New York Auto Show: 2016 Cadillac CT6: Comments

[Drew Dowdell]

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While we've been getting some teaser shots of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 for a few weeks, Cadillac finally pulled the sheet back on the CT6 tonight at an event in New York ahead of the start of the 2015 New York International Auto Show.

The CT6 is the first of eight all new vehicles scheduled to be released over the next 5 years as part of Cadillac's $12-billion expansion program.

Riding on the new Omega platform, the CT6 is a technological powerhouse. Starting with the body, Cadillac is using a combination of high-strength aluminum and high-strength steel to build the lightest vehicle in its class and even a class-size smaller. Over 64% of the body structure is aluminum. At 204 inches long and 74 inches wide, the Cadillac CT6 is 4 inches longer than the BMW 740i and 0.9 inches narrower, however it weighs in at less than 3700lbs giving the CT6 over a 600lbs advantage. With a base curb weight so low, the CT6 even weighs less than smaller cars like the Audi A6 (3,803), BMW 5-series (3,817), Infiniti Q70 (3,858), Mercedes E-Class (4,200), and is about on par with a Mercedes C350 (3,693). Even with so much weight loss, Cadillac has used high strength steel in key areas to maintain what it calls "Bank Vault-like" quietness. Cadillac says that in spite of being physically larger, the CT6 will have the same agility as the smaller CTS.

The base CT6 will be powered by the familiar 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder that is tuned to product about 265 horsepower. Also available will be Cadillac's new 3.6 liter naturally aspirated V6 with 335 horsepower, and a new Cadillac exclusive 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo-4 and 3.6 liter will be matched to an all-new, and lighter, 8-Speed automatic while the 3.0TT gets a beefier version. (These new 8-speeds will also join the 2016 Cadillac ATS/CTS and ATS-V/CTS-V respectively). All engines will feature stop start capability to improve fuel economy, while the V6s feature cylinder deactivation during low-load operations. The CT6 comes standard with active-on-demand all-wheel drive on V6 models. This new dual gear all-wheel drive system can shift up to 959 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels if needed.

One of the headline features on the CT6 is the active rear-wheel steering system. This system allows for greater maneuverability at low speeds and higher stability at high speed. Though the CT6 has a 7.8 inch longer wheelbase than the CTS, the turning circle is a similar 37 feet.

The technology continues inside with an extensive list of available features. Cadillac's CUE system is present with a 10.2 inch diagonal screen. The CUE system has been updated for faster response and also includes a console mounted touchpad for an additional control point.

On the CUE screen, the CT6 can display a full 360 degree view around the car. The system can also record front and rear views while driving or 360 degree views if the security system has been activated. An enhanced heat sensing night vision camera is available.

The Cadillac CT6 will also eschew the backup camera for a rear view mirror camera. The entire inside rear view mirror will become a screen that shows an unobstructed rear view with a much wider field of vision. This feature can be simply toggled off via a switch on the bottom of the mirror and it will revert to a traditional electro-chromatic inside mirror.

The automatic parking feature now also includes automatic braking while the automatic braking system ties into the vehicle camera system to include pedestrian collision mitigation.

Comforts inside include quad-zone climate control with a complete secondary HVAC system and an ionizing air purifier. A new articulating rear seat package will include lumbar adjustments, tilting seat cushions, massage, heating/cooling, and media center controls. The media system includes 10" screens that drop into the front seatbacks. Audio is a new Bose Panary system with 34 speakers. And all of that fits back there with 40.4 inches of rear leg room (BMW 740i is 38", Audi A8 is 38.7" and Lexus LS460L is 36.7" for reference)

The Cadillac CT6 will be built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant for US, Europe, Korea, Japan, Israel, and the Middle east, starting in late 2015 while Chinese market models will be produced at an all new facility in China starting in early 2016.

Source: Cadillac Media

Cadillac Press Release on Page 2

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Cadillac Extends the Top of its Range with CT6

Advanced technology creates a new formula for the prestige sedan

NEW YORK – Cadillac tonight held the world premiere of the 2016 CT6, elevating it to the top of its range and creating a new formula for the prestige sedan through the integration of new technologies developed to achieve dynamic performance, efficiency and agility previously unseen in large luxury cars.

CT6 marks Cadillac’s long-awaited return to the global prestige luxury segment, and is one of eight all-new vehicles the brand will launch by the end of the decade as part of its $12-billion product investment to expand and elevate.

“The CT6 is nothing less than an entirely new approach to premium luxury – and an approach only Cadillac can offer,” said Johan de Nysschen, president of Cadillac. “It is a bold endeavor with unmatched dynamism that reignites a passion for driving in large luxury vehicles. In short, it is prestige luxury reimagined.”

Cadillac CT6 takes drivers to a higher threshold of involvement, with technologies that make them more aware of their surroundings, chassis systems – including active technologies – that make the most of control in all conditions, and powertrains led by an all-new Cadillac Twin Turbo engine that rewards with stirring power on demand. Passengers are ensconced in the brand’s ultimate expression of comfort, luxury and connectivity.

The CT6 features one of the industry’s most advanced automotive body structures, an aluminum-intensive architecture that incorporates 11 different materials to achieve strength, performance and efficiency thresholds practically unmatched among the world’s elite luxury performance sedans.

It is one of the world’s lightest and most agile full-size luxury performance sedans, with dimensions and spaciousness on par with BMW’s short-wheelbase 7-Series, but the approximate weight, agility and efficiency of the smaller Cadillac CTS – which is lighter than a BMW 5-Series. The CT6 is lighter than the BMW 5-Series, 6-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

“We reinvented the approach to structural underpinnings in the quest to develop a unique formula for the prestige luxury performance sedan,” said de Nysschen. “Melding that new approach with the dynamics conveyed in our other award-winning rear-driven sedans – including V-Series – results in something that has been lost in the segment: the exhilaration of a true driver’s car.”

Cadillac focused on three pillars that would coalesce to deliver the CT6’s dynamic experience – and do so with higher levels of presence, elegance and technological innovation to help elevate Cadillac around the world.

