Late in 2019, it was widely reported that North American production of the Cadillac CT6 at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant will cease at the end of January 2020. However, Cadillac Society has just learned that production of the large sedan will continue until mid-February.
As such, the large sedan has received a manufacturing extension of roughly two weeks. After that, the plant will be retooled to produce electric future vehicles.
The Cadillac CT6 was initially introduced for the 2016 model year as the luxury automaker’s range-topping sedan. It was the first model to feature Cadillac’s latest alpha-numeric naming convention, wherein cars were called CT# while crossovers carried the XT# moniker. In addition, the CT6 introduced the advanced rear-drive vehicle platform called Omega.
The CT6 received a refresh for the 2019 model year that saw updated exterior styling, a new trim level structure in line with the brand’s Y trim level strategy, and various other changes and updates. The 2019 model year refresh also introduced the CT6 V-Sport model with an all-new heart – the twin-turbo 4.2L V8 DOHC engine, otherwise called Blackwing. The go-fast model was subsequently renamed to CT6-V.
A few months thereafter, Cadillac parent company, General Motors, announced plans to discontinue the CT6 in the U.S. and Canada (the vehicle is not offered in Mexico) as a result of plans to shutter the Detroit-Hamtramck plant. Months after, Cadillac executives back-pedaled on the decision, stating that the CT6 actually does have a future and will live on, with or without the plant. In fact, management hinted at the possibility of moving production to another plant. However, those comments appear to have been premature, as the flagship sedan will ultimately be discontinued in the near future.
At this point, those looking for a large Cadillac sedan can look forward to the rumored production version of the Cadillac Escala concept. The vehicle is currently in development and will ride on the all-new VSS-R platform that aims to integrate Alpha (ATS/CTS and CT4/CT5) and Omega (CT6) vehicle platforms into one rear-drive-based vehicle set. We will have more on this vehicle in the near future, so be sure to subscribe to Cadillac Society for more Cadillac CT6 news and around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
Frank Ricciardi
I think this is a huge mistake. I recently took delivery of a 2020 CT6 and it is a GREAT car. Its big, comfortable and luxurious and beautiful–exactly what a Cadillac is supposed to be. By comparison the 2020 CT5 is anything but what a Cadillac is supposed to be its small and generic looking. It has no style or elegance. It certainly is NOT a suitable replacement for the CTS. I don’t believe it is worthy of the crest on the grill. I’ve bought or leased 17 new Cadillacs, but I won’t buy or lease a CT5. After 40 years I may have to switch brands.
Will
Frank, I could not agree with you more. I have a 2019 CT6 Sport that I traded a 2018 Premium Luxury for. It’s a fantastic car in every respect, and as you said in your comment. I’ve owed big Audis and even a Porsche Panamera, and I prefer the comfort, luxury and styling of the CT6. As a longtime Cadillac owner, and having owned 11 Cadillacs personally, I waited a VERY long time for a true Cadillac flagship car. The CT6 debuted and I could not have been happier. We have two in our household currently. That’s how much we love this CT6. This is a mistake and I implore Cadillac/GM to reconsider this vehicles future. It’s a worthy Cadillac and it’s worthy to live on until a replacement for it debuts.
David Grech
agree Elimination of CT6 is a blunder of massive proportions. 2018 3.0TT is a great car and definitely an upgrade from an E or 535 which I had previously. The joy of driving, the comments from others – I can only imagine a 2020 Blackwing. With the demise of XTS, there is an automatic market and would think could easily sell 15-20k of them in the US (conjecture but add up the XTS sales). Contrast the Koreans who started with a flagship and are building out a line – in 2030 they will be another Lexus. Mary: build your brand.
Jess
I completely agree with all the comments regarding the CT6. I had one of the first 2016s and one of the first 2019s. The CT6 is the finest luxury sedan that an American company has built. It is stately, elegant and imposing. I am disappointed (disgusted, really) that it has been discontinued. After ten Cadillacs and a lifelong love affair with these cars, I, too, am ready to switch to another brand. I am not walking away from Cadillac, Cadillac has walked away from me. Cadillac MUST have a flagship car and apparently no one at Cadillac understands this.
patrick
I too love the CT6. I cant see how it makes scene to decapitate Cadillac of both of it large cars at the same time. I get XTS was aging out, But CT6 was still out selling most of its competitors except for the S Class and on par or just ahead of 7 Series. Others like A8, LS and Genesis were easily out sold by CT6. None of these company’s are killing there big cars off. Cant help to think they are right and GM is wrong on this…
Greg
I am glad to read something somewhat positive on the production Escala. A few weeks ago, Alex wrote in the comments of another thread: “..don’t hold your breath…” referring to the Escala. I look forward to reading the item Cadillac Society is preparing.
Paul
GM in general, and Cadillac specifically, have made some really ‘strange’ business decisions in the past few years. I completely understand market driven decisions, but they are essentially giving the ‘car’ market away to to other manufacturers. I know SUV’s and Crossover’s are hot, but they have engineered some really great cars only to eliminate them already, or have plans to do so. The other mistakes they’ve made include miscommunication on several things – ‘we’re going to………’, ‘wait, not we’re not’, etc. And they never really advertised the CT6 – except during one of the football playoff games we saw a tv ad for super cruise. It’s only offered on the CT6 and they’re discontinuing it. What are they thinking??
