Cadillac has officially announced that the next flagship of the brand will be a large sedan named “CT6”. The 2016 Cadillac CT6 will go on sale at the end of 2015, according to the press release. It’s not meant to replace any existing Cadillac offering. The CTS and XTS will continue as they are.
The CT6 will likely borrow the 3.6L twin-turbo V6 from the smaller sedan brethren. It’s curious that the “CT6” has a “6” in it. After all, this is the flagship that will do battle against the Audi A8 and BMW 7-series. The higher the number – the better, right? Cadillac says to expect the “CT” naming convention to spread across all sedan ranges. The number that follow the “CT” indicates the relative size and position of the car in the hierarchy. Could it be that CT6 is not the largest sedan that Cadillac is planning for the future?
The use of the forced-induction V6 makes logical sense. It may come in several power outputs with a potential of making over 420 horsepower.
Cadillac says that dynamic performance and highest level of technology are the main goals for the flagship. They are employing new construction techniques to make the CT6 the lightest sedan in the segment. It means that this luxury liner will weigh under 4,300 pounds in base trim. Lower weight will enable greater performance and efficiency. However, don’t discount a big V8 in the range topping model.
Of course, the CT6 will have an available all-wheel-drive system, as this prototype demonstrates in challenging snowy conditions.
Other high-end technologies will include the Super Cruise system. This is the working name for GM’s autonomous driving technology. Cadillac says this technology will be capable of following lanes/steering, braking, and accelerating without any input from the driver. The statement is very carefully worded to point out that it will work in “certain highway driving conditions”. So, don’t expect to get into your 2016 CT6 and just fall asleep as the car takes you to the destination. The driver will still have to be attentive and take over control at higher speeds or in adverse weather conditions.
Is big American luxury sedan finally back?
Check out this revealing TFLcar spy video of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 prototype.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.