“Luxury brands are built from the top down,” said Cadillac Chief Marketing Officer Uwe Ellinghaus. “Adding a dynamic, top-of-the-range car is central to Cadillac’s elevation and global growth.”

Agility

• All-new Omega architecture features 13 high-pressure aluminum castings in the body structure, creating a lighter, stiffer structure that also enables “bank vault” levels of quietness
  
• All-new Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo engine offer an estimated 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 400 lb-ft of torque (543 Nm), making it among the most power-dense V-6 engines in the segment, at 133 horsepower (99 kW) per liter
  
• Efficiency is enhanced with the industry’s first application of cylinder deactivation technology on a turbocharged
  
• V-6 engine, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission
  
• 2.0L I-4 turbocharged and new 3.6L V-6 naturally aspirated engines, each with a new eight-speed automatic transmission
  
• Active-on-demand all-wheel drive featuring a continuously variable clutch that infinitely varies power delivery to the front wheels – up to 959 lb-ft (1,300 Nm) – to make the most of handling and stability in all conditions
  
• Advanced performance chassis system designed to deliver an engaging driving experience – with segment-best ride, handling and isolation qualities – through the use of Active Rear Steer, Magnetic Ride Control and selectable drive modes
  
• Auto Vehicle Hold – a driver-selectable feature that prevents forward/rearward vehicle creep when the driver’s foot is off the brake. It reduces fatigue during heavy stop-and-go traffic and improves vehicle control on steep grades.
  

Connectivity

• True 360-degree camera view around the vehicle, displayed on the Cadillac CUE screen, helps reduce blind spots around the vehicle
  
• Industry-first surround-view video recording system that can record front and rear views while driving, and 360 degrees of recording if the vehicle’s security system is activated
  
• Enhanced Night Vision helps identify people, large animals and more via heat signatures on a display in the driver information center
  
• Rear CThamera Mirror is the industry’s first application of full-display technology, combining camera technology with the conventional inside mirror to project an unobstructed view in the mirror
  
• New Advanced Park Assist integrates automatic braking into automatic parking
  
• New Pedestrian Collision Mitigation technology provides pedestrian detection indications, alerts and automatic braking to avoid collisions
  
• Large, 10.2-inch-diagonal CUE interface screen with 1280 x 720 HD resolution and console mounted touchpad. The capacitive-touch screen reacts faster when scrolling and recognizes handwriting for address/points of interest search. The touchpad allows control of CUE features while resting an arm on the center console rather than touching the screen
  
• Wireless phone charging and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.
  

Indulgence

• Bold American luxury design, distinctly Cadillac – a true rear-wheel drive car, with a dramatic dash-to-axle ratio offering classic long, low proportion and luxury presence that commands attention
  
• Lightweight and a design that conveys it. Dynamic use of line work and sophistication and precision in surfacing – CT6 looks as light and agile as it actually is
  
• Elevates modern craftsmanship with curated environments that are rich, expressive and spacious, combining luxurious leathers, exotic woods, and carbon fiber in unprecedented ways
  
• Standard Indirect Fire light-emitting diode front lighting system offers state-of-the-art, more efficient illumination for a distinctive appearance that is both technical and expressive in its character and personality
  
• Extended comfort seats offer a refined, luxurious appearance. Features include premium Opus leather, five massage programs, reclining rear seats and Cadillac’s first application of woven-in-seat heating elements
  
• All-new Articulating Rear Seat package offers new thresholds for comfort and luxury, with approximately 3.3 inches (83 mm) of adjustable seat travel, lumbar adjustment, tilting cushions, massage feature, heating/cooling features and armrest with media controls, including HDMI and USB ports
  
• Comprehensive rear seat infotainment system with articulating 10-inch-diagonal screens that retract into the front seatbacks, along with connectivity for brought-in devices
  
• Quadzone climate system, which employs a secondary full-HVAC system that allows passengers to personalize temperature and airflow for each seating position, along with ionizing air purification
  
• Cadillac-first Bose^® Panaray^® audio system features 34 strategically placed speakers for exceptional dynamic range and clarity, including the first automotive application of design and technology elements from Bose home entertainment and professional audio products
  
• Concierge welcome lighting that illuminates the outside of the car as the owner approaches, based on the signal from the passive entry fob
  
• Hands-free power deck lid operation
  
• Generous rear-seat legroom – 40.4 inches (1027 mm) – and segment-best interior storage, including 2.2L center console storage volume.
  

About the architecture

The body-in-white of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 is structurally lighter and stiffer than any other dynamically similar vehicle such as the BMW 5-Series or Audi A6. That state-of-the-art architecture is the foundation for its benchmark-establishing agility and vault-like solidity and quietness.

The new architecture has a mixed-material structure with all-aluminum exterior body panels. Engineers conducted 50 million hours of computational analysis – including 200,000 structural simulations – in its development, generating 21 patents.

“Every panel of the body-in-white is optimized with innovative joining techniques,” said Travis Hester, executive chief engineer, Cadillac CT6. “It’s an uncompromising approach that provides the best balance of strength, lightness and refinement.”

Thirteen high-pressure aluminum die castings in the lower body construction reduce complexity and are significant contributors to the architecture’s low mass. The CT6 is approximately 218 pounds (99 kg) lighter than a comparable vehicle using predominantly high-strength steel.

GM’s most advanced body manufacturing methods are used to fabricate the structure, including proprietary aluminum spot welding technology that is more efficient and helps reduce weight. Laser welding, flow drill fasteners and self-piercing rivets are also employed, along with roughly 591 feet (180 meters) of advanced structural adhesives.

Chassis and suspension highlights

The CT6’s rigid, lightweight architecture is the foundation for its segment-challenging agility, enhanced by active-on-demand all-wheel drive, active rear steering and Magnetic Ride Control on the available Active Chassis System.

“To put it succinctly, every wheel drives and every wheel steers,” said Hester. “And with Magnetic Ride Control, every wheel’s dampening is adjusted by the millisecond, for responsiveness and driver control unparalleled in the segment.”

