Cadillac LF4 Engine Specifications

August 5, 2025

Cadillac LF4 Engine Specifications

The LF4 is a Future Classic

With its twin-turbo power, forged internals, and track-ready engineering, the Cadillac LF4 Engine is one of the most advanced V6 engines ever built by GM. It delivers supercar-like performance in a luxury sedan while retaining the thrill of a manual transmission.

For enthusiasts, the LF4 is a rare gem, an engine that proves turbocharged V6s can be just as exciting as V8s.

LF4 Piston Rings

Piston Rings

  • First Compression Ring: 0.975–0.990 mm (0.0384–0.0390 in)
  • Second Compression Ring: 1.170–1.195 mm (0.0461–0.0470 in)
  • Oil Control Ring: 1.360–1.480 mm (0.0535–0.0583 in)

Crankshaft and Connecting Rods

  • Connecting Rod Journal Diameter: 55.992–56.008 mm (2.2044–2.2050 in)
  • Crankshaft Main Journal Diameter: 67.992–68.008 mm (2.6768–2.6775 in)
LF4 Piston

Pistons and Pins

  • Piston Diameter (Measured Over Skirt Coating): 93.976–94.014 mm (3.6998–3.7013 in)
  • Piston Pin Bore Diameter: 24.004–24.009 mm (0.9450–0.9452 in)
  • Piston to Bore Clearance (Production): 0.022–0.032 mm (0.0009–0.0013 in)

Valves

  • Valve Face Angle: 44.25 degrees
  • Valve Lift (Exhaust): 11.003 mm (0.4332 in)
  • Valve Lift (Intake): 10.945 mm (0.4309 in)
Cadillac LF4 Engine Valves

Power & Torque:

472 horsepower @ 5,700 RPM
445 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 RPM

Displacement: 3.6L (3564 cc), (220 ci)
Configuration: 60-degree V6 with dual overhead cams (DOHC)
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 (optimized for forced induction)

Dual-Volute Turbochargers for Instant Boost

  • Dual-Volute Design: Separates exhaust pulses to reduce turbo lag, improving throttle response.
  • Electronic Wastegate Control: Precisely regulates boost pressure for smooth power delivery.
  • Air-to-Liquid Intercoolers: Efficiently cools intake air for maximum power.

Why It Matters: The LF4 feels naturally aspirated, with power available across the entire RPM range.

General Engine Specifications

  • Bore: 94 mm (3.7008 in)
  • Stroke: 85.6 mm (3.37 in)
  • Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
  • Firing Order: 1-2-3-4-5-6
  • Spark Plug Gap: 0.90 mm (0.035 in)
Cadillac LF4 Engine Specifications

The GM LF4 engine is a high-performance twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 powerplant that has become a cornerstone of Cadillac’s latest engineering achievements. Originally introduced as part of General Motors’ family of advanced V6 engines, the LF4 was specifically developed to deliver exhilarating performance in the Cadillac ATS-V and CT4-V Blackwing models. Featuring a sophisticated twin-turbo setup with electronically controlled wastegates, the LF4 generates up to 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful V6 engines offered by GM. 

Its design incorporates forged internal components, dual-volute turbochargers, and an advanced cooling system, enabling it to deliver immediate throttle response and high levels of durability even under track-day stress. The engine’s lightweight aluminum construction and precision engineering exemplify GM’s commitment to blending performance with reliability in a compact engine package.

The LF4’s history traces back to GM’s ongoing pursuit of combining efficiency and high-performance technology in smaller engines. Building upon lessons learned from turbocharged V6 platforms in previous Cadillac models like the ATS-V, the LF4 emerged as a refined evolution of GM’s high-performance engineering. It was engineered with a focus on delivering supercar-like power and responsiveness while maintaining everyday usability, making it a rare addition to GM’s performance lineup. 

The engine’s development represents GM’s dedication to advancing turbocharged V6 technology, competing against some of the best engines in the segment, and cementing Cadillac’s reputation for producing electrically and mechanically sophisticated vehicles. Its heritage is rooted in GM’s broader history of pushing the boundaries of engine performance, establishing the LF4 as a modern classic in the realm of high-performance luxury sedans.

The GM LF4 engine has been celebrated not only for its impressive performance but also for its exclusivity through its hand-built special editions. These editions represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and engineering, crafted by a dedicated team of specialists to ensure every detail meets the highest standards. In particular, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, equipped with the LF4 engine, offers a limited production model featuring meticulous hand-finishing processes. This includes precise assembly, balancing, and inspection by skilled technicians, ensuring that each engine not only performs at an elite level but also embodies the artistry and dedication inherent in high-performance manufacturing.

These hand-built special editions serve as a testament to GM’s commitment to craftsmanship and performance. Typically, the process involves more rigorous quality checks, including fine-tuning of critical components, to achieve optimal power delivery, reliability, and detail-oriented craftsmanship. Collectors and enthusiasts highly prize these engines for their unique heritage, emphasizing that each one is a bespoke piece of engineering. The hand-built versions of the LF4 exemplify Cadillac’s dedication to producing engines that are not just powerful but also a work of art—delivering a persona of exclusivity and precision that sets them apart from mass-produced counterparts. These limited editions underline the significance of craftsmanship in achieving the ultimate driving experience for the most discerning enthusiasts.

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