Although it has yet to elaborate on the upcoming flagship, Cadillac launched a preview of the CT8 in the form of the Escala concept at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Described as the car that signals the company’s return to "the pinnacle of premium," which is a strong reference to the CT8, the Escala also previews Cadillac’s next-generation design language. This means that unlike the Ciel and Elmiraj, two stunning concepts that never made it into production, the Escala actually has a future as a vehicle you can buy in showrooms.
Thus we decided to create a rendering of what the CT8 might look like when it hits the market later this decade and speculate on what it might bring to the table based on what we already know about Cadillac’s current and upcoming technology and features. Find out more below and stay tuned for updates about the car that could become a modern day DeVille.
Since the Escala previews Caddy’s next-generation design language, it’s safe to assume that the CT8 will borrow as many cues as possible from the concept car. It’s difficult to tell what will change given that Cadillac 
rarely turns concepts into production models, but I expect the CT8 to feature a slightly toned-down exterior with some elements revised as to make sense on a mass-produced vehicle.
rarely turns concepts into production models, but I expect the CT8 to feature a slightly toned-down exterior with some elements revised as to make sense on a mass-produced vehicle.
Up front, the extremely thin headlamps are likely the first to go, replaced by larger, more efficient LED units. These will be taller, but will maintain a similar shape that extends well into the fenders and toward the grille. The latter will probably carry over unchanged, but I think Cadillac will go with a more conventional look and add a chrome strip between the headlamps. As for the chrome crest, it will be replaced by the colored one as Cadillac changed its emblem only a few years ago and a rebranding isn’t necessary at this point.
Down below is where I expect the concept and production car to be identical. Both the wide lower grille and the vertical LED lights are as production-ready as they get and seem to be the defining features — alongside the grille — of the next-generation Cadillacs. If anything, Cadillac will probably add small turn signals on each fender and add a new engine hood.
Moving onto the sides, the sedan should keep its pronounced beltline, as well as the overall shape of the fenders and doors. The big recess at the bottom of the doors will be removed unfortunately, making way for a more traditional chrome strip. The side mirrors will be larger, and the dark chrome window trim will be replaced by brighter elements (at least on the base model).
More changes are in store for the CT8 around back, as the concept’s three-winged taillights are a bit too extreme for a production model. The fastback configuration will also be axed, with Cadillac likely aiming for a more traditional sedan body. All told, the CT8 will be quite different from the CT6, but at the same time it will remain recognizable as a Cadillac.
Inside, the CT8 should differentiate itself even more from the rest of the Cadillac lineup by means of never-before-seen luxury features and GM’s next-generation infotainment technology and safety systems. A massive touchscreen display will probably be the highlight of a dashboard wrapped in leather and genuine wood veneer, while a smaller display will act as an instrument cluster. All four seats will provide the utmost comfort to the driver and passengers by including enhanced adjustability, heated and cooling functions, as well as a massage feature. Naturally, all four will be wrapped in the finest Nappa leather available in a Cadillac.
A multi-zone climate control system and a premium sound system will be standard, as well as updated versions of various technologies that debuted in the CT6. An interesting one is the ability to connect a video streaming device to the car’s rear-seat entertainment system for viewing programming from websites like Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube. This is done via devices like Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV. These devices communicate with the user’s smart phone or tablet via the car’s in-car Wi-Fi network.
But, unlike the CT6, the CT8 will also get some sort of semi-autonomous technology. Granted, Cadillac is already behind the game as Mercedes -Benz is already offering it in its large sedans, but the CT8 should make up for it with a state-of-the-art system when it arrives in dealerships.
-Benz is already offering it in its large sedans, but the CT8 should make up for it with a state-of-the-art system when it arrives in dealerships.
Cadillac has already divulged that the Escala concept uses the Omega platform that debuted in the CT6 and it’s safe to assume that the CT8 will get the same underpinnings. The concept also utilizes the company’s new twin-turbo, 4.2-liter V-8 engine, which will also find its way in the CT6 in 2017. There’s no word on output, but given that the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter V-6 in the CT6 generates 400 horsepower, the V-8 should crank out close to 500 horses, if not more. The V-8 could also be used to create a high-performance, V-spec model aimed at the Mercedes-AMG S63, in which case it could deliver in excess of 600 horsepower. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive should be available, but the sedan will limited to only an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
As Cadillac’s range-topping model and based on the amount of luxury features and technology it will get, the CT8 will become the company’s most expensive model by far. A starting price of at least $90,000 is likely for the V-6 model, with the more powerful V-8 fetching in excess of $100,000 before options
Link: www.topspeed.com
No comments:
Post a Comment