The chassis system also balances responsiveness with segment-best isolation for exceptional refinement. In the front, the CT6 features a lightweight, aluminum-intensive high-arm multilink short-long arm front suspension. At the rear is a five-link independent suspension that uses multiple outer ball joints and cross braces for optimal handling and steering precision.

Active rear steering with the Active Chassis System contributes to greater low-speed agility and high-speed stability. In parking lots, the turning circle is only 37 feet (11.4 m), comparable with the CTS, which has a 114.6-inch wheelbase vs. the CT6’s 122.4-inch wheelbase.

Active-on-demand all-wheel drive is also part of the Active Chassis System, making the most of handling and stability in all weather conditions. Its lightweight, compact design and two-gear transfer case enable greater fuel economy than conventional fixed-torque all-wheel drive systems. All-wheel drive is standard on all CT6 six-cylinder models.

Selectable Tour, Snow/Ice and Sport modes allow the driver to tailor the CT6’s advanced chassis system for practically any weather or road condition.

Bold proportions, exquisite attention to detail

A bold proportion dominated by a long hood and sleek upper body distinguishes the CT6, evolves the brand portfolio and reinforces the agility enabled by the lightweight architecture.

“This is a car designed for passionate drivers,” said Andrew Smith, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “CT6 is low, wide and sleek, which is just what you’d expect in a lightweight performance sedan. There is a great dash-to-axle proportion that reinforces the dynamics of the rear-wheel-drive architecture.”

The “face” of Cadillac evolves with the CT6 through new executions of the grille and signature lighting elements. The vertical light signature, for example, features new LED light blades that frame the front of the vehicle, with forward illumination from technologically advanced Indirect Fire LED headlamps.

Proportion, craftsmanship and technology also define the CT6’s cabin. Cadillac designers aimed to deliver a bold, elegant and spacious interior. That elegance is expressed in curated environments and in surface sculpture featuring authentic materials, exquisite details and elevated executions of the brand’s signature cut-and-sew interiors. The CT6 uses state-of-the-art technology to reward its occupants with high levels of comfort, connectivity and safety.

“Never before has such craftsmanship and technology been so seamlessly interwoven,” said Smith. “The CT6 represents our next step in the continuing evolution of the Cadillac brand portfolio.”

Production and manufacturing

Production of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 begins at the end of 2015 for the North American market at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, which underwent a $384-million investment in tooling and other upgrades to support the manufacture of the CT6 and two other products. Chinese-market models will be assembled at an all-new facility in China starting in early 2016.

The CT6 also will be offered in Europe, Korea, Japan, Israel and the Middle East. Production for those markets begins at Detroit-Hamtramck in early 2016.

2016 CADILLAC CT6 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS (NORTH AMERICA)

Model:

2016 Cadillac CT6

Body style / driveline:

RWD or AWD, 5-passenger large luxury performance sedan

Manufacturing location:

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, Hamtramck, Mich.

Engines:

2.0L I-4 turbo DOHC DI – 265 hp / 198 kW (est.)

3.6L V-6 DOHC DI – 335 hp / 250 kW (est.)

3.0L V-6 twin-turbo DOHC DI – 400 hp / 298 kW (est.)

Transmissions:

Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic (2.0L turbo and 3.6L)

Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic (3.6L twin-turbo)

Brakes:

four-wheel disc with FNC rotors; four-channel ABS

Wheels:

18-inch, 19-inch and 20-inch

Wheelbase (in / mm):

122.4 / 3106

Length (in / mm):

204 / 5184

Width (in / mm):

74 / 1879

Height (in / mm):

57.9 / 1472

Est. curb weight (lb / kg):

less than 3700 / 170

View full article

[smk4565]

The steering wheel is the same as the one used in the Impala, with a piece of wood glued on.  If they cut corners on the thing you touch the most, you gotta wonder about the rest of the car.

 

I think the Continental is more impressive than this.  The CT6 looks like a big CTS with tacky lights.  If the Continental ends up front wheel drive that will be what kills it, if the Continental is rear drive, I like it more than the CT6.

[Drew Dowdell]

It is not the same wheel. Other than being round, it isn't even close.

[William Maley]

If the Continental ends up front wheel drive that will be what kills it, if the Continental is rear drive, I like it more than the CT6.

 

Serious question: Aside from us (automotive enthusiasts), do you really think people care about where the power goes to? Or do they care about luxuries?

[hyperv6]

The Continental is a enlarged Taurus platform and will be AWD/FWD.

 

Second the Continental is not competing with the German cars or Cadillac's going into the future. Ford has stated it is more a Acura/Buick/300 Competitor.

 

This is only a step into the future and is not a part of the $12 Billion Dollar commitment of GM.

 

I recommend reading the story in Bloomberg about how GM plans to spend the money and what problems they De Nysschen found when he arrived at Cadillac just last August.

 

 

[hyperv6]

 

If the Continental ends up front wheel drive that will be what kills it, if the Continental is rear drive, I like it more than the CT6.

 

Serious question: Aside from us (automotive enthusiasts), do you really think people care about where the power goes to? Or do they care about luxuries?

 

 

Old people at the bingo hall that buy cars in the lower luxury segment no.

 

Those who buy the higher end stuff yes.

 

More importantly China Yes. They like their High End  Luxury cars with RWD and a big back seat. Only Buick has been given the free pass there.

[William Maley]

I recommend reading the story in Bloomberg about how GM plans to spend the money and what problems they De Nysschen found when he arrived at Cadillac just last August.

 

Speaking of which - Bloomberg: How a Former Audi Guy Plans to Spend $12 Billion Reviving Caddy

[Z-06]

The steering wheel is the same as the one used in the Impala, with a piece of wood glued on.  If they cut corners on the thing you touch the most, you gotta wonder about the rest of the car.

 

I think the Continental is more impressive than this.  The CT6 looks like a big CTS with tacky lights.  If the Continental ends up front wheel drive that will be what kills it, if the Continental is rear drive, I like it more than the CT6.

 

And this one is better? Two spoke wheels from the 60s.

 

And you are comparing a concept with a real car. Seriously, SMK?

[William Maley]

Before we get any further.

