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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Cadillac’s original 7.4-liter V16 was reported to make more than 300 lb-ft of torque from just 400 rpm through 2,000 rpm. Its peak was higher—320 lb-ft at 1,400 rpm—so “300 lb-ft at 400 rpm” describes the remarkable start of a broad low-speed torque plateau, not the engine’s maximum. Introduced for 1930, this 452-cubic-inch engine paired that flexible delivery with 165 horsepower at 3,400 rpm.
How much torque did Cadillac’s 7.4-liter V16 make?
MotorTrend reports 300 lb-ft at idle, a peak of 320 lb-ft at 1,400 rpm, and more than 300 lb-ft across the range from 400 to 2,000 rpm. The key figure is not just the peak: the engine reportedly produced near-peak torque at very low speed and held above 300 lb-ft through a wide band. These detailed torque figures come from MotorTrend; GM’s heritage pages corroborate the production V16’s history and horsepower, but do not provide this torque curve.
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MotorTrend gives the original engine a rating of 165 hp at 3,400 rpm and says it was designed for reliable operation up to 4,000 rpm. GM’s Heritage Collection also lists 165 hp for its 1931 V16 example. MotorTrend’s Cadillac V-16 history and specifications and GM’s 1931 Cadillac V16 collection page provide the respective details.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat car had a 7.4-liter V16?
The 7.4-liter figure refers to Cadillac’s first-generation production V16, introduced for the 1930 model year. It displaced 452 cubic inches and used overhead valves. MotorTrend describes a 45-degree V16 with a 3-inch bore and 4-inch stroke, built by joining two V8 cylinder blocks to an aluminum-alloy crankcase.
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MotorTrend’s account says Cadillac chose many smaller cylinders to increase power while avoiding some concerns associated with a larger V8, including cooling, smoothness and drivetrain demands. The engine’s torque characteristics also allowed Cadillac to use its existing transmission and drive axle, according to that account. The car had a three-speed synchronized transmission, and Cadillac pursued refinement as well as power, including a hydraulic lash-adjusting system intended to reduce valve noise.
How the Cadillac V16 generations differ
Cadillac’s V16 name covers more than one engine design. The 1938 redesign was not the original overhead-valve 452, and the 2003 Sixteen was a concept rather than a production car.
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| Engine | Vehicle status and era | Displacement and layout | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-generation Cadillac V16 | Production engine introduced for 1930; used through 1937 | 7.4 liters / 452 cu. in.; overhead valves; 45-degree bank angle | 165 hp at 3,400 rpm initially; later raised to 185 hp, according to MotorTrend | MotorTrend reports 320 lb-ft at 1,400 rpm and more than 300 lb-ft from 400 to 2,000 rpm |
| Redesigned Cadillac V16 | Production engine for 1938–1940 | 7.1 liters / 431 cu. in.; flathead; 135-degree bank angle | 185 hp, according to MotorTrend | not stated by MotorTrend’s cited account |
| Cadillac Sixteen XV16 | 2003 concept; never entered production | 13.6 liters; XV16 concept engine | 1,000 hp, according to GM | 1,000 lb-ft, according to GM |
The original engine’s torque figures should not be applied to the 1938–1940 flathead. Likewise, the 2003 concept’s much larger output belongs to a different engine and a non-production vehicle. GM’s 2025 retrospective describes the concept and its production status in its article on the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen.
Was the Cadillac Sixteen ever produced?
Yes: Cadillac produced V16 cars beginning with the 1930 model year, and GM’s Heritage Collection preserves a 1931 example. The 2003 Cadillac Sixteen, despite its XV16 engine and 1,000-hp claim, remained a concept and never entered production.
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- 【Alloy SUV model with light and sound】 More than just a static model – press the steering wheel to activate working LED headlights and realistic sound effects, with three light modes to choose from: off, steady on, or trigger-activated. Then open it up. All four doors swing open with smooth resistance. The hood lifts to reveal a detailed engine bay, and the trunk opens to showcase the cargo area. Inside, the front seats slide and recline – a level of detail rarely seen at this scale. With seven opening components, this SUV invites you to explore every inch of its design inside and out
- 【A little car hides big fun】 Pull it back, release, and watch it race forward – the pull-back motor delivers instant driving fun. Meanwhile, the four-wheel independent suspension system mimics real SUV handling, absorbing bumps as it rolls across desks or tabletops. The steering wheel is mechanically linked to the front wheels, allowing you to actually steer and turn just like the real vehicle. Combined with opening doors, hood, and trunk, this model offers hands-on enjoyment that static displays simply cannot match
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