Cadillac
CT6
Cadillac's
ambition to deliver German and Japanese-style luxury and performance in an
American-cooked package has not abated. The forthcoming 2016 Cadillac CT6 takes
on the most hallowed of German executive shuttles: the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series
and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ can also be counted among
this elite group that Detroit's prestige badge intends to join.
Cadillac
wisely avoided extreme design statements for its flagship, instead adopting the
established themes from its smaller, muscular CTS and ATS sedans. A long hood,
large trunk and voluminous rear seat give the CT6 the low-slung, long-wheelbase
presence it needs in this class. The CT6 is actually longer than the
standard-length Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series, but shorter than the
extended-wheelbase versions.
Yet
even resembling its junior partners, the CT6 isn't simply a CTS with a longer
body. It's one of the first General Motors cars, if not the first, built atop a
new chassis intended for GM's future full-size luxury cars and crossovers.
Aluminum-intensive construction should give the CT6 impressive structural
integrity while keeping down overall weight. Cadillac claims the CT6 will have
a curb weight of fewer than 3,700 pounds, which would make it significantly
lighter than its rivals.
The
new chassis, which is complemented by magnetically adjustable shocks and
four-wheel steering, should also infuse the CT6 with its own unique driving,
handling and comfort qualities, without simply adapting its character from the
smaller cars.
An
all-new, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (400 horsepower/400 pound-feet of
torque, estimated) is the CT6's marquee engine. There are also 3.6-liter V6
(naturally aspirated, 335 hp) and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
(265 hp) options.
All
engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the
rear wheels, although the turbo V6's gearbox features slightly more
performance-oriented gearing. All-wheel drive is also available.
In
this luxury cruiser class, however, a V8 option is almost a requirement.
Cadillac hasn't announced a V8 yet, but eventually we'd expect to see something
from GM's latest family of small-block eight-cylinder engines.
The
2016 Cadillac CT6 interior has a full complement of Cadillac style and
technology, with large swaths of leather, wood and aluminum trim and
customizable LED ambient lighting. There's a wireless charging pad for mobile
phones, a rearview mirror that uses video images to give drivers an
unobstructed view behind them and a 34-speaker Bose audio system.
Rear
seat passengers get dual video screens that rise out of the front seatbacks,
while the rear seats have heating, massage and a ventilation system in addition
to the ability to recline.
Other
notable options include a 360-degree camera that can not only record while
you're driving, but also turn itself on if the security system detects someone
lurking too close to the car. Safety features include night vision and
pedestrian detection that can automatically stop the car if the driver fails to
do so.
The
full-size luxury sedan segment is wildly competitive. With offerings from Audi,
BMW, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes, there's not a bad one in the bunch. Even the
Hyundai Equus is a legitimate contender in this group.
With
a recent refresh and a wide range of available engines, the Audi A8 is a top
rival. Built entirely out of aluminum, it's the original lightweight luxury
sedan. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is often considered the benchmark of the
class, and the S550 and its variations still represent luxury at its finest.
Like the Audi, the S-Class offers multiple engine options and even a plug-in
hybrid version.
Finally,
the BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS 460 are also institutions in this class, with
performance and luxury that the CT6 will need to match if it's to be taken
seriously.
Look
for the new Cadillac CT6 to go on sale early in 2016, ranging from US$ 60,000-80,000.