 

ARE WE REALLY ARGUING ABOUT STEERING WHEELS IN CARS?

 

thank you.

[Delta Force79]

Nothing exciting or new about this car in terms of styling and the interior is quite bland aside from gluing the top of a coffee table to the dash.

[smk4565]

Well yes, the steering wheel doesn't really matter, no one ever touches it or looks at it.

 

 

 

Swap out that piece of metal and replace it with wood, and you are good to go. 

[Drew Dowdell]

Cadillac just released a technical powerhouse bigger than a 7-series yet lighter than a C350 (I'm told the under 3700 number is about 3645), that has 4 wheel steering and tons of tech goodies....

and you're concerned about the shape of the steering wheel how how it matches the one in the impala? Even from your picture you can see that it doesn't. The Spokes aren't the same and the buttons aren't the same... not even the same materials.

[balthazar]

CT6, like the ATS & CTS, is going to drive circles around the others in its class. While BMW was sitting on it's fat haunches & contemplating the FWD acorn that is the 1/2 series, they let their core models grow fat & sloppy, and forfeit the 'ultimate driving machine' tagline.

 

Sounds like a bunch of advancements in luxury tech out of the box. Interested to see the real world / light pics.
Overall Cadillac is being competitive with the segment's buyer's demands; as you go up the ladder, the models get slightly more conservative.

 

- - - - -

As an aside, was at the dealer today and noted 2 ATS coupes- they are very nice in person; sleek. Rims look very nice, also. The pics don't quite live up to the reality of it.

[bobo]

I could see them offering the turbo 4 in China, but surprising for their premium vehicle in North America.

[ZL-1]

Cadillac just released a technical powerhouse bigger than a 7-series yet lighter than a C350 (I'm told the under 3700 number is about 3645), that has 4 wheel steering and tons of tech goodies.... and you're concerned about the shape of the steering wheel how how it matches the one in the impala? Even from your picture you can see that it doesn't. The Spokes aren't the same and the buttons aren't the same... not even the same materials.

LOL, they're both round so they copied all other steering wheels except for the flat bottom ones

 

 

 

Very well played, Cadillac! There's only one thing I don't really like: the Cadillac badges on the sides... But since the white (sportier looking, BTW) car doesn't have them, that's probably a Platinum badge or something. Looks like Cadillac played its cards quite well with this one

[ocnblu]

This thing is awesome.  It does look appropriately giant in photos.  It's my new desktop background.  The bones of the steering wheel appear to be shared between the CT6 and the Impala, but all the flesh is different, duh, that has been the case for 100 years and I do not care.

 

My problem is yes, it looks like a bigger CTS, but I am sure its size will speak eloquently for itself in person.  I wish it had more of a finned tail end to convey more swagger... the technical details are amazing though.  I agree with bobo, the 4 should be China-only.

[Drew Dowdell]

 

Cadillac just released a technical powerhouse bigger than a 7-series yet lighter than a C350 (I'm told the under 3700 number is about 3645), that has 4 wheel steering and tons of tech goodies.... and you're concerned about the shape of the steering wheel how how it matches the one in the impala? Even from your picture you can see that it doesn't. The Spokes aren't the same and the buttons aren't the same... not even the same materials.

LOL, they're both round so they copied all other steering wheels except for the flat bottom ones

 

 

 

Very well played, Cadillac! There's only one thing I don't really like: the Cadillac badges on the sides... But since the white (sportier looking, BTW) car doesn't have them, that's probably a Platinum badge or something. Looks like Cadillac played its cards quite well with this one

 

 

It's my fault for not doing the article on the new transmissions, but the key to the 2.0T in this car is the new 8-speed that it and the other RWD Cadillac cars are getting. It has a shorter first and second gear and a taller 7th and 8th gear to give the ratios a wider spread.  That, plus the low mass, will make the CT6 feel sprite as smaller V6 cars.   Keep in mind that this car actually weighs less than a CTS and that has a 2.0T with the older 8-Speed... so it should be fine here.  

[ZL-1]

 

 

Cadillac just released a technical powerhouse bigger than a 7-series yet lighter than a C350 (I'm told the under 3700 number is about 3645), that has 4 wheel steering and tons of tech goodies.... and you're concerned about the shape of the steering wheel how how it matches the one in the impala? Even from your picture you can see that it doesn't. The Spokes aren't the same and the buttons aren't the same... not even the same materials.

LOL, they're both round so they copied all other steering wheels except for the flat bottom ones

 

 

 

Very well played, Cadillac! There's only one thing I don't really like: the Cadillac badges on the sides... But since the white (sportier looking, BTW) car doesn't have them, that's probably a Platinum badge or something. Looks like Cadillac played its cards quite well with this one

 

 

It's my fault for not doing the article on the new transmissions, but the key to the 2.0T in this car is the new 8-speed that it and the other RWD Cadillac cars are getting. It has a shorter first and second gear and a taller 7th and 8th gear to give the ratios a wider spread.  That, plus the low mass, will make the CT6 feel sprite as smaller V6 cars.   Keep in mind that this car actually weighs less than a CTS and that has a 2.0T with the older 8-Speed... so it should be fine here.  

 

I'm hoping GM dares to put the 4-cyl on the US versions of the CT6. It'll certainly draw criticism, but it will also be bold.

 

I'd only change the N/A 3.6L for a detuned 3.0L TT, but that's just me wanting an extra aura of exclusivity for Cadillac over the rest of GM (I'm assuming that 3.6L will spread to other brands over time).

Edited April 1, 2015 by ZL-1

[CanadianBacon94]

Well yes, the steering wheel doesn't really matter, no one ever touches it or looks at it.

 

 

 

Swap out that piece of metal and replace it with wood, and you are good to go. 

But you can see for yourself they aren't the same, the bottom spokes face opposite directions, all  the stitch lines are differe, same with the button positions and the airbag cover isn't flush like the impala, sure they probably have the same frame running horizonally through the far left and far right spokes, but you're reaching pretty far to call them the same

[Drew Dowdell]

Cadillac just released a technical powerhouse bigger than a 7-series yet lighter than a C350 (I'm told the under 3700 number is about 3645), that has 4 wheel steering and tons of tech goodies.... and you're concerned about the shape of the steering wheel how how it matches the one in the impala? Even from your picture you can see that it doesn't. The Spokes aren't the same and the buttons aren't the same... not even the same materials.

