2019 Cadillac CT6 Prototype Spied Testing In Colorado

A midcycle refresh is in store for the 2019 Cadillac CT6, and what we have here is a prototype of facelifted full-size sedan undergoing testing in Colorado. 

Despite the close-up pictures, the tester’s cleverly-placed and vast amount of camouflage makes it extremely difficult to tell what exterior styling changes the full-size sedan will receive for its facelift. But having seen the Cadillac Escala concept as well as various details of the upcoming 2019 Cadillac XT4 crossover, which Cadillac recently teased in an Oscars ad, it’s highly likely that the 2019 CT6 will gain at least the following two features:

1. A new grille with a shield-mesh texture, and
2. A horizontal accent lighting element in the design of the headlights and taillights, to join the vertical elements of the 2016-2018 CT6

The prototype also doesn’t help us in determining whether or not the 2019 Cadillac CT6 will get any updates.  Its cabin doesn’t appear to be covered up with mats or other forms of camouflage, which could mean one of two things: the 2019 CT6 refresh will not have any updates to the interior, or it will get an updated cabin, but the prototype pictured here isn’t testing those changes.

All this leads us to the conclusion that this 2019 CT6 prototype is a powertrain development mule that’s doing high-altitude and/or cold-weather testing of the Cadillac’s upcoming 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8 DOHC engine, which may very well power a CT6 V-Sport model.

About Cadillac CT6

The Cadillac CT6 is a full-size prestige luxury sedan that slots above the mid-size Cadillac CTS and compact Cadillac ATS as the largest Cadillac sedan.

The current model was introduced for the 2016 model year and represents the first generation of the CT6 nameplate. The 2018 CT6 represents the third model year of the first-generation CT6 and introduces such features as Super Cruise and Rear Camera Mirror Washer, while updating the CUE infotainment system (to version 2.6). The vehicle rides on the advanced, high-tech and lightweight architecture called the Omega platform.

For North American markets, the CT6 is built by GM USA at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck factory. For China, the model is built at the Cadillac China factory, aka SGM Jinqiao. The CT6 Plug-In model is built at this plant for global markets, including the United States.

The CT6 sedan is due for a midcycle enhancement for the 2019 model year. We expect it to deliver updates to the exterior styling that will give the model the latest Cadillac design cues, which were foreshadowed by the Cadillac Escala concept and the new Cadillac XT4. Updates to the CT6’s interior are also possible.

Other expected changes for the 2019 Cadillac CT6 will likely include the discontinuation of the base 2.0L Turbo LTG engine as well as the introduction of a V-Sport model using the new 4.2T Twin-Turbo V-8 DOHC engine mated to the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed with Ford.

We expect Cadillac to debut the updated 2019 Cadillac CT6 alongside the 2019 Cadillac XT4 crossover at the upcoming 2018 New York International Auto Show in April.