That said, we have a ’16 CT6 that, with the exception of the 8 speed trans, has been stellar. We’re trading it in on our CT6-V – currently on a train in Iowa and will be delivered around the 14th. Can’t wait!!
RichOne
It’s sad and disappointing to see the CT6 go from the Cadillac line-up. Stopping this model for the USA market will be but another ‘faux pas’ by GM management. Now, if Cadillac would just bring on the El Miraj!
Johnls_39
Is the Escala supposed to be EV only or have an option of ICE?
Charles Rondeau
Before retiring from GM in late 2018, I was amazed that the CT6 had managed to finally get into production. We had begun design work on this ultimate Cadillac so long before, and in such secrecy that many seriously doubted it would ever see the light of day.
Besides a radical, double-layered front-of-dash design it originally had engines ranging from 4-cylinder turbocharged to V8 supercharged, Cadillac-only power trains. The “Omega” platform was to be GM’s ultimate car. I happened to get one ride in early 2018, and was impressed. But by then, the handwriting was on the wall, and crossovers were destined to be mainstream, with only one ultimate Cadillac sedan left. That car was to be introduced in 2022 or thereabouts. We’ll just have to wait and see if that chapter plays out as planned…
Paul
Hi Charles, if you had a hand in the design of the CT6, my hat is off to you. That car is a pleasure to drive (with the exception of the 8 speed which they replaced with the A10 as soon as it was available) and we’ve been REALLY impressed with it. We got the 3.0TT and it’s got good power too. When our dealer said he could input an order for a 2020 CT6-V about 8 months ago, we put in the order right away. Was finally built in mid-Nov and is (finally!) on it’s way here. GM and Cadillac build some really good vehicles but their management seems rudderless at times.
Charles Rondeau
I hear you, Paul. I have a lot of respect for Mary Barra, and her leadership at GM. Part of the trouble was that Cadillac was undergoing a re-creation of itself, and trying to move it headquarters to New York City. That created tremendous internal strife, and some factions were simply not on board. You may also remember that Cadillac had recruited a former Audi executive at the time. Much more internal strife, while the engineer teams were simply trying to do their jobs and please everyone. When you add a design studio on top of that that was based in Warren Michigan, it was a recipe for trouble. I was glad that GM stuck with this program until it was finally in production. I also appreciate a nice powerful sedan, but he has an old guy it’s much simpler to get in and out of a crossover than a sedan! I’m glad that GM was able to produce a vehicle that drivers can really appreciate. I hope you enjoy every minute of your time driving your new vehicle!
Charles Rondeau
Sorry about the typos in my last reply!
Felix
I sure hope you are right about the future ultimate Cadillac sedan. To me Cadillac is not Cadillac without a large top tier sedan. If and that is a big if they do bring one out it has to be second to none.
JE
How many additional CT6s will get produced in these extra two weeks? Will this mean an increase in the total number of cars with the Blackwing V8?
Isn’t the CT6 continuing production in China? (Though not the Blackwing model.)
I agree that the CT6 is the best car that Cadillac has made in the past decade. They need to address reliability issues in general…
Greg
Yes the CT6 will continue in China where it sells well (as you say with the exception of the V8).
I’ve said this before but China production is the problem. If Cadillac could build the CT6 in one factory, like most all of its competitors are, it wouldn’t be dropped in North America. As it is, Cadillac is obliged to build the car in China to supply that market. If Cadillac could build the CT6 in the US and export them to China all would be well. But the NA market just doesn’t want the car that much (only 8000 last year, down by almost 50% since 2017). It’s true that the CT6 outsells most of its competiton, but those cars are not built in the US. They are imported in small numbers from foreign factories that supply the whole world. It doesn’t cost Audi much, for example, to import a few A8’s from Germany because the car sells so well in Europe. It doesn’t have to outsell anything in the US. As it is, NA production of the CT6 lives or dies by NA sales.
If the CT6 was built on a shared platform it would likely continue, too. As it is, virtually everything about it is exclusive.
Cadillac could import it from China I suppose, but I wonder if the market here would accept that. I wonder if those that love the car so much would buy a Chinese-built CT6?
And yet another point: Model year 2020 is the CT6s 5th year on the market. It would need replacement soon anyway.
patrick
The CT6’s europian competitors have become iconic because those company’s didn’t give up on them after one cycle. CT6 did great against these established models. More models could have been made off of Omega but the Brass decided against it, Elmiraj, Escalade, (no one takes there Escalade off roading). GM management is just not committed to making Cadillac great or iconic as it once was.
Joe B.
So is the CT4/CT5 just another temporary fill-in vehicle, like the XTS was supposed to be? Makes me not want to buy one. (I do own an XTS Plat. and may be looking in another year.) I’m skeptical of any future Escala or any other ICE car. GM putting all their eggs in one basket. The big sedan is what made Cadillac. SUV’s do nothing for me. Big, ugly, and I want my junk in the trunk, not littered around behind the back seat.
