Cadillac CT6 prestige large luxury sedan adds plug-in hybrid electric propulsion option in spring 2017. Built in China, it will be available as a "limited, exclusive model" in the U.S., Cadillac executives say.
All-electric driving range is an estimated 30 miles (48 km), but GM engineers have been getting upwards of 40 miles (64 km), says Lyndon Lie, executive chief engineer-Cadillac CT6.
Total driving range is 400 miles (644 km) without needing to charge up since the propulsion system includes a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. gasoline engine.
Fuel economy is an estimated 65 MPGe.
Lie says the CT6 PHEV will offer drivers an environmentally friendly choice without sacrificing driving performance. At 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, it is nearly as quick as the twin-turbo 3.0L 6-cyl. gasoline model, he says.
The CT6 PHEV targets the Chinese market, where electrified vehicles are a top choice among performance-luxury buyers. It is unclear how many units will be sold in the U.S., but Cadillac executives say GM is comfortable with any level.
CT6 will carry a hefty price tag of $76,000 in North America.
CT6 PHEV accommodates 120V or 240V chargers.
CT6 PHEV power guages in IP.
CT6 PHEV power flow indicator atop center stack.
CT6 PHEV mates gasoline engine to transmission housing two electric motors with 100 hp of individual output, while 18.4 kW lithium-ion battery boosts efficiency, performance. Lie says it builds on GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system, which the automaker deployed in large trucks a decade ago.
Total system output is 335 hp and 432 lb.-ft. (586 Nm) of torque.
Cadillac CT6 PHEV
Li-ion battery adds 700 lbs. to CT6 PHEV, pushing curb weight to 4,400 lbs., but Lie says since the car employs the latest lightweight technology it remains relatively nimble on the road and lighter than key competitors.