Incredible Turbo from Cadillac
Cadillac has launched its Twin-Turbo V6 in the 2014 XTS Vsport full-size sedan, where it produces 410 hp in the car, and remarkably, little sensation of turbo-lag.
Cadillac has launched its Twin-Turbo V6 in the 2014 XTS Vsport full-size sedan, where it produces 410 hp in the car, and remarkably, little sensation of turbo-lag. Explained Richard Bartlett, Cadillac assistant chief engineer for the 3.6-liter engine, “By creating a very short path from the turbos”—they’ve deployed two smaller turbochargers rather than one, larger turbo—“to the throttle body”—which is top-mounted and centrally located—“the compressors are able to draw air directly from the inlet box and send pressurized air through the intercooler immediately. This gives the driver a more immediate feeling of power on demand.” And just as there are two turbos, there is a twin-brick configuration for the charge-cooling heat exchangers, which reduce the air charge temperature by >130°F. It is estimated that the air routing volume is reduced by >60% compared to conventional designs with chassis-mounted heat exchangers and that the cooling efficiency of the water-to-air cooler system is >80% with approximately just 1 psi of air flow restriction at peak power. The engine is based on the 60°, 3.6-liter DOHC V6 available in the XTS and other models, but Bartlett points out that the engine has been extensively modified, including all new block and head castings, strengthened con rods, new aluminum pistons, a new direct-injection fuel system, and an aluminum intake manifold. The Twin-Turbo is also being installed in the all-new 2014 CTS Vsport, where it provides an SAE-certified 420 hp.—GSV