By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(April 11, 2015) With the CT6, Cadillac kicks off a $12 billion decade-long drive to gain acceptance and relevance in the upper luxury segment. According to Johan de Nysschen, president of Cadillac: “The CT6 is nothing less than an entirely new approach to premium luxury — and an approach only Cadillac can offer. 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.”

Reimagined? Really? Conservative? Definitely. A bold endeavor? Perhaps for Cadillac.

The CT6 is similar in size to BMW’s short wheelbase 7 Series, but weighs nearly the same as the smaller CTS. That makes it lighter than the 5 Series, 6 Series and Mercedes E-Class, an impressive feat. The new Omega platform that underpins the CT6, and will provide the basis for a larger brother, uses 13 high-pressure aluminum castings, aluminum exterior panels, and new joining techniques to create a structure, Cadillac claims, that is more rigid than the current Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, and 218 pounds lighter than if the vehicle had been made of more conventional materials.



Rear-drive and the 265-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four used in the ATS and CTS is the standard powertrain offering. All six-cylinder models will feature all-wheel drive. Move up to the Active Chassis System, and active rear-wheel steering is mated with Magnetic Ride Control and active-on-demand all-wheel drive.

The latter is a lightweight AWD system featuring a two-speed transfer case for greater fuel economy. Cadillac says the rear-wheel steering system not only gives the CT6 greater high-speed stability, it reduces the turning circle to 37 feet, which is comparable to the CTS which sits on a 6.8-in. shorter wheelbase.

As expected, the front suspension uses a lot of aluminum. It is a multilink high-arm, short-long arm design that combines isolation from road irregularities with greater precision. The rear suspension is a five-link independent unit with multiple outer ball joints and cross braces. In addition to the 2.0-liter engine, the CT6 offers the 335 hp 3.6-liter V6 from the CTS along with a unique 400 hp/400 lb.-ft. twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. Each is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Cadillac claims the CT6 will offer a true 360-degree camera view around the vehicle rather than the synthesized version offered by other automakers today. The images will be displayed in the 10.2-in, 1280 x 720 high-definition infotainment screen, which can be controlled by touching the screen or using a console-mounted touch pad.

In addition, a surround-view recording system that can record front and rear views while driving, and 360-degrees if the vehicle security system is activated is standard. Also, the CT6 uses a camera to display an unobstructed image on the inside rearview mirror.

Enhanced Night Vision, which identifies people, large animals and more via their heat signatures and displays this information in the driver information center, is an available option. It is joined by Advanced Park Assist which integrates automatic braking and automatic parking, and Pedestrian Collision Mitigation, which provides pedestrian detection and identification alerts, as well as automatic braking to avoid collisions.

Plus, the CT6 buyer can order wireless phone charging and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.

Though the CT6 does little to move the Cadillac design language on — it is a very conservative design despite GM’s claims to the contrary — the interior is quite luxurious. The Articulating Rear Seat Package gives 3.3-inches of seat travel, and is combined with lumbar adjusters, tilting cushions, massage, as well as heating and cooling.

The rear infotainment system includes articulated 10-in. color screens that retract into the front seatbacks, and can play media from outside digital devices through HDMI and USB ports located in the 2.2-liter rear armrest. The Bose Panaray audio system has 34 speakers — 34! — and is the first automotive application of technology used in Bose home and professional audio offerings. Finally, in addition to premium Opus leather, wood and carbon fiber, the CT6 has a second climate control system that gives each outboard seat passenger control over the temperature and airflow in their quadrant.

Without a doubt, the CT6 is a large sport luxury sedan that, on paper, can stand toe-to-toe with best the world has to offer. It promises to combine performance and efficiency with light weight and agility.

But can it produce a vehicle that is not only global in reach but uniquely American in character? If it cannot — and if the CT6 is not seen as good value for the money — it will do nothing to improve the brand’s fortunes, no matter how boldly Cadillac dares.

The Virtual Driver