A second generation of the Cadillac CT6 large luxury sedan is inbound, and Cadillac Society has the details.
The very first report about the second-gen CT6 was published way back in early 2019 by our sister publication, GM Authority. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the development of the luxury sedan, pushing back its launch timeframe. Here are some key details about the new model.
First-generation Cadillac CT6 at the Jinqiao Cadillac China plant
The upcoming, second-gen CT6 will ride on Cadillac’s VSS-R vehicle set (platform), which facilitates rear-wheel-drive-based vehicles. We expect the CT6 to feature the luxury marque’s turbocharged 2.0L I4 engine (production code LSY), which is currently offered in every single Cadillac model sold in China. It’s also possible that the second-gen CT6 could make use of a mild hybrid system – much like the XT4 crossover for the Chinese market, which combines the boosted four-cylinder internal combustion engine with a small electric motor and a battery for improved fuel economy.
The second-gen CT6 will also make use of Cadillac’s Global B electrical architecture, which will allow the luxury sedan to harness Super Cruise and eventually Ultra Cruise. The Global B platform will also allow for over-the-air software updates.
Sources tell us that the exterior of the Cadillac CT6 will be roughly the same size as the current, first-generation model, and that some styling elements will carry over. However, there will also be several key changes. The front end will make use of the luxury marque’s trademark vertical lightning signatures with a horizontal element, as seen on the first-generation model’s refreshed fascia. However, the second-gen CT6 will take these cues to the next level by adding more detailing to the lights, particularly the horizontal elements.
The second-gen model will also eschew the current model’s boxy design for a more streamlined profile by extending the greenhouse rearward. The cabin will extend a bit further beyond the rear doors and slope gently toward the rear of the vehicle, similar to the treatment on the CT5.
2020 Cadillac CT5
In addition, sources tell us that the new Cadillac CT6 will have a roof that begins sloping toward the middle of the rear door as opposed to retaining the more traditional profile of the current generation model. The C-pillar will also be slimmer than that of the current model, resulting in a larger rear vanity window. Dual exhaust outlets will also be implemented on the rear of the vehicle, following design cues from the CT4 and CT5.
Sources tell us to expect the second-generation Cadillac CT6 to launch sometime in the next 12 months for the Chinese market. Production will take place at the Jinqiao Cadillac China plant in Shanghai. At this time, it’s not clear if the second-generation Cadillac CT6 will be offered in North America, where the first generation model was discontinued after the 2020 model year.
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Jess
I am disgusted that there will be a second gen CT6 for the Chinese market yet Cadillac has thrown in the towel in the very segment that built the brand in the US. I understand and recognize that demographics and markets evolve, but Cadillac must compete in this segment with a car other than the pie in the sky $200,000 Celestiq. After two CT6s and 11 Cadillacs overall, I’m out. I have driven only Cadillacs for 26 years, but when the lease on my current CT6 is up in July, I will look elsewhere.
JE
A real shame it’s going to be sold only in China. Meanwhile in the rest of the planet we have to live with boring SUV’s and crossovers. This CT6 is a car I would buy. An SUV or a crossover, never. I really hope the actual SUV cancer ends asap in order to be find decent cars on the market again and not only in China.
Peter
I can understand these comments
Paul
Just as I suspected it’s a China only project. Damn you gm and America’s SUV craze.
Rick
Maybe we can start a company to import the new CT6 to the US.
W.K.S.
If available, I’d trade my CT4 for a CT6 in a minute. Who, in Detroit, has given up on the NA market? I guess they been driven out of their own backyard by the Germans (Audi, BMW, MB) and the Asians (Toyota, Honda, KIA and Hyundai). Too bad.
John Pennisi
My 2019 XT5, is my 3rd Cadillac. Previously I had a 09 CTS and a 15 ATS coupe. I really liked all of them, however, I’m tired of SUV’s and want to go back to, preferably, a coupe or an elegantly styled sedan. The previous CT6 was that vehicle, not the current or proposed models. I dislike the sloping read window and chopped off back end. It looks like my next car will be a BMW 840i or the new MB replacement for the E coupe..
Frank Ricciardi
I was very disappointed when the CT6 was cancelled in the US. I have a 2020 and love it. If Cadillac builds a second gen CT6 for the US Market, I’ll buy one in a heat beat. Cadillac is a “BIG CAR” company it needs to build BIG CARS.
Mick Dowson
The CT6 was designed in Warren Michigan and is one of Cadillac’s best cars ever. I was very disappointed when we were no longer able to purchase this model. The CT6 sets the Cadillac image as a Premium car line for GM. The management at GM needs to make the CT6 available to North American loyal customers.
Felix Biggers
The problems that Cadillac is having competing with other Luxury cars are problems Cadillac created. One such problem is finally getting the CT6 right then immediately cancelling it. That is just one of many miscues and mixed signals that they have presented to customers and potential customer over the past 30 years or so.
Chris Cummings
This ^^^^ !!!
smartandstuck
ok
Quick Silver 1
We have driven Cadillacs for 20+ years and currently have 2; a 2020 CT6 Premium Luxury and a 2017 CT6 Premium. When we are ready for a new car, notice I said car, it won’t be a mall crawler pickup, CUV, SUV or an EV with no range and cannot be supported by the infrastructure. We have always had a GM product from my 1967 Camaro RS/SS up to our 2020 Caddy.
I’ll look for a full-sized luxury sedan capable of seating 4-5 people comfortably. A CT5 or CT4 just can’t be called a luxury car in my opinion. Looks like it’s good-bye to Cadillac and GM unless they can refocus and give us an affordable, not a pie in the sky $200K+ Celestiq EV, full-sized luxury sedan.
I know the Chinese market is strong, but we in the U.S., who built GM and Cadillac need to be recognized also. GM/Cadillac never marketed the CT6 and have fallen short on marketing the CT4/5.
Chip Robinson
I too also own 2020 CT6 Premium Luxury Cadillac and to me this is the best looking Cadillac of all the late model Cadillac’s. Discontinuing the CT6 was a terrible decision by Cadillac, there are tons of consumers still wanting to purchase the 2nd generation CT6. I get so many compliments from other Cadillac owners who have the CTS,CT5,CT4 and even the XTS wishing they had bought the CT6. My lease is up in Feb 2023 and I’m almost sure I will decide to keep it unless Cadillac returns with another full size model. At 6’3″, I do not fit comfortably in the smaller Cadillac’S
Neil Rhodes
I had a 2019 CT6 Premium Luxury with Super Cruise that was absolutely one of the best Cadillacs I ever owned. Unfortunately, I was hit in the rear while stopped at a light, the damage didn’t look so bad, however the damage to the aluminum frame was so bad, that the insurance company totaled it At that point I was unable to order a new one because they discontinued all the full size cars. What was Mary Barra thinking when she discontinued all the full size cars. What I don’t understand, is why is it being made in China.
Walter Towner
We bought two used 2018 CT6s last year.
What a machine.
Every generation of my family has had big Cadillacs.