https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3062 ... v8-engine/
We think that packaging is the key reason behind this decision. Because of the Blackwing V-8's double-overhead-cam design, it's taller and wider than the pushrod 6.2-liter V-8, meaning it may not fit easily between the strut towers of the CT5, which uses GM's Alpha platform. The Blackwing V-8's only application so far is in the now defunct CT6-V, which rides on a different, larger platform called Omega. We haven't heard rumors of any other applications for this engine, so disappointingly this new V-8 may go the way of the CT6 and never be heard from again.
Same old story. Large displacement pushrod engines are actually quite compact. The LT4 was good provided it had sufficient cooling (including oil). This also means that the CT5-V should be a similar performer to the old CTS-V. Not that there's anything wrong with that, though I would support an enhanced LT4, like a detuned LT5 just to get that trap solidly in the ~127+ range (I've seen the V3 trap as low as like 122-123 I think, not even a consistent 125). My goal would be to see packaging of the interior/trunk improved while losing NOTHING in performance or dynamics. If they want to up their interior game that is fine I guess. Whatever it takes to sell more while still being top of the class (or near the top) in terms of being an actual enthusiast-grade chassis. Theoretically, the driving dynamics of the Giulia Quadrofoglio combined with the interior/luxury/premiumness of the German offerings, but as an American offering (i.e. pushrod, no apologies V8). We'll see how the actual execution is.
The trick is where the pricing ends up while delivering on that. Can they charge German money for that? I'm going with, no. So invariably a compromise must be made. Maybe they can hedge and have a premium, over the top interior for those who want it (and charge appropriately) and a regular interior for those who don't care as much about that? Not efficient to do it that way...and it takes more than slapping some leather and carbon fiber on. It's baked into the design. This is not easy. Maybe look at Lincoln's model with the Navigator - the non-Black Label are very clearly not as good as the Black Label interiors.
In fact GM just invested in a bespoke interior for the Yukon Denali so there is some recent precedent here.
My other thought is I'd rather see pushrod stuff in these kinds of vehicles, and that extends down to the ATS-V and CTS V-sport. They should have just had the LT1. However, the Blackwing is completely appropriate in the CT6 Platinum/V and I have no issue with such a powerplant in a vehicle like that.
Finally, as to the question:
Which V-8 would you prefer in the CT5?
It was 48% LT4, 52% Blackwing (as of this post). Which means nothing really but for the record I voted LT4.