Cadillac Trademarks Its Entire “CT” Model Range
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One of the first moves of Cadillac CEO Johan de Nysschen in his new position was to give the brand’s cars an all-new naming convention, much like he had done at his other recent employer, Infiniti. The new alphanumeric naming scheme is more straightforward in identifying a model in the lineup ladder while making it easier to distinguish between cars and SUVs.
So, GM has now gone ahead and filed a trademark application for every possible name under its new naming plan with the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office. The names included in the latest trademark filings include CT2, CT3, CT4, CT7 and CT8 for cars and XT2, XT3, XT4, XT5, XT6, XT7 and XT8 names for crossovers.
Unlike Infiniti, which — with one fell swoop — gave its cars the “Q” moniker and its crossovers and SUVs the “QX” designation, Cadillac will slowly ease into renaming its vehicles. The first vehicle with the CT-type name will be the CT6 Omega-based flagship sedan. The current CTS and ATS will keep their names until they move into a new generation, as will the SRX.
However, it’s not clear which names are destined to appear on which models. For instance, Cadillac has filed two trademark applications for models that sit above the upcoming 2016 CT6 — the CT7 and CT8, and three which would undercut it. Meanwhile, trademark applications for the CT5 and CT6 names were filed earlier in the year and may be reserved for a replacement for the next-gen CTS. That leaves CT4 for the ATS replacement, and possibly CT3 and CT2 for the rumoured front wheel-drive compact model.
We knew Cadillac has plans to introduce more crossovers, but Cadillac filed a whopping seven trademark applications for the “XT” moniker. One of those names is reserved for the SRX replacement, with two others likely appearing on the large three-row SUV and sub-SRX crossover. The rest simply fuel more speculation. We should know more about Cadillac’s plan for all these newly acquired names in the near future. Stay tuned!
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Should be fun speculating what vehicle each “code” will be assigned to. I’m quite surprised to see all the “XT” variants; I suppose there’ll be a number of long and short wheelbase crossovers and SUV’s.
I think this solidifies my opinion that the XTS is dead after 2015. With a CT7 and CT8 coming out which will be mega flagships over the CT6, its clear the CT6 is the replacement for the XTS. For those that still cannot see the writing on the wall, why hasn’t Cadillac changed the crest on the XTS to the wreathless crest like they did all the other models for 15 model year. That’s because its on its way out.
Looks like the escalade will be using the xt8 then, maybe xt7 for the escalade and xt8 for the esv?
I think Cadillac should do something similar to BMW but in this case make even numbered cars sedans and odds be coupes and convertibles.
I like my xts…..it may become the ct5..i hope.that leaves 1 car under the ats. How much smaller can they go we dont need a smart car sized cadillac. Maybe the elr will become a cts coupe electric, or the ct4 coupe electric. It would probably sell better.
I wounder when the CT8 will came out. I hope it wouldent be another CTS styled car.
I wounder what the CT7 will be
my guess would be
ct2- sub ats small cadillac
ct3-small two door cadillac
ct4-ats
ct5-cts
ct6-upcoming sedan
ct7-mirage inspired grand coupe
ct-8 flagship sedan
elr and xts discontinued
xt2- verano sized Cadillac
xt3-? no clue
xt4-equinox sized Cadillac
xt5-srx
xt6-enclave sized Cadillac
xt7-escalade
xt8-escalade esv
Let’s not forget the primary reason why the CT_ and XT_ naming was adopted to begin with………..for China!
Uhh, no. It was to simplify a soon to be very confusing amount of model designations. Looks like over 12 models, many needing new designations. Now is the time to make sense of names. Mercedes is doing the same thing.
Yes, confusing amount of models……..in China. You need to read up on the press releases…..9 new Cadillac models in China in the next 5 years. Some of those, like the CT6 , will also be sold here, but some others will not.
I see 10 models (counting sedans/coupes/wagons) and then a number of V series sold in the US within 3 years.
The Escalade name is not going anywhere. They have already said there is too much brand equity with that name. It is easily recognizable and has built a reputation as a status symbol of success.
I guarantee people will still be saying look at that new Deville when they see the ct6
Absolutely, if you are over 70.
CT2- Alpha1 Compact Roadster
CT3- Alpha1 Sub-Compact Sedan / Coupe
CT4- Alpha2 Compact Sedan / Coupe / Convertible
CT5- Alpha3 Mid-Size Sedan / Wagon
CT6- Omega Full-Size Sedan
CT7- Omega Four-Door Coupe
CT8- Extended Omega Sedan
XT2- D2XX Compact Hybrid Crossover
XT3- Alpha1 Sub-Compact SUV
XT4- Alpha2 Compact SUV
XT5- Alpha3 Mid-Size SUV
XT6- E2XX Mid-Size Crossover
XT7- Omega Full-Size SUV
XT8- K2XX Full-Size SUV
If anyone has issues with the new names here is a good story.
http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2014/11/16/mercedes-cadillac-names-lincoln-mark-phelan/19054389/
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I think it would be interesting if they combined alphanumerics and real names. Like, for say, CT5450s Seville. I have thought up an interseting lineup. I doubt It would be like this; here goes-
CT2 LeRaj- Alpha Compact Roadster/coupe (BMW Z4 size)
CT3 Lyriqa- BEV3 Sub-Compact hot hatch EV (MB A class size)
CT4 Escar- Alpha2 Compact Sedan/Coupe/Convertible (BMW 4/3 series, MB C class)
CT5 Seville- Alpha2 Mid-Size Sedan/Wagon V8 only (BMW 5 series, MB E class)
CT6 Fleetwood- Omega Full-Size Sedan EV (MB S class, BMW 7 series)
CT7 Escala- Alpha Full-Size Four-Door Coupe/2 door cabriolet/3 door coupe V12 hybrid (MB GT 4-door)
CT8 Eldorado- Extremely Extended Wheelbase Omega 4-door cabriolet V16 w/suicide doors (Maybach, Rolls, Bently mulsaune)
XT2 Staraj- D2XX Compact Hybrid AWD Crossover (MB GLA)
XT3 Scaral- Alpha1 Sub-Compact SUV (MB GLB-ish SIZED)
XT4 Estaracl- Alpha2 Compact SUV (MB GLC)
XT5 Deville- Alpha3 Mid-Size SUV (MB GLE)
XT6 Serrul- E2XX Mid-Size Hybrid AWD Crossover (traverse/enclave SIZED)
XT7 Inephabl- Omega Full-Size SUV (MB GLS)
XT8 Escalade- K2XX Full-Size SUV (Escalade ESV)
RT16 Ethereal- Mid engine superluxury V16 supercar
The crossover names were quite hard to come up with.