If you’ve been following GM Authority’s coverage of Cadillac news this week, you’ve already heard and read all about the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport and its new Cadillac V8 engine with twin turbos making a mighty 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. But what about the 2019 CT6 in its regular, non-V-Sport guise? Well, it gets the same updates to the exterior, interior, and in-vehicle technology. And it will also receive Cadillac’s new 4.2L Twin-Turbo beast. Here’s the lowdown on that.
Above and below: 2019 Cadillac CT6 Platinum
Exterior
The 2019 CT6 takes on the latest Cadillac design direction introduced by the Cadillac Escala Concept. The full-size sedan retains the dominant vertical light signatures of the 2016-2018 models, but adds new horizontal elements to give the front end a more aggressive appearance.
This theme is also carried over to the rear, as new horizontal elements join the vertical ones that make Cadillacs so distinguishable. What’s more, Cadillac says that the new rear lighting graphic is very distinguishable at night.
Specifically, non V-Sport models feature new horizontal high-lumen headlights and a revised taillight design. They also retain the chrome daylight opening (DLO) trim, whereas V-Sport models get the black-out treatment.
Powertrain
The new 4.2L Twin-Turbo V-8 LTA is not reserved for the CT6 V-Sport. It will also be available in the non-V-Sport model, where it makes 500 horsepower and 553 pound-feet torque. By comparison, the engine makes 550 horsepower and 637 pound-feet of torque in the CT6 V-Sport.
The Cadillac Twin Turbo V-8 is matched to the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission (10L90). The transmission boasts a very broad, 7.39 overall gear ratio spread, enhancing off-the-line performance and contributing to reduced engine speed on the highway for refinement and efficiency. Narrow steps between the gear ratios also help the engine maintain the optimal speed for maximum power at almost all vehicle speeds.
New Trim Strategy
The 2019 Cadillac CT6 introduces Cadillac’s new “Y” trim strategy for models. The strategy allows each model to have Luxury and Sport trims with distinct personas and features, and the V-Sport trim builds on the Sport trim.
What the trim level structure of the 2019 Cadillac CT6 will be in light of the Y trim level strategy is currently unknown. We’re reached out to Cadillac for clarification and will update this article when and/or if we get a reply.
Interior
Cadillac has not yet shared any specifics about the interior of the 2019 CT6, instead focusing all attention on the updates to the model’s in-vehicle technology. We will update this section as needed if the vehicle’s cabin is updated.
Technologies
The Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system has not exactly been the most delightful system on the market, mostly due to two issues. The first is a slow system speed, which Cadillac has resolved with the latest iteration dubbed CUE 3.0. The second is that a touchscreen seems to be an inferior interface for what is essentially a computer in a vehicle.  Physical knobs, buttons and dials simply work better. As we have previously recommended, Cadillac finally addressed the second set of items: the touchscreen and touchpad duo on the 2016, 2017 and 2018 models of the CT6 are replaced by two physical controllers.
The smaller controller is used for volume, seek forward/back controls for the audio system as well as shortcut buttons for fast access to the most frequently used apps such as Audio, Phone, Navigation (if available) and Home. The large center dial is used to operate primary features of the most frequently used apps, scroll menus and lists and select other apps to be displayed.
Both controllers drive the latest Cadillac User Experience infotainment system (now at version 3.0) to deliver a highly-connected environment. Compared to previous generations, the new system features a more intuitive user interface, faster response and improved voice recognition. It was first introduced on the 2017 CTS.
The system now leverages the cloud and embedded high-speed 4G LTE connection for higher levels of personalization, connected navigation and news, as well as marketplace and entertainment applications via the app store.
In addition, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 also delivers two notable improvements to existing technologies:
- A second-generation Rear Camera Mirror that does what the first-gen system did, but now has a new frameless design for the mirror along with zoom and tilt features, plus
- A next-generation, 5-watt wireless charging with larger charge area for better phone compatibility (the current system is not compatible with some devices, such as the Apple iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X)
- Electronic Precision Shift (EPS), which removes the physical connection between the gear selector and the vehicle’s powertrain
Additional technologies on the 2019 Cadillac CT6 include:
- Super Cruise, the first truly hands-free driver assistance feature for the freeway, is available only on non-Sport models.
