Like a Phoenix bird rising from the ashes, Cadillac reinvented itself with the 2016 Cadillac CT6. What you’re looking at is the first photograph of the GM brand’s all-new full-size flagship luxury sedan. It’s better than anyone expected it to be, isn’t that so?
Thanks to the CT6, the half-assed XTS and its FWD GM Epsilon II platform are now redundant. H/T to VW Vortex member Ryukein because without his helping hand, we wouldn't have known how the 2016 Cadillac CT6 sedan looks fully uncovered before its world debut at the glamorous 2015 New York Auto Show.
See the elongated LED daytime running lights and the modern-looking Cadillac shield radiator grille? We get this gut feeling that the Ciel and Elmiraj concepts are to thank for these touches. That beautifully sculpted hood may not be to most people’s liking, but then you remember how boring the German luxobarges are.
As for the side profile of the GM Omega architecture-underpinned 2016 Cadillac CT6, we’re offered with a refreshingly simple character line joined by extremely subtly flared wheel arches. Some might say that with the CT6, Caddy borrowed a lot of aesthetic cues from the CTS. Then again, Audi, BMW and Merc all copy-paste exterior visuals throughout their model lineups. You know what I mean, don't you? Oh well...
Finally, General Motors' poshest marque officially unveiled the CT6. Take a look at the photo gallery below, and then hear this: I find it curious that Caddy's press kit for the CT6 luxury sedan didn't feature any photos of the rear fascia. Only front, front three-quarter, side profile and interior shots were featured.
The rear pics are actually screenshots taken from the adjacent rolling footage videoclip.
Thanks to similar dimensions and interior space as one might with on the BMW 7 Series, it's even more curious that the manufacturer tells us the following fact: "The CT6 is lighter than the BMW 5-Series, 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class." Interesting choice of words there, but was Caddy referring to a 520d or M5?
The estimated curb weight of the 2016 Cadillac CT6 2.0 turbo is "less than 3,700 pounds," which translates to 1,678 kilograms. By comparison, a Euro-spec BMW 520i manual tips the scales at 1,670 kilograms (3,681 pounds), while a BMW 730d claims 1,915 kilograms (4,221 pounds).
In terms of powertrain choices, the rear-wheel and all-wheel drive full-size luxury sedan gets three engines and two transmissions at launch. Starting with a 2-liter turbo (estimated 265 HP) paired to a Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed auto, the range continues with a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 (estimated 335 HP) mated to the same unit. The current top-of-the-range combo is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine (estimated 400 HP and 400 lb-ft / 542 Nm) coupled to a GM Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic tranny.
The optional all-wheel drive system is active-on-demand AWD tech that features a variable clutch ensemble. It's a structural part of the Active Chassis System and features a two-gear transfer case. AWD is standard on the 3.6-liter and 3.0-liter V6 powerplants. Active Rear Steer like on a Porsche 911 Turbo, Magnetic Ride Control, and driver-selectable driving modes are also on the menu. An industry-first feature comes in the form of a 360-degree surround-view video recording system that works even while driving the vehicle.
Moving on to more down to earth gizmos, the Cadillac flagship is garnished with a 10.2-inch CUE infotainment system that boasts with a 1280x720 HD resolution touchscreen and a console mounted touchpad like a Lexus NX gets.
Wireless phone charging? Check. Luxurious Opus leather, wood and carbon fiber detailing inside? Check. Articulating Rear Seat optional package? Check. Articulating 10-inch screens that retract into the front seatbacks? We got those too. In addition to the 34-speaker Bose Panaray sound system, we have to mention that the rear-seat legroom measures 40.4 inches (1,027 mm).
As for wheelbase, the 2016 Cadillac CT6 flagship makes do with 122.4 inches (3,109 millimeters).
Slated to start production at the end of 2015 at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant, the CT6 will be joined in the future by "two other products" following further investment and upgrades at the Detroit-based manufacturing complex. But that is then and this is now. Fortunately for Cadillac's expansion plans, the 2016 CT6 will find its way to Europe, South Korea, the Middle East, Israel and Japan as well.
For a more detailed look at the 2016 Cadillac CT6, please refer to the release attached below.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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