LOL, they're both round so they copied all other steering wheels except for the flat bottom ones

 

 

 

Very well played, Cadillac! There's only one thing I don't really like: the Cadillac badges on the sides... But since the white (sportier looking, BTW) car doesn't have them, that's probably a Platinum badge or something. Looks like Cadillac played its cards quite well with this one

 

It's my fault for not doing the article on the new transmissions, but the key to the 2.0T in this car is the new 8-speed that it and the other RWD Cadillac cars are getting. It has a shorter first and second gear and a taller 7th and 8th gear to give the ratios a wider spread.  That, plus the low mass, will make the CT6 feel sprite as smaller V6 cars.   Keep in mind that this car actually weighs less than a CTS and that has a 2.0T with the older 8-Speed... so it should be fine here.

I'm hoping GM dares to put the 4-cyl on the US versions of the CT6. It'll certainly draw criticism, but it will also be bold.

 

I'd only change the N/A 3.6L for a detuned 3.0L TT, but that's just me wanting an extra aura of exclusivity for Cadillac over the rest of GM (I'm assuming that 3.6L will spread to other brands over time).

This new 3.6 will filter to other GM brands after Cadillac is mostly finished with it, so it sounds like it is a 4 year engine for them. The first vehicles to get it will be premium cars at Buick and possibly Camaro.

[G. David Felt]

Lovely car that is a huge step in the right direction. Cadillac did this right, the technology is right and the flow of the dash is simplistic and yet beautiful. This KILL'S anything MB or BMW currently has. This will be a wake up call to them which will be good as it should drive increased improvements and change.

 

SMK knows this is superior to anything MB has in the same segment and so he moves the goal post by picking on something so minuscule such as the steering wheel.

[frogger]

Ticks all the boxes, lets see if the public buys it.  I thought the current CTS was a homerun too but it did not translate to sales.

[G. David Felt]

 

I recommend reading the story in Bloomberg about how GM plans to spend the money and what problems they De Nysschen found when he arrived at Cadillac just last August.

 

Speaking of which - Bloomberg: How a Former Audi Guy Plans to Spend $12 Billion Reviving Caddy

 

I love this quote from the Bloomberg Story!

 

"Ellinghaus has been tearing up the advertising to try to carve out some space for Cadillac as the antidote to every boring rich guy’s BMW or Mercedes. "

 

I just hope that we start to see some cool dedicated advertising that reaches out to all age groups. Have not seen any new advertising yet but hope they are doing it around the NY Auto Show.

 

I also found this quote to be very TRUE!

 

"As the German automakers try to be the largest in the world, they will take fewer risks and become more bland, he said. That gives Cadillac an opportunity to be individualistic and appeal to younger luxury buyers."

[smk4565]

20 years since the Fleetwood, and we wait 20 years for a full size rear drive Cadillac and it arrives with a 4 cylinder engine and everyone is excited?

CT6 would need to weigh 2732 lbs to have the power to weight ratio of an S550.

[Drew Dowdell]

This is not their S Class. This is a car that Mercedes doesn't currently have an answer for.

[Cory Wolfe]

So, the Cadillac CT6, in all its glory, spread across the web. What do I think?

 

Well, It's more stretched CTS than something truly original, not that it's a bad thing. It is a bit underwhelming, though. Classy, staid, inoffensive... Yes. Interesting? Not quite. Again, not necessarily a bad thing given the segment. Perhaps I just expected it to surprise me more. This is likely just a stepping stone to something even greater to slot above it in the future. The interior seems to have improved upon Cadillac's already great design language. It's now just a matter of how much did they really improve the CUE infotainment system. Overall, its nicely average in regards of looks.

 

What I'm eager to see is how it performs relative to the competition with its massively lower weight, slightly smaller size, and smaller displacement engine line-up. That, and the price; Will Cadillac price it right and not try to punch above where its reputation sits? Cadillac is very much the underdog here, and they seem to be learning from the mistakes quickly enough. Let's hope this continues and Johan doesn't muck it up. 

[balthazar]

^ Agreed; it is not a bad thing since that's exactly where the rest of the segment is; classy, staid, inoffensive and not quite interesting.

 

Actually, I find the CT6 a bit more interesting, stylistically, than the others, as they (especially in comparison) look dated & a bit worn.
 

Looking forward to more info/pics.

[smk4565]

SMK knows this is superior to anything MB has in the same segment and so he moves the goal post by picking on something so minuscule such as the steering wheel.

What segment is it?  By size it is 3 inches shorter than an S-class, and 12 inches longer than an E-class.  So I guess it competes with the S-class, and this is no S-class.

 

I am curious to see how they price it, my prediction is $59k base for the 4-cylinder, and like $80k for the TT V6.  Although I don't think anything with a 4-cylinder is worth $59k, a diesel E-class is the only 4 cylinder sedan over $50k I believe.    Pricing will be key to sales, but I think they will overshoot the price point like they did with the ELR.

[balthazar]

Yes; because everyone goes car shopping with a tape measure.

 

CT6 is 4" longer than the 740i. For all realistic purposes; that's the exact same size.
You aren't saying there is a size class split between 200" and 204", are you??
Nobody cares.

 

2.0L is probably export only. I would expect to see the vast majority of CT6s with the 3.0TT.

CT6, with its leading stats (weight, steering, suspension/handling/ performance) & tech, is likely to start between $65-70K, IMO. 
With the engineering you get, that's a bargain.

 

I would guess U.S. sales will run about 3500/yr, which would be perfect. 

[hyperv6]

That is a real good number to expect. If they need to they can build more.

 

The key is this is not a car that was expected to be seen in every Walmart parking lot. It will advance things nicely and with the new marketing help rebuild an image for Cadillac they sorely have been missing.