Greg
So you bought a XTS knowing it was a “fill in” but you won’t get a CT5?
I’ve driven a CT5 and I like it a lot, but it’s no XTS. It’s more of a European style sedan and not as roomy. It’s in a far lower price range too.
Your XTS also has one of the finest interiors ever offered by Cadillac.
Joe B.
Well, yeah, I’ll admit to a bit of hypocrisy and more, it was a CPO. But it was a 6 year “fill in”. I would be ordering a New CT5 in a year or so, which is more of a right size for me now and would hate to take the new car depreciation hit only to have the model replaced with a new and improved whatever on the VSS-R chassis. Might just keep the XTS, which I love, for the longer term and see what happens.
Greg
CPO is great! Many years ago I bought a 2005 STS and enjoyed just over 3 years of the factory warranty, though it was one of the most trouble-free cars I’ve ever owned. I’d buy CPO again.
I understand your position, but I would say most all cars are replaced by newer products/platforms sooner or later. I have no idea what the residuals on the CT5 will be and I don’t know when or even if it will be replaced by a VSS-R car, but I really don’t think it has a bearing on resale values.
I encourage you to see and drive a CT5, if you haven’t already. I was pleasantly surprised by the look of the car in person. The interior is nothing like your XTS, though. If it’s not for you, look into a CPO CT6. Residuals on the car are not good, which make them a real bargain of the used market. I saw a CPO 2017 model at my dealer recently, very well equipped that probably stickered for about $75K new. 25K miles. It was priced at $32K. That is what I call a “buy”.
dan parsons
just over a month in my CT6-V…and loving it…except for the fuel sucking (hey, if I cannot afford…shut up!)….this is SOOOO Cadillac..at point of sale I asked (like I did in 2013 when they told me the XTS would NEVER get a bigger engine…the twin turbo came 10 months later) will there be some Escala-like version to outpace the CT6-V? “Oh, no”…well, if it comes before I am “done” with my Blackwing (which I do not see happening soon) the dealer WILL be cutting me a deal for the new one…if that comes…and ditto…thank you Charles for the CT6…my gripe is Cadillac marketing…not production…you done good!!
Stuart E. Aaron
Based upon what I have heard and read, I would assume that the Cadillac Motor Division will be bringing out a new large model within a year or two. The CT6 is a great automobile and unless I am missing something, big time, without bringing out an even better replacement for the CT6, Cadillac and GM are missing the boat if they kill the CT6. And what about the Blackwind V-8? What is going to happen to that motor? Is it to be installed in the future replacement for the XLR? Now they are calling the V-6 engines, Blackwing. I am confused. Everyone needs some clarification on what is going on. I much also note that based upon the competition’s ads for new vehicle, I am not happy with the ads that GM overall has produced for their vehicles in general. Innovation had been the hallmark of General Motors for many years. Now it seems like they are taking the low road instead of being first with a lot of technology and innovation. Some of this actually reminds me of the the 80s when Ford use to make fun of the GM large sedans that all looked alike. Granted, they were different, but they did have a similar look that Mr. Smith allowed to be produced. Let us all hope that Cadillac and General Motors as a whole can get their act together and be the true leader and not play catch up to other manfacturers, including the Pacific Rim crowd. Stu Aaron
Pastor Clifford J. Reed
I have the 2017 CT6 Platinum and I love the automobile. It’s truly amazing. I previously owned a 2008 DTS and refused to buy another Cadillac until they came out with the CT6. I get nothing but compliments when I drive it, from the valet people or when I exit a restaurant, people are standing around admiring it. My wife was so impressed, she purchased the 2019 XT5. Her first Cadillac.
Charles Rondeau
I hope your wife is happy with her XT5! I’m on my second now, a 2019 Premium Luxury model, and love everything about it except that there’s no ‘soft’ suspension setting. Our roads here in Southeast Michigan are atrocious, so we pay for it with our rear ends!
Put it on a newly paved or smooth blacktop road and it’s great.
Pastor Clifford Reed
We are here in North Texas enjoying the paved roads. My wife purchased the 2019 XT5 Platinum and she’s very happy with it. She has been receiving compliments as well.
Charles Rondeau
That’s great! Glad to hear it!
Kevmeistah
How long will the retooling to manufacture the electric Cadillacs take? Will there be enough time for us to recover after having our balls removed?
Greg
I’d like to know this too. There may be a gap of at least 2 years after the CT6 dies before it’s electric replacement arrives.
John Engelman
So let me see if I understand you correctly Alex. You are saying here, in print, that there will be an Escala forthcoming!
JLC
If production has ceased, why can we still do “build and price” on the website? Are they only offering current stock at dealers? It’s really strange if the car is no longer being built, but we can build it to whatever spec on the website.
JLC
ps. usually if a car is no longer produced it will let you build on the website, but will note “only dealer stock available” or something similar. Are they shipping in new orders from China?
Alex Luft
Not shipping in any units from China.
If the online configurator is still available, it’s because they simply haven’t gotten around to removing it yet.