Not always. The CTS-V does not have a single engine family across its run; early cars used GM's LS small-blocks, while later models moved to the newer LT family with different engines.
The Cadillac CTS-V has spanned multiple generations, and each used a different powerplant that reflected GM's broader engine strategy across the sports sedan segment.
Engine lineage by CTS-V generation
Below is a concise guide to which engine powered each CTS-V generation.
- First generation (2004–2007): LS6 5.7L V8 (2004–2005) and LS2 6.0L V8 (2006–2007).
- Second generation (2011–2015): LSA 6.2L supercharged V8.
- Third generation (2016–2019): LT4 6.2L supercharged V8.
These engines illustrate the shift from the LS to LT architecture in the CTS-V lineup.
What this means for the label “LS”
“LS” typically refers to GM’s Gen III/IV small-block family. The early CTS-Vs (2004–2007) are clearly LS-based; the 2011–2015 CTS-V uses the LS-derived LSA, still considered part of the LS family; the 2016–2019 CTS-V uses the LT4, a Gen V engine, which is not an LS engine. So the CTS-V is not uniformly an LS engine; it depends on the model year.
Key takeaways by generation
- LS-based roots in early CTS-V models (LS6 and LS2).
- LSA introduction in the 2011–2015 CTS-V, still within the LS family.
- LT4 adoption in the 2016–2019 CTS-V, marking a shift to GM’s LT (Gen V) small-block.
The progression shows a clear move from LS to LT architecture over the CTS-V’s lifespan.
Summary
The CTS-V engine cannot be described as a single LS engine across all years. The early CTS-Vs use LS-based powerplants, including the LS6 and LS2, and the 2011–2015 models use the LS-derived LSA. The 2016–2019 CTS-V switches to the LT4, GM’s Gen V small-block, which is not an LS engine. In short, CTS-V engines span both LS-based and LT-based families depending on the generation.