- The 10-inch diagonal Cadillac user experience interface screen has 1080p HD resolution.
- Available Cloud-connected navigation that provides real-time traffic and routing.
- Rear-seat Infotainment that has media input through USB, HDMI or Wi-Fi connection to a phone.
- The full suite of available active safety features that includes:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Forward/Reverse Automatic Braking
- Safety Alert Seat
- Available Surround Vision, which provides a 360-degree camera view around the vehicle, displayed on the Cadillac user experience screen, helping the driver avoid nearby objects during low-speed maneuvering
- Available industry-first Surround Vision Recorder video recording system that can record front and rear views while driving, and 360 degrees of recording if the vehicle’s security system is activated.
- Night Vision, which identify people and large animals via heat signatures on a display in the driver information center.
- Available Automatic Parking Assist with Braking that steers the vehicle and applies the brakes at idle speed to help park in parallel or perpendicular spaces while the driver follows text commands, selects gear, and overrides braking and acceleration as needed.
- Available Front Pedestrian Braking, which provides pedestrian detection indications, alerts and automatic braking to help avoid collisions or reduce the harm caused by one.
- New available Rear Pedestrian Detection that alerts the driver, when in Reverse, of an imminent collision with a pedestrian by providing visual notification on rear view camera display.
When
We expect the 2019 Cadillac CT6 to begin reaching dealers by the end of the 2018 calendar year. The vehicle will continue being made at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck plant in Hamtramck, Michigan.
Comments
Cadillac seems to be keeping the dash a secret. I wonder if we will see a somewhat revised layout, similar to what was spied on the XT4. It would make sense given the new CUE 3.0 and the addition of the hockey puck control flanked by physical buttons. They also haven’t said anything about the lower level engines. I suspect they also take influence from the XT4’s engines. We should have a better idea of the overall updates come Tuesday.
I wonder what they will do with the engine choices. As a person that will be in the market for a CT6 next year, I would love to have a V8 but it would depend on where it shows up in the lineup. My guess is that the current 3.6 will be the new base engine and on the lower trim models while the 500 HP will be optional on performance and Platinum versions or whatever they name them now. It would be great if they offer the v8 throughout the entire CT6 lineup but I doubt that
I wonder if the TT 3.0 will still be available? Currently you can get the 3.0 TT in the lower trim levels under the Platinum trim, so you may be able to get the V8 without going to the top of the range model, probably not in the “base” CT6 though.
I would expect the line up as such.
The 4 cylinder hybrid.
3.6 V6 standard package.
TT V6 option?
Platinum the V8
V Sport V8 with added power.
They are not going to add the big engine to the standard car. Just little to no money going there.
Options make money add the V8 it adds incentive to spend more money and adds more profit and potential ATP.
stripped down cars with big engines just are not profit centers and if they are they are not cheap,
Had a 2014 CTS no gas cap or locking gas cap door lock Now have a 2017 CTS 6 again no gas cap or gas cap door lock. Don’t like that..
Gas cap is technology from the 70s and 80s. GM’s implementation of the capless feature is very good, probably the best in the industry.
The fuel filler door gained the remote locking feature for the 2016 model year on the CTS… so it actually does lock. Though I’m not sure it’s necessary… does anyone steal gas anymore?
i’d be more worried about someone putting something into my gas tank than taking something out.
Yeah you wouldn’t want somebody to put a tiger in your tank.
Or piss into it, either!
Cadillac new diesel engine’s should be appearing soon, we haven’t seen or hear those yet. There four cylinders and six cylinders engines. They may have these Hot V tec.
That Diesel engine ideal is Extremely Intriguing, say that 3.0L… ?