 

The fact is people really still do not know much about the CTS and ATS other than the folks who read Car and Driver. The marketing has been so poor they have failed to get the message out on these cars. We are now just in one Month on the new marketing. It should expand and explain more about the cars just as Benz does in their spot on the C class. They cover everything from engineering, Performance and sexapeal in one min.

 

For once Cadillac is sending a message that is not giving you the bargain lease rates with dancing robots. These new spots are seeds and it takes time to grow a good program and they will with time.

 

If you are looking for volume and more profits these will come with the coming CUV and SUV models. This is the high growth and volume segments. These will help also grow the sedan segments once people understand Cadillac can build decent cars again.

 

As we approach 2020 we will see more real Cadillac and less corporate GM injected in each model over time.

 

As for the Lincoln it will do well as it is aiming low buy Fords own admissions. They are targeting the likes of Buick and I hope this spurs GM to get a Sedan out like the Detroit show car as I think it can take on and dominate Lincoln with the right investment.

 

Buick still lacks the new product they need as they have yet to get a real post Chapter 11 car that is fully funded and developed. They have used the Opel cars and the fixed up older platforms well but I expect we will see better soon. We are just now seeing the investment In new platforms and models post Chapter 11 and we should see some of the first GM cars where they did not have to cut corners or stop short because of funding. I have had to marketing managers in the past tell me how they would run out of money before the new model was done even cutting corners. The interior often took the hit.

 

[smk4565]

The CTS has been on sale for 13 years so I hope people know about it by now.  But when you change the name again to CT4 or CT5, then you have to re-teach people the name of the car.  The new "Dare Greatly" ads also give no mention of a car name, so it could be hard to get people to know what an ATS or CT6 is if the name of the car isn't in the advert.

 

3500 cars a year means this car will be a money loser, and we know hod the GM bean counters don't keep money losers around.  Even at $5,000 profit per car, that is $17.5 million a year of profit, for a car that cost several hundred million to engineer.  If they get an Audi-like 10% margin and $7,000 profit per car and sell 5,000 of them, it is still only $35 million times 6 years on market, is $210 million profit.

 

This is where the S-class has a huge advantage over it's segment, at roughly $10,000 per car profit and 100,000 cars sold a year, it is a $1 billion in profit every year. 

[balthazar]

^ That's ridiculous; we know mercedes loses mad money on the s-class; ONE headlight alone "costs" $1500!! Whole car must easily cost $200,000 to build if that were true.  

[hyperv6]

The CTS has been on sale for 13 years so I hope people know about it by now.  But when you change the name again to CT4 or CT5, then you have to re-teach people the name of the car.  The new "Dare Greatly" ads also give no mention of a car name, so it could be hard to get people to know what an ATS or CT6 is if the name of the car isn't in the advert.

 

3500 cars a year means this car will be a money loser, and we know hod the GM bean counters don't keep money losers around.  Even at $5,000 profit per car, that is $17.5 million a year of profit, for a car that cost several hundred million to engineer.  If they get an Audi-like 10% margin and $7,000 profit per car and sell 5,000 of them, it is still only $35 million times 6 years on market, is $210 million profit.

 

This is where the S-class has a huge advantage over it's segment, at roughly $10,000 per car profit and 100,000 cars sold a year, it is a $1 billion in profit every year. 

 

Stop being foolish.

Yes people know the name CTS but they do not know how good the 3rd gen is. The first two were better but this time they got it about 90% right and few people have paid attention since Cadillac lacked any real kind of marking plan or staff till recently.

 

Also in this segment the profits are so much higher on each model low volume are much less an issue. Cadillac is not a volume brand anymore and does not have to sell 200K of each model to make money anymore.

 

Almost all the cars in this segment are low volume and bring in the highest per model profits of any segment less the trucks.

 

The official number is 50% of sedan profits but with only 10-12% of the volume.

 

As for the S and headlamps. Just about any upscale headlamp is $1200 or more anymore even on a Sonata.  Cars are not cheap but the fact is all the luxury cars make money from the ATS to the S class. It really does not cost all the more to build and design a luxury car vs. a volume priced brand. They all work about the same way and the major difference is content with more up scale options and trim being used. Even with that there is still a big mark up on these cars as these options do not cost that much more that $80K will not cover it over a $40K car with similar options.

 

The fact is MFG can not live on half ton trucks for ever and they are investing in Luxury cars and SUV's as the volumes may be low but the profits are oh so high. GM would not have posted up $12 Billion if they did not think they would get a return on it. They will and they don't even have to dominate the segment.

 

To lose in this segment the only real way is to make a really cheap Luxury Model and let it wither on the vine like Chrysler is doing with the 300 right now. They are taking discounts on this car like crazy and losing out on a lot of profits. Yet I am sure they are still making money.

 

Even Lincoln with the half baked made over Taurus is making money but they too are leaving a lot on the table.

 

The key here is Cadillac can remain in 4th place in sales and still make a killing with profits on these models. This takes the pressure off and lets them work to make the cars right and earn a reputation that is more fitting. Cars like the XTS were there just for profits as while Cadillac still had a lot of work to do the XTS while not perfect still made money. In this segment the only way you don't make money is to not have product in the show room.

 

At this point Johann has is ass on the line and has a ton of money. Lets just see what they can do to fix the marketing and dealers in preparation of the cars that will be deemed good enough to be a flagship.

 

The only wild card in this deck is  the Koreans. If they can make headway and do it at a cheaper price undercutting the others with high public support that could be a problem for all. But to this point the Koreans really have no icon status or heritage that most people in this segment seek. They may be an issue for Lincoln and the 300 but not the others.

 

The bottom line is we need to let the marketing that we finally have work and grow. When was the last time Cadillac had a really good marketing campaign? The only time in the last 20 years they got much attention is when Tiger Woods hit the tree,

 

Edited April 4, 2015 by hyperv6

[balthazar]

>>As for the S and headlamps. Just about any upscale headlamp is $1200 or more anymore even on a Sonata.<<

That was a reference to SMK claiming it cost MB that much to manufacture a single s-class headlight. Clearly he was confused with retail price there.

