The automotive market, particularly in North America, is going crazy for crossovers and SUVs at the moment.
Automakers are concentrating their lineups with slightly raised up, hatchback-shaped family haulers and consumers are buying them up in droves. Despite this undeniable enthusiasm for crossovers and SUVs, though, Cadillac will remain committed to sedans – there will just be less of them.
At the Detroit auto show this past week, the luxury automaker loudly touted its aggressive product offensive it will embark on over the next few years. The push will see Cadillac introduce 6 new models between now and 2021 and we have it on pretty good authority (no pun intended..) that two of them will be sedans – specifically the mid-size CT5 and the smaller CT4.
Prototypes for both the CT5 and CT4 have already been spotted testing in Michigan. The CT5, which will combine the CTS and CT6 into a single model, appears to take on a sloping fastback shape and may appear similar to the Cadillac Escala concept. The CT4 isn’t too much different styling-wise, but it’s smaller and more taut, giving it a much sportier stance.
Both the CT5 and CT4 will utilize an evolved version of GM’s Alpha platform, believed to be called Alpha 2.
It’s hard to say what engines could be on offer, but a range of forced induction four- and six-cylinder engines seems likely. Cadillac’s 4.2-liter Blackwing twin-turbo V8 could also appear in high-performance version of the CT5, but that may be an optimistic assumption.
The Cadillac XT6, which debuted at the recent 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, counts toward one of Cadillac’s six future vehicle debuts. If we count the CT5 and CT4 as well, then we’re left with three unknown vehicle debuts. A new Escalade is on the horizon and Cadillac could deliver its nameless electric SUV by the end of 2021, but that still leaves one unidentified mystery product on the table.
What could it be, all-knowing GM Authority readers?
Comments
This is not news. And, like all of my other comments, you will have this statement tied up in an eternal “moderator review.”
It might not be “news” to you… but it’s new to those who don’t follow the news as closely as you. Here’s some more news: the CT4 was almost canceled.
And, like all of my other comments, you will have this statement tied up in an eternal “moderator review.”
And yet, here you are… flailing your comment like… well.. let’s just leave it at that.
The CT4 was almost cancelled??
Is the CT4 the 3 series sized car (ATS replacement)?
The CT5 is sort of a 5 series sized model? Or will each be slightly larger than their competitors?
“CT4 was almost canceled.”
BS.
Look back through your posts, Alex. Many of mine comments are still sitting out their pending review. Very odd. And no, this just is not news no matter how you slice it. Most people on this site are up on what is going on and are in the know. They stop in to look for insightful commentary and speculation as to what will be going on. Much of what I have seen, of late, lacks any real depth – no true reporting.
C’mon Cadillacman, what’s the big deal? Alex is right, for casual readers this is a timely update and even for regular readers like myself it’s a nice summary.
I would like to see this site be an “Authority.” There are too many outlets that just post for the sake of posting and don’t offer any good commentary. It’s just tripe and anyone can fill pages with that. There is a lot going on with GM – good and bad – that stories could be written regarding. It just takes effort. I have enjoyed this site for some time and just feel it is wandering a bit with respect to being relevant.
Cadillacman,
You are not alone. It’s frustrating to type out what you think is an intelligent and thoughtful comment only to have it never see the light of day.
I really like this site and visit at least daily but I share the fustration with comments submitted but not ever displayed.
They probably would be better off taking what they’ve planned in the CT4. change it to a tall greenhouse hatch, add a few inches of suspension lift, and call it the XT3.
I wish I could say do both CT4 and a XT3, but the more SUVs the better, for now. Caddy could use a sporty flavor to some two-rows, including a g. cherokee trackhawk fighter.
When the EV line up is ready, give RWD based vehicles to GMC and FWD based stuff to Buick, with changes to suit.
However—and this just may be my longevity showing—the new sedan has that awful egg-shaped 70s Datsun back end. My 2004 CTS is so elegantly shaped in comparison.
The CT5 will combine the CTS and CT6 into a single model?
This puzzles me too. I thought CT6 was staying and an Escala-style hatchback was maybe slotting above it.
CT6 is staying. CT5 will be just below it, close to CTS size.
A future CT8 is coming and will slot above the CT6.
Due to the size increase of the new Escalade, I’m predicting that there will be a RWD Omega-L based large 3 row CUV between the Escalade and XT6. The Omega-L will also underpin the CT8.
No, that is not the case…….The CT5 will not combine the CT6 and CTS!
Guys,
The new models released have been in line with BMW.
The XT6 is in line with the new X7.
The CT6 blackwing is in line with the new 7.
The 3 has been released by BMW so I’m guessing the CT4 and CT5 are not too far behind.
One thing I’m hoping for is Corvette parts in the performance models coming up!
Let me know your thoughts.
The CT5 and CT6 are on different chassis an the CT5 is said to be even small than the CTS further separating it from the CT6. I guess he must have written before the news of the CT6 staying.
That is my understanding — that the CT5 will be smaller than the CTS. The statement in the article that, the CT5 “will combine the CTS and CT6 into a single model,” suggests a larger car than has previously been discussed.
I have a feeling the other model coming is the XT2/3 model, so they can price something right below the other luxury makes. The reason I can see it happening is that the XT4 is supposed to be competing in the compact segment and it allows them add more power or another engine option on future trims to make it more appealing.
GM is throwing a loft stuff at the wall let’s hope some of it sticks.
I can see why they say if this does not work they are done.
