The 2019 North
American International Auto Show doesn’t kick off until January 14th, but that
hasn’t stopped Cadillac President Steve Carlisle from revealing the company
will introduce an all-new model in Detroit.
While it is natural
to assume the vehicle would be the all-new CT5, Automotive News reports the
model will likely be a three-row crossover. Expected to be called the XT6, the
crossover will slot in between the smaller XT5 and the larger Escalade.
Spy photographers
caught the model back in April and previous reports have suggested it will ride
on the long-wheelbase version of the C1XX architecture that underpins the Buick
Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse. This will enable the model to be significantly
larger than the XT5 and offer room for up to seven people.
Engine options
remain unconfirmed, but both the Enclave and Traverse are available with a
3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 hp and 367 Nm of
torque. It is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission which can be
paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.
While the various
models will likely have a lot in common, the XT6 will feature unique styling
inside and out. Spy photographers haven’t caught a glimpse of the interior
quite yet, but exterior photos show the crossover will have a prominent grille,
a rakish windscreen and a relatively flat roof. The prototype also had an
upward sweeping beltline, a dual exhaust system and a tailgate-mounted rear
spoiler.
Carlisle wasn’t
ready to talk about the upcoming model, but he didn’t drop a few hints about
the brand’s long-rumored flagship. The executive told the publication it’s
“hard to say” if Cadillac needs a flagship or halo model, but noted alternative
powertrains are interesting and electric vehicles offer “really good
performance.”
Carlisle stopped
short of confirming plans for a production model, but he suggested a halo or
flagship vehicle would eschew the traditional CT and XT badging. As he
explained, “special cars should have special names.”
Cadillac is playing
coy on details, but General Motors has already announced plans for a “Lux Low
Roof” electric vehicle that appears to be a coupe. Several months ago, images
of a mysterious Cadillac coupe appeared in patent filings and the model had the
same shape as an electric coupe that was teased in October.