[smk4565]

I don't remember ever saying it cost $1200 for a S-class headlight.  I know the 600 Grosser from 1963-1981 has ridiculously priced replacement parts, like $15,000 for power window switches. 

 

On the sales front, Cadillac is not in 4th place, they were in 6th place in the USA last month.  March 2015 luxury sales:

BMW         34,310

Mercedes  32,300

Lexus         31,054

Audi          17,102

Acura        14,760

Cadillac    13,756

Infiniti        12,525

 

Johan should have stayed at Audi, he would have had $28 billion rather than $12 billion to chase BMW and Mercedes.  But he would still have the same problem of having to work off the VW parts bin and deal with VW bean counters, rather than GM beancounters.

[balthazar]

I don't remember ever saying it cost $1200 for a S-class headlight.

 

Here it is !!!

From May 20, 2013, from this thread. Want me to dig up the thread where you claim BMW grilles are made out of metal??

 

I don't get the delay on the 9-speed, they run risk of not being first with a 9-speed, and the S-class is always first.

 

I read that one headlight costs over $1,500, so it isn't like they are trying to cut corners on costs.  It also made me think that Cadillac was worried about the $4.80 door handles on their flagship, how do they feel about spending $3,000 on the head lights.

Edited April 5, 2015 by balthazar

[smk4565]

Haha, nice find.  I just did a google search, a pair of W221 bi-xenon lights with the cover and all is $3100.  Replacement parts are always inflated and jacked up though to rip people off.

[Cory Wolfe]

Yeah, technically nearly any vehicle with HID's or better are going to have pricey headlights, retail priced. Replacement's for my lowly Toyota are $1025 a piece, without projectors or LEDs or swivelling. Doesn't mean it costs Toyota anywhere near that to manufacturer them. 

[balthazar]

My son works in an auto parts store, bought replacement headlight assemblies for a '90s Ford Taurus- his cost was $80 for the PAIR.

[Drew Dowdell]

The 2014 Buick Enclave aftermarket headlight with LEDs and swivel is $900+ a side.   

[Robert Hall]

My son works in an auto parts store, bought replacement headlight assemblies for a '90s Ford Taurus- his cost was $80 for the PAIR.

Parts for an old car are cheaper than those for a new car.. no surprise there

[hyperv6]

Any light that is not seal beamed is expensive and the more advance the more it cost. Projection and HID units are expensive no matter what. While the companies do get volume discounts they still pay more.  But even the cheap cars have expensive lights.

 

I get so many people looking for the parts to HID because they are screws If they break one. Most people anymore can afford to pay for it and they don't want to put it on the insurance as they have a deductible that is half or almost all of the price.

 

It scares me when I hear people tell of $25K on the credit cards and hear some out of school for years still with $75K in debt with an Art Degree?

 

 

[hyperv6]

I don't remember ever saying it cost $1200 for a S-class headlight.  I know the 600 Grosser from 1963-1981 has ridiculously priced replacement parts, like $15,000 for power window switches. 

 

On the sales front, Cadillac is not in 4th place, they were in 6th place in the USA last month.  March 2015 luxury sales:

BMW         34,310

Mercedes  32,300

Lexus         31,054

Audi          17,102

Acura        14,760

Cadillac    13,756

Infiniti        12,525

 

Johan should have stayed at Audi, he would have had $28 billion rather than $12 billion to chase BMW and Mercedes.  But he would still have the same problem of having to work off the VW parts bin and deal with VW bean counters, rather than GM beancounters.

 

 

You just don't get the big picture?????

 

Note Audi, Acura and Infinity all right around Cadillac selling for much lower prices on two of the models but yet they are still making money,. Cadillac and Audi spend about the same to develop cars and sell them for much more and reap even more profits.

 

I would wager that Cadillac and Audi make more profit than Lexus too.

 

This is about making money. Cadillac may never sell 30K cars in a month but the profits will account for half of all sedan sales at GM and make them a good profit.

 

The fact is to win in this segment you do not have to be first, second or even third to make a killer profit and count it as a win.

 

Now on a volume brand where you have to sell so many cars to make much smaller profits then you have to make sure the numbers are big.

The volume needs for profits for a Cruze and a ATS are not the same.

 

[smk4565]

According to Autoguide and Autoblog stories, GM makes $654 per car, vs $994 per car at Ford and $2,726 per car for Toyota.  Since all 3 have similar global sales volume, you can see how favorable things look for Toyota from a profitability standpoint.

 

Audi is estimated to generate 40% of VW's total profit.   Porsche makes $23,000 profit per car, Bentley $21,000 and Audi $5200, but obviously more volume than Porsche or Bentley.  I couldn't find Cadillac's profit per car, but I found 2 articles saying in 2014 they had the highest incentive per car of all 35 brands in the USA, $6,400 per car through August and $7200 per car in October 2014.  With that level of incentive, they can't be making Audi-like profits, Audi spends $3,000 per car incentive.  If Audi makes $5,200, but Cadillac spends another $3-4k in incentives, Cadillac is probably making more like $2,000 per car.

 

Even if Cadillac runs at a Mercedes-like margin of 8% (which I doubt they do with those incentives) at an average sale price of $52,000 they are making $4,100 per car, but only selling about 250k cars a year globally.  BMW and Audi also have ATP of $52,000, Mercedes has an ATP of $59,000 and all make about $5k per car, but are selling 1.5 million cars a year.  With 6 times the sales volume, and also high margins, the Germans are raking it in.

[Cmicasa the Great]

20 years since the Fleetwood, and we wait 20 years for a full size rear drive Cadillac and it arrives with a 4 cylinder engine and everyone is excited? CT6 would need to weigh 2732 lbs to have the power to weight ratio of an S550.

 

 

I predict that the 400HP/400lbs is gonna get a bump.. as is the 3.6L HP.. and probably the 2.0L as well. 

 

The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that outside of the enthusiast community the 2.0LTurbo.. if rated even in the same number as the CTS, will be capable of nice performance in relative terms:

 

This car is gonna most likely be about 3670lbs (about 70lbs lighter than CTS). If it has the exact same 2.0L Turbo rating of 270HP/295lbs, but now the 8speed (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1310_2014_cadillac_cts_first_test/ )I believe we are gonna see similar acceleration numbers if not possible better. 

