GM has announced the details of the new Twin-Turbo V6 Engine and Eight Speed Automatic Transmission. Tagged as the “LF3” this is the most power V6 GM has ever produced making a SAE-certified 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 430 lb.-ft. of torque (583 Nm). The LF3 is paired with two small turbo chargers and an efficient inner-cooler to help provide immediate power delivery. Approximately 90 percent of the 3.6L Twin-Turbo’s peak torque is available from 2,500 rpm to 5,500 rpm, giving the engine a broad torque curve. The LF3 will be available in the 2014 Cadillac CTS.
LF3 Engine Features Include:
- All-new cylinder block casting
- All-new cylinder head castings
- Strengthened connecting rods
- Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength
- 10.2:1 compression ratio
- Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts
- Two turbochargers produce more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa)
- Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves
- All-new direct injection fuel system
- Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to exceptional quietness and smoothness.
Maximizing efficiency in the intake system is a key feature in the LF3’s high output. A single, centrally located throttle body atop the engine controls the air charge from both turbochargers after the temperature is reduced in the intercooler. Using a pair of smaller turbochargers rather than a single, larger turbo helps ensure immediate throttle response and virtually no lag. By eliminating a large circuit of heat exchanger tubing, airflow routing volume is reduced by 60 percent.
The Twin-Turbo LF3 is paired with a high-performance, paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission that offers efficiency and performance advantages over a six-speed transmission. Eight speeds result in a 1.5-percent gain in fuel economy.
The LF3 is a comprehensive upgrade on the 60-degree, 3.6L DOHC V-6 offered in today’s SRX, XTS and ATS. All this power helps the new CTS sedan go 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.6 seconds and achieves an estimated top speed of 170 mph.
If the V6 makes this much power I cannot wait to see what the CTS-V will do!
