The Cadillac CT6 is expected to get a refresh (otherwise known as a facelift or midcycle enhancement) for the 2019 model year. And now, we have fresh spy shots of a prototype of the 2019 Cadillac CT6 refresh undergoing testing, first seen on our sister site – Cadillac Society.
The camouflage of the tester seen here is similar, if not identical, to previous spy shots of the vehicle. In fact, we could be looking at the same exact vehicle that was photographed earlier… but these shots were taken on a chilly Colorado morning in March, when the vehicle was parked, thereby allowing us a closer look.
Unfortunately, the vast amount of camouflage on this tester makes it rather difficult to determine exactly what exterior styling changes the full-size sedan will see for 2019. But it wouldn’t be surprising for the refreshed CT6 to adopt several elements seen on the Cadillac Escala concept and/or the upcoming 2019 Cadillac XT4 crossover, which Cadillac just teased in its Oscars ad.
Specifically, we wouldn’t be surprised if the 2019 Cadillac CT6 refresh were to adopt a new grille treatment, which features a shield-mesh pattern on both the Escala concept and on the XT4. We also imagine that the 2019 CT6 will add a horizontal lighting accent to the vertical signature of the current model’s headlights and taillights. The elements are also present on both the Escala and the XT4.
Headlight and grille of the 2019 Cadillac XT4
Rear end and tail lights of the 2019 Cadillac XT4
Moving to the cabin, it doesn’t look like the interior of this CT6 prototype is covered with mats or other forms of camouflage, which could mean one of two things:
- Either the 2019 Cadillac CT6 will not have any updates to the interior, or
- The 2019 CT6 will get an updated cabin, but the prototype seen here isn’t testing those changes
All that brings us to suspect that the tester model seen here is a powertrain development mule that’s performing high-altitude and/or cold-weather testing of the upcoming Cadillac 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8 DOHC engine, which could wear the LT2, LT3, LT6 or LT7 RPO codes. It’s likely that the motor will debut in the 2019 CT6 while being mated to the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission, which was co-developed with Ford. The powertrain combination could become the basis of a potential CT6 V-Sport variant.
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.
Hat tip to reader Eric for the photos.
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About Cadillac CT6
The Cadillac CT6 is a full-size prestige luxury sedan. It 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, Rear Camera Mirror Washer and an updated CUE infotainment system (to version 2.6). The vehicle rides on the advanced, high-tech and lightweight GM Omega platform that is currently not shared with any other vehicles, though a full-size crossover on the architecture has been rumored.
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 equip the model with the newest Cadillac design cues, which were foreshadowed by the Cadillac Escala concept and the new Cadillac XT4. Updates to the interior of the full-size sedan 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 CT6 V-Sport model with the new 4.2T Twin-Turbo V-8 DOHC engine mated to GM’s new 10-speed automatic transmission, which was co-developed with Ford.
Comments
The interior and the engine are the weak links in the CT6, along with the name. There is nothing wrong with the car’s exterior design or its novel structure. If GM wants to make CT6 an outstanding and competitive product, they must address the low-rent interior and parts bin powertrains. I’m encouraged if there truly is a new 4.2 L Cadillac exclusive 32 Valve V-8 on the horizon but the car needs a major interior upgrade as well. Let’s hope this prototype is indeed for engine validation only and does not include all of the changes planned for Cadillac’s flagship.
While they are making changes, how about a new hybrid naming scheme. If de Nysschen loves alphanumerics and is insistent on an Audi-like naming convention for sake of international markets then okay but why not use a combination of both in the US. Mazda uses MX-5 Miata and here folks simply call the product “Miata” so I see no reason Cadillac can’t do the same and have CT5 Seville, CT6 Escala, XT5 Iridium, XT7 Escalade, etc.
Low rent interior!!?? Unless you’ve sat in one, allowing assumptions to influence your feedback isn’t a good look. All materials of the interior are not low rent at the least; just too many and the presentation is on ‘nice’ level but doesn’t say ‘wow!’.
I’ve sat in a few. Pay attention to the details like the switches, carpeting, pedals, the woods, hides, and other materials. Cadillacs should have a unique looking interior with their own shapes and switchgear. Instead CT6 looks like an upgraded Malibu designed by the same folks, which it is.
The ideal would be more like MINI/BMW/Rolls Royce where all come from the same company and share some componentry but have a completely different look and feel.
Cadillac needs to keep it simple and just give it alphanumeric for specific reasons. Calling Ct6 Escala, XT7 Escalade and etc. is ridiculous and Cadillac will make a spectacle of themselves. Too much tongue work.
Owned cadillacs through my life. The numerical badging is horrible. Bring back the Old named badging to 1 of the most iconic automobiles. Or get a different President.
“Bring back the Old named badging to 1 of the most iconic automobiles.
Yeah! Like Series 70 and Series 71 and Series 62!
If you simply look back in history, Cadillac has had more numerical names and they’ve used them for longer than they’ve had ‘proper’ names.
Cadillac were all alpha-numeric until 1942. The intent is to make people want CADILLACS; not run every segment into the same problem they have with the Escalade— where the model has more brand equity than the make.
Very good point, vorg. In addition, the intent is to create a model hierarchy so as to be able to identify where a model fits in that hierarchy. That is impossible to establish with names.
Either way, a name does not make a car. A car makes the name.
I hope the ’19 CT6 gets the full-on Escala front end withe horizontal headlamps in LED form . That gave the car a completely different vibe . Unfortunately other automakers are doing this now including the segment leader Honda Accord among others .
