With North American production of the Cadillac CT6 drawing to a close last month, the Cadillac CT5 is now the biggest sedan Caddy offers here. Indeed, the CT5 plays a critical role in the Cadillac lineup, offering customers loads of luxury and abundant space in the cabin, two attributes often associated with the Cadillac brand. Under the skin, the CT5 rides on the GM Alpha 2 platform, but critically, the four-door was originally planned to utilize the highly advanced Omega platform – the same one as the CT6.
According to a recent post from our sister publication, Cadillac Society, the Omega platform was developed to provide underpinnings for no less than three Cadillac vehicles, including the CT6, a midsize-plus crossover now known as the Cadillac XT6, and a second sedan slotting underneath the CT6. This latter vehicle is the Cadillac CT5 we now know today. So then, why does the CT5 ride on the Alpha 2 platform, rather than the Omega platform?
To answer that, we must first go back to when Omega was first created. Back in late 2011, Cadillac was at the outset of development for a new large luxury sedan to take up the top spot in its lineup. This vehicle, which would eventually become the CT6, required the creation of a new, highly advanced vehicle architecture – Omega.
Omega eventually became the most advanced vehicle structure GM had ever created, with a high-tech mixed-material approach that strategically matched 13 individual materials to unique applications throughout the vehicle. Aluminum is a major component of the Omega structure, with light-weighting being a major focus. No less than 21 patents were filed during development of the Omega architecture.
Cadillac CT6-V
As a result, the 2016 Cadillac CT6 offered low overall weight, impressive driving dynamics, high performance, class-leading refinement, and even solid fuel returns – a potent combination, to say the least.
With such a fantastic platform in hand, Cadillac was understandably keen to use Omega beyond the CT6. As such, the brand’s forthcoming D-segment vehicle, now known as the Cadillac CT5, was also designated to use Omega. However, with GM’s drive towards development of new electric vehicle and autonomous vehicle technology, funding for vehicle programs shrank. This resulted in a new business strategy that culminated in not only the discontinuation of the Cadillac CT6 in North America, but a switch for the Cadillac CT5 from Omega to an updated version of the Alpha platform called Alpha 2. The CT6 remains the only vehicle to ride on the Omega platform.
Cadillac CT5
According to Cadillac Society’s sources, Omega would have paired perfectly with the Cadillac CT5, given the sedan’s relatively large dimensions, which are intended to create a “right-sized” vehicle for all markets without the creation of a long-wheelbase version for sale in places like China. Nevertheless, the Cadillac CT5 still remains a great vehicle on the Alpha 2 platform, but one can’t help but wonder what could have been with Omega on deck to provide the bones.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Cadillac CT5 news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Cadillac Society.
Comments
I’m so tired of hearing what could have been for Cadillac. XT6 was going to be on the Omega, CT5 was going to be on the Omega, BlackWing was going to be used in other cars.
You nailed it, Ryan. Enough said. I hate to say it but Cadillac is just a mismanaged joke.
Completely agree. It is a mismanaged joke. You can even go a step further, remember when the xts was cancelled then it wasn’t and it was refreshed, then it was canceled. Then then ct6 was canceled, then it wasn’t then the 4.2TT came out then it’s cancelled, but let’s let people think it may not be cancelled or we are looking for another site to build it. I hate to say this because I’ve always been a GM/Cadillac owner/fan but it seems like the only way Cadillac will ever be Cadillac is if it’s gets out from under the GM umbrella. Oh.. and to top it off let’s change the names on the cars over and over. Also, let’s make the V the sport version and now the top of the line V uses the BlackWing name, a name that isn’t associated with anything anymore. Can’t see why anyone would ever be confused. Venting! Stay healthy everyone!
I’d echo everything you say. I’ve called for GM to sell off Cadillac. That’s not what I really want; I’d actually hate to see that happen. Unfortunately I think on their current trajectory under GM management, they are perilously close to being “Oldsmobiled”. The Board could decree at any time that a ton of money has been spent on their turnaround with no real results and they are looking at even more money needed to continue the effort. Getting them out from under GM, while sad, would be a better alternative to the brand getting the total ax like Olds, Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer, and Saab.
With apologies to anyone suffering from Schizophrenia, the management style for Cadillac recently can aptly be described as Schizophrenic. It’s been maddening and all over the place. It’s surprising to me they even sell any products anymore. While at my core, I still love Cadillac, I’d never allow that old-time love to cause me to foolishly spend any money on a Cadillac. I wish I wasn’t saying that but a Cadillac is a poor investment on every level now.
I agree. I used to disagree when people would say that Cadillac was mismanaged, but as of recent, I agree.
Its sad honestly.
I really think the company should do better, but lets face it, if it gets sold, it’ll most likely be the Chinese. Lets keep it American please. That’s a big part of Cadillac’s, long, storied history.