 

 

I'm also betting that the TTurbo is gonna get similar, if not better numbers than the Ausi A8 4.0L, possibly 3.8-4.0 seconds using the new AWD system, 8speed, and the 400HP/400lbs set in Sport mode (20% front 80% rear) as this car weighs a massive minimum of 400lbs less

 

 

Its a 3900lb 400hp/400lbs of torque, AWD car capable of 20% front 80% rear, or 40% front, 60% rear... or 50% front, 50% rear suspension tune a the punch of a switch... magnetically manipulated ride control that is 3X faster than all iterations before, PROVEN GERMAN clobbering handling and most likely 0-60 in under 4 secs..

 

Yeah..  I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that  its trying to convey the idea that this is a SPORT/Super Lux in the vein of the Panamera, just without the bug eyes of the VW Beetle  

 

Edited April 6, 2015 by Cmicasa the Great

[Cmicasa the Great]

^ Agreed; it is not a bad thing since that's exactly where the rest of the segment is; classy, staid, inoffensive and not quite interesting.

 

Actually, I find the CT6 a bit more interesting, stylistically, than the others, as they (especially in comparison) look dated & a bit worn.

 

Looking forward to more info/pics.

 

 

I agree with this. and it translates to both ends of the spectrum. It is why the C-Class and S-Class are the most mundane of all the Benzes.. The entry and the top are almost always the most subdued. Look at the 3series and 7series.. then look at both of their EClass/CLS or 5Series/6series, all a bit more expressive. Cadillac does this with the ATS and now CT6, with the CTS being the flashier of their bunch.. and onward to the Escalade. 

 

The biggest problem is the "open-mind" part of the equation, as Cadillac arguably makes the BEST mid-sizer and entry on the segments, but sales are down. I stand by my reasons, and one of those reasons has to do with if sales are down, the buying public perceives that the reason why is that its not good enough.. especially when viewed from a scope of 12K monthly 3/4series sales and 4500 monthly 5series sales. Yes.. I will bring in variants as a way of PADDING those numbers as the competition does. 

 

The CT6 must bring everything that the competition does and more to get noticed. Every DAMN ENGINE, including that 2.0L Turbo better be available. That TTV8, better be waiting in the wings. That Hybrid.. lets get a move on. Techno Tour de Force of not... a presence, and not fleet (in U.S. because exact opposite in Europe), need to be, or this car will fail   

 

 

This car is BOSS, but Cadilac needs to get on the "propaganda mill" and make it known, cause I haven't seen a CTS commercial since it debuted...

 

https://youtu.be/rmBd9Og_GN4

[Cmicasa the Great]

Well yes, the steering wheel doesn't really matter, no one ever touches it or looks at it.

 

 

 

Swap out that piece of metal and replace it with wood, and you are good to go. 

 

 

 

U really need to stop. This is a damn nice steering wheel to behold

 

[Robert Hall]

I assume a 4cyl version of the CT6 would be there for the same reason there is a 4cyl XTS--for fleet and mileage ratings.

 

The German Big 3 have 4 cyls in their midsize but not in their full size models yet AFAIK, except maybe diesels?   I assume they also will have turbo 4s as the base in their full sizers..

Edited April 6, 2015 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Cmicasa the Great]

I assume a 4cyl version of the CT6 would be there for the same reason there is a 4cyl XTS--for fleet and mileage ratings.

 

The German Big 3 have 4 cyls in their midsize but not in their full size models yet AFAIK, except maybe diesels?   I assume they also will have turbo 4s as the base in their full sizers..

 

 

The German Big 3, in their full-size models, also weigh on average about 600lbs more than this car will. 

 

CT6  3700lbs + a possible 200lbs for 3.0L TT=3900

A8    4400lbs

740i  4350lbs

S550 4700lbs

LS460 4300lbs

[Drew Dowdell]

According to Autoguide and Autoblog stories, GM makes $654 per car, vs $994 per car at Ford and $2,726 per car for Toyota.  Since all 3 have similar global sales volume, you can see how favorable things look for Toyota from a profitability standpoint.

 

Audi is estimated to generate 40% of VW's total profit.   Porsche makes $23,000 profit per car, Bentley $21,000 and Audi $5200, but obviously more volume than Porsche or Bentley.  I couldn't find Cadillac's profit per car, but I found 2 articles saying in 2014 they had the highest incentive per car of all 35 brands in the USA, $6,400 per car through August and $7200 per car in October 2014.  With that level of incentive, they can't be making Audi-like profits, Audi spends $3,000 per car incentive.  If Audi makes $5,200, but Cadillac spends another $3-4k in incentives, Cadillac is probably making more like $2,000 per car.

 

Even if Cadillac runs at a Mercedes-like margin of 8% (which I doubt they do with those incentives) at an average sale price of $52,000 they are making $4,100 per car, but only selling about 250k cars a year globally.  BMW and Audi also have ATP of $52,000, Mercedes has an ATP of $59,000 and all make about $5k per car, but are selling 1.5 million cars a year.  With 6 times the sales volume, and also high margins, the Germans are raking it in.

 

Cadillac + Trucks is where GM makes most of its profit. Chevy from the Malibu on down make very little profit per unit.  The Escalade makes gobs of profit.   You simply cannot compare the profit margin of a Spark to the profit margin of a CTS. 

 

I assume a 4cyl version of the CT6 would be there for the same reason there is a 4cyl XTS--for fleet and mileage ratings.

 

The German Big 3 have 4 cyls in their midsize but not in their full size models yet AFAIK, except maybe diesels?   I assume they also will have turbo 4s as the base in their full sizers..

 

 

The German Big 3, in their full-size models, also weigh on average about 600lbs more than this car will. 

 

CT6  3700lbs + a possible 200lbs for 3.0L TT=3900

A8    4400lbs

740i  4350lbs

S550 4700lbs

LS460 4300lbs

 

 

The base CT6 2.0T weighs less than a base CTS 2.0T