The anticipation for the all new 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport continues to grow as GM releases more tasty bits of news on the car. The latest morsel of news surrounds the twin turbos attached to the new 3.6-liter V-6.
They now adapt to the weather.
Yes, the turbos are equipped with a set of sensors that monitor air pressure, intake humidity, and throttle intake temperatures in what GM calls its “onboard weather station.” The data collected is processed by the car’s computer, which then continuously adjusts the wastegate and compressor bypass control system to squeeze every available ounce of efficiency from the engine.
“Just as a meteorologist uses high-tech sensors to detect barometric pressure, humidity, air flow and temperature, our system can detect these conditions and modify engine performance and efficiency accordingly,” says Richard Bartlett, assistant chief engineer of General Motors’ twin-turbo engine.
Compressor surge is also closely monitored by the system to ensure power loss is kept to a minimum – along with the unwanted noise associated with it. The computer system does this by monitoring the air pressure inside the compressors, then adjusting the wastegates to balance the pressure properly.
Cadillac is also keeping the compressed air temperatures in check with a “unique charge air cooling system” that is said to reduce temperatures by more than 130 degrees from temperatures that can exceed 265 degrees. The cooler, denser air is more conducive for making more power – something the 420 hp V-6 isn’t short of.
Look for the 2014 CTS to hit dealers in October with the CTS Vsport following in November. Pricing starts at $46,025 for a four-cylinder model to just shy of $60,000 for a base Vsport.