Lincoln may or may not build a better product, and they may or may not sell more cars, however a least they have their sh!t together in terms of management. They don’t say one thing and reverse it 2 days later. They aren’t constantly changing names or trim structures of vehicles.
Was JdN tasked with moving CT5 to Alpha 2? I remember he made a big deal out of major changes with existing projects that caused the multi-year gap with product launches?
To have been a fly on the wall in the conference rooms when JDN was pushing for the changes that he felt would be best for Cadillac.
JDN: Lets build the XT6 on the Omega Platform. For improved brand perception and long term profitability it makes sense.
GM: Um sounds good but we’re not doing that. We’ll save and make money in the short term and get faster results building it on the same platform used for the Chevy Traverse.
JDN: But we are supposed to ‘Dare Greatly’.
GM: Shaddup!!!
And thus the typical GM way of doing business prevailed, JDN was asked to leave and we get the current lackluster lineup.
This explains a lot. It is no wonder JDN left as this totally trashed his plans for what needed to be done.
Cadillac should do the EV models but only to the point they do not leave the ICE models wanting. The loss of the Omega is tragic as it was a great platform. It showed the advances needed. It also held the engine Cadillac needed to earn a rep for a vehicle that cost more. We also lost the Omega XT6.
Lets face it the cars we have been left with are vehicles that are parts bin Chevys. Nice cars but not the kind you build a image of excellence on. The XT6 is just a nicer Acadia nothing more.
Discount luxury is not how you build a brand of standing.
I agree they need to do the EV models but not at the expense of any ICE model that is going to continue to pay the bills.
What is really sad is the odds of the $200K Sedan making a big splash in the mark and really changing Cadillacs image is slim as the XTR did. Cadillac has not earned the right to sell a car like this yet. Like the Genesis at Hyundai that is a decent car but still represents discount Benz.
I love Cadillac but even I would not spend the money on a $200K Cadillac only to see it worth a fraction of that in 4 years,
The $200K sedan development cost alone could have given us the XT6 and the sedan.
Well they put all the chips on this and I am afraid the end results may be break even at best.
Sad!
How the Lyriq looks will tell us a lot. If it is not significantly better than xt4/5, then it’s best we all adjust our minds to accept Cadillac as Buick+.
At this point we don’t know.
We have yet to see the full thing and like most models these days we need to see it in person a photos rarely show the real things.
The real trick is will buyers come in numbers great enough? Will they Price it so that it makes money and yet people will still buy it. Both goals need to be met.
Agreed. The collapse in gas prices (I have seen gas as low as $1.16 a gallon at Sam’s club in my area), the EV movement will not necessarily be stopped in its tracks, but will definitely be rethought. WIth that being said, I feel the best approach to powertrains for Cadillac and the rest of GM will be to “give the customer what they want.” Smart engineering should be able to create a platform that will accept electric and ECE with the same tophat.
To Hyundai’s Genesis credit, they are making calculated and strategic ticks upmarket with each model. Not there yet but definitely moving in the right direction.
When we’re on the other side of COVID-19, I’m going to test drive a G70. After reading rather positive reviews and seeing a few, it’s an attractive vehicle.
Cadillac will stop building cars soon if they continue on the route they’re taking. A totally mismanaged company. Most of their dealerships are old and decrepit. The one I’ve gone to in poughkeepsie, ny is awful. There’s hardly any spaces to pull into while you arrive for service. Not a premium experience at all. Most foreign brands have large indoor service areas where you pull inside and stay dry and warm
They’ll still sell SUV s since most people want them, but as far as going all electric as that “ceo” Mary Barra wants to do in record time, it’s another idea not well thought out. You will need to make as good as or a better product than Tesla, unlikely GM can do that. According to experts Tesla is 5-7 years ahead of everyone else. Yet Barra wants to put all her eggs in one basket. Dumb!
The Chevrolet dealers near me (3 of them) are all setup for you to pull directly into. One is also a Cadillac dealer.
I don’t know anything about NY state, but maybe that dealer is in an old, small building.
I agree that instead of turning the Escala concept into a 200k EV GM should have built that car on the omega platform and turned it into the next generation CT6. The stunning exterior and if done right match it with a stunning interior and offer either the 3.0tt or 4.2tt would of put a lot of these cars on the road. Instead they make it a 200kEV car that probably no one will see on the road
All I know is that I am now even more confident that I am right about the upcoming EV’s will be Cadillacs last ditch effort to become relevant again.
and unfortunately the move to EV could not come at a most inopportune time.
General Motors Omega platform is expensive as they had once thought about developing the XT6 on the Omega platform and decided against it because of cost; one has to imagine if Cadillac decided to build Cadillac’s CT6 using the Alpha2 platform, the cost of the car would be $10-15K cheaper to build.
Another bs story from GMA. U guys don’t know anything. This resource is a trash. Sorry,but u have no idea what ure talking about lol
Is a trash? Are you from India or something?
