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Cadillac CT6 To Offer ‘Most Powerful Six-Cylinder Gas Engine In The Segment,’ Reuss Says

In addition to having a hybrid option available and segment-leading technology, Cadillac’s new full-size Omega-based CT6 sedan will introduce a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that will be the “most powerful six-cylinder gas engine in the segment,” vice president of global product development Mark Reuss said during yesterday’s investor briefing at Milford Proving Ground.

The Detroit News reports the new gasoline V6 will be mated to an eight-speed transmission coupled with start-stop technology. Just as General Motors’ eight-speed transmission is tailored for use in the Corvette and various full-size trucks and SUVs, it will also likely receive slight alterations for use in the CT6.

How much power the engine will make is not clear. BMW’s N55 inline-six-cylinder engine makes 315 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque in the 740Li, while Audi’s 3.0-liter TFSI engine makes 328 horsepower and 325 lb-ft in the A8. Other competitors in the segment also offer V6 engines, such as Hyundai’s 294 horsepower and 255 lb-ft 3.3-liter GDI V6 under the hood of the Equus or the Kia K900’s 311 horsepower and 293 lb-ft 3.8-liter V6.

In addition to engines, Reuss talked about how the CT6 will be much lighter than anything before it. GM is planning to apply their patented mixed material body structure to the full-size sedan. This way of manufacturing combines a patented welding solution with different high- and regular-strength steel and aluminium stampings, which results in a vehicle with 20 fewer parts.

“We will create with the CT6, the world’s most advanced body structure,” Reuss said. “And it’s not aluminum. It’s a stronger, smarter, safer premium luxury vehicle.”

Reuss said GM took 20 different parts used to assemble the front body pillar and replaced them with one single casting. The result is a full-size sedan that is 53 lbs lighter than the mid-size CTS on the road today, which is one of the lighter vehicles in the premium mid-size segment.

Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. This new engine is intriguing. Let’s say Cadillac gets this engine to around 375 hp and 375 lbft of torque, beats the competition and it pretty powerful. Could this replace the naturally aspirated 3.6 in the Cadillac lineup? If Cadillac bumps the TT 3.6 up to 450 hp and 450 lbft of torque (which is likely to happen in the ATS-V), and gets the 2.0T to 300 hp and 300 lbft of torque, it could make for an amazing engine line up. All paired to the new GM 8 speed automatic. Myself, some others on this site, and automotive journalists have pointed out that the 3.6 is becoming less necessary with the 2.0T creeping up to it.

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  2. Sounds like the 2-mode plugin hybrid drivetrain that was originally designed for the Saturn VUE (pre-bankruptcy), then rumored to be available in the XTS, will finally see the light of day.

    I’m really excited to learn the full details!

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  3. Even more exciting!!! It almost sounds like the powertrain in the Ciel concept is being brought to production after hearing about the tech powering the CT6. This new 3.0L twin-turbocharged V-6 is sounding quite fascinating. Plus the car will be the most advanced car GM ever built, plus it’ll be lighter than even the CTS? This car is shaping up to be a real gem in the premium luxury segment!

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  4. I am surprise we are hearing so much info about this wonderful car so soon. Might be risky for GM to tell fragments of info and technology too soon but on the other hand want the general public to get excited and for those looking at buying in these class of elite high-end models to intrigued the potential buyer in considering the Cadillac or put it on a short list of cars to consider. It is a good time to be a buyer if you have the dough.

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  5. The standard of the world is back. Premium materials, advanced powertrains,excellent fit and finish, and state the.art tech like suoercruise and you have a winner. Cant wait to work my way up the cadillac ladder

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    1. It’s about time!

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  6. the most anticipated car since the return of the Camaro. Cadillac is working social media as well as Coca-Cola putting names on their bottles. I hope the CT6 is as successful and ‘hype-worthy’ as the C7 Z06.

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  7. The one thing I hate about this car is the fact that I’m not gonna be able to afford it within the next 20 years, lol.

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    1. I plan on getting an used one 5 years from now when my 2010 dts platinum has 200k miles 🙂

      Reply
  8. That is a key to a car like this. Not everyone is supposed to be able to afford it.

    You want image you have to limit its availability.

    This is why you do not see Ferrari’s and Bugatti’s in trailer parks.

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    1. You’ll see 7 series s class a8 and escalades in the hood thou… different strokes different folks *priorities*

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      1. That’s because they are more attainable at reduced prices. They are more of a volume producer that almost anyone can contain in the used car market.

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        1. okay but the Cadillac Ct6 competes with them. not Ferrari and Bugatti

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          1. Now yes future lets see where this takes us.

            Audi at one time was not much of a car and now offers everything from a A3 for $29.000 To the A8. Don’t see many A8’s in the hood or anywhere else that does not have money or image.

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  9. With an intercooler or twins, also booster controller spells a ton of fun.

    Reply
  10. I really like what you are doing with the new GM car is amazing

    And it will be wonderful to have another car yet still above

    When GM wants, has no limits when it comes to offering products very valid

    But they have to be patient to regain the confidence of the people

    Regards From Spain

    Reply
  11. Does anyone out there think there might be a long wheelbase version of this car? I have mentioned it before that it seemed in some of the spy pics of the car it looks bigger then others. One pic comes to mind where the car looks as big as the old DTS. Maybe its just my imagination.

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  12. Great news! An inline 6 would be even better! but i’m not sure if that would be feasible

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  13. the new. 3.0 tt is a given but I wander if the new 3.6 with cylinder deactivation will be a standard option. Considering the current v6 design is over 10 years old. I’m sure a fresh design could easily see great enhancements in power/torque numbers and refinement.. being under 4000 pounds shouldn’t have a hard time hauling this sedan Around

    Reply

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