Let’s just hope they don’t screw it up with committee and board decisions. Group think and puppet leaders got us to where we are already.
I’m confused. CT5 is replacing CTS and CT6? Literally yesterday you guys said the CT6 is staying. Did you mean CT5 is replacing CTS and XTS? Cause that would make sense. Maybe just a small typo?
Well I for one hope that the unknown model will be a two seat Roadster or a Vette based Super Car.
Cadillac needs something to be taken seriously. It hopefully will be one of those. Better yet both would be a great welcome.
Before jumping to any major conclusions for naming conventions (as Cadillac just confirmed they will be carrying the EV torch for GM against Tesla based upon GMs BEV3 architecture), seems it would only make sense for those EVs to potentially differentiate themselves by alternative nomenclature, right??
If you figure that for each “XT” there is a correlating alpha-numeric “CT” couldn’t we (assumedly) fill in the blanks based off what we already know?
CT4 (unannounced) / XT4 (2018 NYIAS)
CT5 (unannounced) / XT5 (2015 LA Auto Show)
CT6 (2015 NYIAS) / XT6 (2019 NAIAS)
Escala (2016 Concours d’Elegance)/ Escalade (2020 refresh due soon; spy shots confirming prototype testing)
Fresh off the heels of the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), we can cross our fingers perhaps the next details will be filled in during the Chicago Auto Show running from February 9th -18th, 2019, or the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) running from April 19th – 28th, 2019. My bets are that we see updates in NYC… possibly something as late as August at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Does anyone else think they should reserve “Escala” for the penultimate flagship (congruent to Escalade) once Cadillac finally figures out its portfolio?
… But then there’s the issue of those damn EVs (particularly the SUV concept image released at NAIAS) along with the spy photo of some mysterious Cadillac key fob that looks awfully similar to the new C8 Corvette fob complete with a “frunk” release.
So basically all that hubbub about cancelling all those models was a big fat lie. The ATS is now the CT4, the CTS is the CT5, and the CT6 is still being made. What a mess.
I think the correction is more market positioning. For comparison with Mercedes: the ATS (C class competitor) and CTS (E class competitor) are combining into one model the CT5. The CT4 slots down below where the ATS is currently and is a CLA competitor. So the CT4 will be a cheaper car then the base ATS is currently.
I don’t know where the info came of the CT5 replacing the CT6, I think that’s inaccurate. CT6 is staying and its demise was never stated by GM in any press I can find, it was just made up by conjecture when news of the plant its currently built in was announced to close.
The model that’s coming is the refreshed XT5. Only makes sense since its nearly halfway through its production life cycle. I’m just wondering what are we more likely to see first? XT5 then CT4/CT5 or vice versa.
Burlapp has a leaked pic of the updated Chinese XT5. It’s just a new grille.
The XT5 refresh is not a new vehicle. The missing vehicle is the 2022 Escala, due in the 4th quarter of 2021. The CS1 was scheduled to follow in 2022. The mysterious key fob is for that vehicle
My beef is that it takes forever for every page here and at C Society to load and every comment to post. Slowest sites I’ve visited since I had dialup.
I spent way too much time comparing, and I’m pretty sure the CT5 will have the CTS’s wheelbase and the CT5 the ATS’s. JdN implied the base price for both will decrease, so they’re offering each sedan at the price of others’ larger size. People were assuming the cars would shrink, but it’s the price.
Someone pulled a frame from the video Cadillac showed at the unveiling. It was the silhouette of a large CUV with obvious RWD proportions–long between front axle and cowl, and it looked shorter in height than the XT6 and had a sloped roofline. It did not look like the EV illustration.
So it isn’t just me! I thought it was just my internet but realized it was only happening on this site. Yeah it takes forever.
Here’s the spot in the video where it shows a futuristic RWD CUV:
Unveiling
Very pleased to see that Cadillac will soon have a very competitive, three sedan lineup. It’s a good thing that these decisions were made several years before GM’s sedan reduction mode. I do think GM will be glad that they did stay with three sedans for Cadillac. There is a clear market for these sedans, as many still want an enjoyable luxury sport driving experience.
One sedan and one crossover in a family, is a good thing.
OMG I hope they build a CT8 Full sized car. They then need to make a full sized Impala based on that platform, AWD etc. Then maybe they can stop forcing everyone who likes full sized vehicles from having to purchase pickups and Suv’s.
I’m curious to know how many people, who frequent this forum, actually own a Cadillac. There is a lot of wishful thinking here, and many people talk the talk, but how many walk the walk to their Cadillac dealer and actually buy one.
Cadillac can make all the cars we wish for, but it’s sales that keep them alive.
For myself, I currently own three.
2016 Escalade Platinum
2017 CTS-V
2018 CT6 Platinum
I missed out on the 2019 CT6-V but thats okay. I look forward to my Escala. and my CS1.
I also own 2 Corvettes
2011 ZR1
2017 ZO6
I just hope by them I’m not too old to drive them……
An excellent point on a dead thread.
My grandmother let me drive her new ’72 around her driveway when I was 12.
I’ve bought 5 used, but 2 I used little:
74 Fleetwood Brougham (3 years)
76 Eldo conv
04 Deville (6 years)
10 STS (1 month), too stiff, annoying transmission
08 DTS Platinum (last 6 years).
My knees, hips, and neck tell me my next car, hopefully years away, should be a crossover with a smooth ride. The XT4 and 5 might be acceptable even without a V8–but not with a largely black interior.
There’s no where to get anywhere near the limits of a sports car around here.