Typical GM. #ClassicPartsbinMove
Shoulda, coulda, woulda – Cadillac for the last 30 years and counting. Mary Bara aint the gal to turn it around.
Once again GM needs something it will never get. COMPETENT MANAGEMENT. The days of build it cheap and unload it fast are still alive at GM… Only thin GM management is good at is wasting and squandering potential in a race to the bottom. Cheap, Vision less, Autocratic group think.
TOTALLY AGREE… GM is a mess and Mary Barra is the mess running it… she should have been fired years ago but never more relevant than today….. The Board of Directors are a mess too because they keep her there… I think the company is gone as we know it in 10 years or less, acquired by someone else.
That said, as long as Trump is in office he will do what he can to support American Industry, American Manufacturing and the American Citizen/Employee. But corporate incompetence such as rules the day at GM needs to be self directed and self corrected, unfortunately thats not happening.
Well said! GM management cant handle anything other than Chevrolet. NOT A CUT AT CHEVY! Even Cadillac must be a extension of Chevrolet. Once these duds running GM Cancel CT4 and CT5 the last final moments of a once ICONIC name (CADILLAC) that has been hanging on by its fingernails will finally be dead.
Then the DUDS will say something like the market just wouldn’t support it, like they had NOTHING to do with destroying Cadillac
They approach it with no pride, its just going through the motions, doing as little as possible just to collect there check!
Just so there is no confusion, I do expect that GM Management will screw up the EV thing. They cant help it, its just all they know how to do…..
I mean, look what happened to a potential VG Commodore/WP Caprice, then Holden itself. Why not keep the Insignia just that down under-an Insignia? The Commodore and Holden could have survived if it was on the Alpha platform. And Holden did plan to build a RWD SUV in Australia. Would have saved the plant. And the W cars: Should have been on the RWD V platform and then Zeta/Sigma, or a new platform combining both, then Alpha and Omega, or a platform combining both. I don’t know why the 2003 Insignia concept didn’t go to production, but it had to have been incompetent management that killed the 2003 Insignia concept.
Its unfortunate what GM is doing to Cadillac. It seems to me that they are trying to kill off sedans. The CT4 and CT5 look like it’s been designed in two different worlds. The front looks great and the rear end looks like there zero dollars left in the budget. You would think they would be competing against BMW 3 series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C series. Instead of doing it better they nickel and dime you for every feature. Trying to build a car on their website is an adventure. The only thing you’ll be able to buy from Cadi is an SUV
Since Mary Bary is a woman – she has been given more rope than any man. Thats for sure – her lack of vision, understanding of what a car is – has resulted in Cadillac becoming an afterthought. Whoever okayed the design of the new Cadillacs should be fired. That side window Altima treatment is not fit for a Honda much less a Cadillac.
I recently got a very good look at a CT5. I was taken by the styling and the quality of the CT5. The black filler window thing is a distraction and needs to be improved.
My impressions of the CT5 was that the Cadillac team did a fabulous job with the car under what has to be massive pressure to cheap it up and cut every corner possible by the duds that run GM.
Its a total wast of time for any of us the think how GREAT Cadillac could be, if the rot at the top of the corporate leadership trash heap was not there to to actively keep Cadillac from being great.
Sadly GM has had pathetic regressive leadership for 40 years. I still dont know how the C8 happened (GLAD IT DID) but remember the GM brain trust wanted to cancel the Corvette in the mid 90’s. Cadillac’s time has run out but management thinks the clock goes on for ever in the vacuum of of isolation they are in.
Please GM management just all quit and walk out .! You dont have to hit every iceberg!!!!
They even got rid of a potential VG Commodore/WP Caprice. Decades ago, they chose to put several cars on the FWD W body, instead of the RWD V body platform. They also kept the 2003 Opel Insignia and G8 SportTruck concepts from ever reaching production. GM should have had competent management willing to make the concepts that were made. But 4 decades of it kept it from happening. If we could turn the clock back 4 decades and put competent management in place, we could have cars such as the 2003 Insignia concept, the G8 sport truck, a RWD Impala SS in 2000, a RWD Lumina in North America, a new Omega, a new Holden SUV built in Australia, what else should I mention that could have and should have made it to the production line from the development stage?
See why the platform was changed. Wasnt certain that the planned CT6 large sedan would do well considering the huge trend to larger & more luxurious SUV’s. The move still killed plans for the Blackwing 4.2L TT-V8.
Hint: A hot new awd Chevy SS or Impala or Blazer SS would be slick. Using the 4.2TT of course.
Under the brilliant leadership of Typhoid Mary how could things get any worse ?
Btw, the 2021 Genesis G80 was just revealed.
Two words from initial impression ‘HOT DAMN’. Interior says ‘real’ luxury and beautiful exterior. And none of this ‘tweener crap like Cadillac.
Makes a CT5 look like an also-ran.