Twin-Turbo V-6 and eight-speed auto for Cadillac CTS

Cadillac will reveal an all-new CTS sedan for 2014 at the New York International Auto Show next week, and with it both a new engine and a new transmission.

The new CTS will offer a Twin-Turbo 3.6-litre V-6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission – both firsts for the brand.

The new engine is said to be a comprehensive upgrade on the 60-degree, 3.6-litre DOHC V-6 offered in today’s SRX, XTS and ATS. However, almost every component is unique.

With an output of 118 horsepower/litre, the Twin-Turbo V-6 is said to be the most power-dense six-cylinder engine in the midsize luxury segment, while the eight-speed automatic contributes to both enhanced fuel economy and acceleration, compared to the six-speed it replaces.

Rated at 420 horsepower (SAE-certified) and 430 lb-ft of torque, the Twin-Turbo is the most powerful V-6 ever offered by General Motors. And it surpasses even BMW 550i’s TwinPower 4.4L V-8, rated at 400 horsepower, in both total output and power density.

[photo-endIn addition, the new engine's torque curve is broad and flat, with approximately 90% of peak torque available from 2,500 rpm to 5,500 rpm, resulting in strong response in almost all driving conditions.

GM says a pair of smaller turbochargers, combined with an intercooler, helps provide more immediate power delivery than a single larger turbo.

Expect the new CTS with the Twin-Turbo engine to reach 100 km/h in about five seconds. According to GM, it will have a top speed of 274 km/h.

The eight-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission mated to the Twin-Turbo provides both efficiency and performance advantages, including a 1.5% improvement in fuel economy.

The 2014 CTS sedan will also be available with a naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6 rated at 321 horsepower and a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at an estimated 272 horsepower.

We'll provide more details on the new 2014 CTS when it is revealed in New York. It will go on sale this fall and the new engine will also will be offered in the 2014 XTS large luxury sedan around the same time.