The grill treatment too should be done in the piano black on all models, that too gives it a classy look to it . What I am interested in is if we see the Cadillac crest in a solid chrome / stainless steel vs. the colored one we see now . That emblem has shown up on the wheels and front fenders of new Cadillac treatments lately .
The new TTV-8 will be under the hood for ’19 and probably in top trim levels only and the corporate 3.6 farther down the trim levels , Platinum for sure and hope it be an option for Premiun Luxury only .
We are suppose to see a new infotainment system too , no longer referred to as CUE , time will tell .
Some editorial journalists have complained that there are to many different types of materials used inside the cabin , that’s kind of a personal preference , but it might be useful if that Maple Sugar interior color finds it’s way to the cheaper models instead of just the Platinum , that is such a cool color and a nice change from the usual Black and Titanium .
Personally I hope The CT6 never wears the V badge , leave that too the other two new cars coming out . I know Mercedes does it and BMW and Audi has sport versions of their top luxury models but as long as the car has their own V-8 , that is what I’d like to see on the deck lid .
I think the most we’ll see as far as horizontal lighting elements is what we see on the XT4 – an LED light bar that runs across the light as well as downward. The vertical bit will keep Cadillac’s very distinctive lighting elements that are probably the most distinctive on the road today, allowing one to recognize it from a distance while giving the new horizontal bit will make the car appear “wider” without making it so.
The monochrome emblem is something I have wondered about for a while… and it would be a good move to migrate to it, since the current one is a bit too busy with the various colors.
The “next” version of CUE is already out… it’s version 3 and technically has no public-facing name:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/cadillac/miscellaneous-cadillac-items/cadillac-cue/cue-version-3/
The 2019 CT6 will likely get this system… while the XT4 will get this system but with different kinds of HMI/UX controls.
I personally have no issues that the CT6 uses different kinds of materials on the interior. I feel like those that complain about are being entirely too subjective.
That said, the CT6 is such a good car with such a competent and balanced chassis – being soft yet sporty – that it is begging for a more powerful engine option… along with an entirely new transmission. The 8-speed is the most unrefined unit in the world. The new DOHC TT V8 will solve the power desires of many, while the 10-speed should solve the transmission issues. There will likely also be some minor chassis and appearance modifications to make it a true V-Sport, rather than a CT6 with a V8. Mind you, this isn’t a full-out CT6-V we’re talking about… but a “V light” of sorts. Can’t wait till April 🙂
Agreed on all points Alex. I know some weren’t a fan of the monochrome badge on the Escala but it’s really growing on me espically with the grill. It’d be a nice look on a Caddy with a midnight/carbon black package. I would love the XT4 to get a Vsport trim with a TT V6
Yup, I’m a big fan of the monochrome badge. There is a theory about logo design: a normal person should be able to do a rough sketch of the logo having only seen it three times, and be pretty much spot on.
One can do that for most automotive logos (Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Chevy, GMC, Ford, Infiniti, Acura… the list goes on)… but it’s a bit more complex for the current Cadillac badge. I have driven Cadillacs since 2013-2014 time frame and have worked with them since 2010, and I still wouldn’t be able to draw it and get all the colors in the right place.
Regarding the XT4: I think you’ll get your wish there. Here’s why: I suspect that the reason the E2 platform was chosen for the XT4 was that it can handle a V-6 engine without any reengineering or. By comparison, the D2 platform that underpins the Equinox/Terrain and therefore is “properly sized” for a model with the dimensions of the XT4 – was designed from the get-go to exclusively use four- and three-cylinder engines, but not sixes… and re-engineering it to accommodate a six-banger would necessitated major changes to the powertrain placement and mounting configuration, and a compromised experience to boot.
Interesting observation. I was wondering why the XT4 would be using the same platform as the Malibu and I’m hoping you’re right! But why not utilize the alpha platform?
4.2L Twin turbo V-8!!! I’m getting goosebumps. Here is to wishing.
As someone that will be in the market for a new CT6 next year, I am wondering what the price changes will look like. I am not expecting the car to be cheap but I wonder if we will see a starting price in the low $60K range now. I really love the looks of the CT6 but that interior still needs an update. It dose not scream luxury at all IMO.
I think it will see a small/medium bump in price for the 2019 model year, somewhere to the tune of $3-5K… which puts it in the range of $60k starting.
The bulk of sales is coming from the $60-65k range, so the move would make sense… while also pushing the ceiling higher with a new v-sport model with the new V8 twin turbo.
I personally love the interior of the car. It is very luxurious. Could it be more extravagant? Yes. But that doesn’t make it any less luxurious… just less excessive. It has all the lux of a full size luxury car, but less flash than the Benz.
I agree withe “possible” new monochromatic crest , put on the piano black grill would be killer , not so much withe current style grill bars on current models . It would be a great way to introduce it on Cadillac’s Flagship car .
I’m on my 6th Cadillac and couldn’t remember where the red gold , black and blue go with any confidance either .
Just have to look at the Mercedes , Audi , BMW .Mazda , Lincoln etc. , to wonder if Johan can pull it off . We are suppose to see the ” new face ” of Cadillac .
It would be an evolution , simple but elegant .
The lower door upholstery should be “refreshed” to soft touch like my XTS. However, I am craving one and a V8 multiplies that desire.
I’ve recently been jumping on Drew’s case about how a modern full-size Cadillac should be, to a point in hindsight he’s right a Cadillac should have certain features standard instead of nickel n dime people like a decent engine should be standard with Xeon/led lights and leather seats. I’ll sit back and watch what the ’19 CT6 will deliver at a lower price point as it replace XTS.