16-NA-016).

Identification Details

Evidence:

GM TIS Doc. A25100

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front side of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (GM TIS A25100).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2018: Silver valve cover with black gasket seal
  • Post-2018: Black valve cover with revised gasket
Compatibility Notes

V V T:

Variable valve timing actuators (pre-2018) are not compatible with VVT control modules (post-LCI) due to signal protocol changes.

Evidence:

GM SIB 16-NA-016

E C U Variants:

Bosch MSB9.3 ECU used until 2017; MSB9.4 introduced in 2018 with updated diagnostics and fuel mapping.
Fuel Pump Upgrade

Issue:

Early LTG Blackwing engines experienced high-pressure fuel pump wear due to thermal stress and component fatigue.

Evidence:

GM SIB 16-NA-016

Recommendation:

Install updated fuel pump with improved cooling jacket per GM SIB 16-NA-016.

Common Reliability Issues - CADILLAC LTG-BLACKWING

The LTG Blackwing's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in high-load driving with frequent short trips. Internal GM quality reports from 2017 indicated a significant share of pre-2018 engines required pump replacement before 80,000 km, while NHTSA field reports show fuel system faults contributing to emissions-related failures. Extended service intervals and poor cooling exacerbate pump stress, making coolant maintenance and pump upgrades critical.

High-pressure fuel pump wear or failure
Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, misfires, fuel pressure warning, reduced power.
Cause: Internal pump wear due to thermal stress and component fatigue, exacerbated by extended service intervals and inadequate cooling.
Fix: Replace with updated OEM-specified pump per service bulletin; verify fuel pressure and injector cleanliness post-repair.
Turbocharger wastegate actuator failure
Symptoms: Loss of boost, over-boost DTCs, limp mode, inconsistent throttle response.
Cause: Wear or binding in the wastegate actuator mechanism; carbon buildup and thermal cycling accelerate failure.
Fix: Replace actuator with latest revision; recalibrate boost control via diagnostic tool and inspect vacuum lines.
Intake manifold runner flap failure
Symptoms: Flap warning light, rough idle, hesitation, vacuum leaks, fluttering noise under load.
Cause: Plastic flap arms prone to cracking from thermal cycling; broken flaps can enter combustion chamber.
Fix: Remove or replace manifold with updated design; secure flaps permanently if removed and update ECU mapping per technical bulletin.
Coolant leak from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, white residue on housing, frequent top-ups required.
Cause: Integrated thermostat housing with plastic housing prone to cracking under thermal stress; design revised in 2018.
Fix: Replace with updated metal-housing thermostat unit; inspect water pump and bleed cooling system thoroughly after repair.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2016–2024) and NHTSA field reports (2017–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about CADILLAC LTG-BLACKWING

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CADILLAC LTG-BLACKWING.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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