U.S. deliveries of the Chinese-built Cadillac CT6
Plug-In hybrid have just started, giving locals the first taste of a hybrid
Cadillac since the discontinued ELR.
The main reason why Cadillac is building the CT6
Plug-In in China is that it allows the automaker to dodge high taxes the
Chinese government slaps on imported cars. By building the CT6 Plug-In in China
instead, it can export the vehicle internationally and into the United States
on the cheap. Cadillac also expects the CT6 Plug-In to sell in higher numbers
in China.
The CT6 Plug-In looks identical to
standard models. However, it is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to an electric variable transmission with
two electric models. All up, this results in 335 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque and
the 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers a zero-emissions driving range of
80 km.
U.S. pricing for the CT6 Plug-In starts at US$ 75,095
before any federal and tax credits for electric vehicles are applied.
Gas-powered CT6 models are currently produced at the marque’s Detroit-Hamtrack
Assembly Plant.