@Alex Luft, please tell me they are not only keeping the HUD, but advancing it???
Well, its in color, it tells you nav info and it displays speed limits, and other vehicle info, what else do you want? Quincy re-runs?
Also, I think will see a new Four Cylinder Engine, 2.7-liters TC and I think we will see a new 3.0-liter TT V6 with Hot V tec configuration but not in a performance manner. PHEV drivetrain system will I think get a upgrade to.
Upgraded, PHEV Drivetrain with a new 2.7-liter TC four cylinder, I think could also be upgrade, is what I wanted to say.
So why the 550 horse engine don’t get the autonomous driver? It just don’t make any sense to deny this feature.
Might have something to do with the CT6 V-Sport being a smaller volume model. In regards, it should be offered standard in Platinum trims regardless if V-Sport or not.
What is the point of more power if you have autonomous?
That is like removing the steering wheel from a Corvette. The wheel is The Who,e reason for the Corvette.
Autonomous is about obeying limits and performance is about exceeding them.
Yea I understand where you’re coming from but the joke is, is that the driver is not forced to use the autonomous driver. Meaning if the driver wants to experience thrill of the extra 50 horses, then the driver does not have to use the autonomous driver. So why remove this feature if it technically does not eliminate any enjoyment of this vehicle?
My guess is there is some sort of V-sport specific part that they aren’t spending the money to change to work with SuperCruise or the part isn’t ready for intro, like the steering wheel, if the V-sport has an alcantara steering wheel, they would have to change it to accept the SC “green bar” indicator.
I like the revised console with physical buttons that looks premium with brushed aluminum finish with piano black. Very elegant and upscale.
However, the foot pounds of torque for the base 4.2 V8 is 553 estimate according to media GM Cadillac.
They wanted too keep these performance in the hands of these driver in these V-sport model.
Very likely as people in the market for a performance vehicle enjoy driving their cars. The Super Cruise feature would take that thrill away.
Yes it would tupac, are reading what people are saying ?
It does not! I can still pedal to the metal on the highway and ignore that green light at the top of my steering wheel. Our current generation of autonomous driving does not override the legacy travel system that is still in place. Autonomous driving is just an additional travel feature not a replacement yet. Help me comprehend.
I get your point regarding its use. The thing is, it would be utilized so infrequently in a car like this that it makes little sense to include it. Its absence will likely not be a deal breaker when it comes to the sale any more than RWD only hurts the sale of the V cars.
The car is more then just driving in a straight line, V-sport means performance, moving steering wheel left and right, braking, etc. If these autonomous feature was on there it would not allow, that kind of driving, it would stop these car automatically all these time.
The autonomous driver should be turned on or off and this is decided by the human driver on demand. The human driver has 550 horses to drive with V Sport performance (no autonomous/safety features) or use bleeding edge technology to assist driving, both features should be package as one car. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place because I want to buy this car. At the same time where can I place my bragging rights? 50 extra horses but I cannot let the steering wheel go? Or the tamed engine but I can say ‘look ma no hands’ on the highway? I’m looking for a utility.
Looking / sounding very good here Cadillac. Look forward to seeing these in person when they arrive – I sure hope the interior materials quality are evolving / improving too!
The 3.0 is a downsized 3.6 because of China. How about slipping in the 3.6tt for here. It’s in the XTS! 3.0 is puny for a big car. Or maybe a n/a 4.2 putting out around 400 hp and running on regular gas? Probably won’t see that. The hot v layout pretty much designed for turbo, I think.
Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen obviously didn’t think this out because you’ve got to wonder how many Cadillac buyers will opt for the CT6 Vsport when the advantage is just a 50 horsepower difference.
The person buying the Vsport is not necessarily to same one that would be interested in the Platinum. Its not only horsepower but torque as well
Although I love the VSport (Currently have an XTS VSport Platinum, I wouldn’t by a CT6 VSport because of the summer performance tires. I drive the car all year in the snowy Midwest.