We know where it will call home, and we have a hint as to what it will look like.  Now, with complete and total certainty, we have a name for Cadillac’s upcoming range-topping luxury sedan!  The Cadillac CT6 is scheduled to arrive late in 2015, most likely for the 2016 model year. This “rear-wheel-drive-oriented” luxury sedan will be positioned above existing models, such as the rear or all-wheel-drive CTS, and front or all-wheel-drive XTS.  Considering that a heavily-optioned XTS sedan starts at approximately $63,000, expect the upcoming CT6 to sticker for about $75K (depending on trim and options). And with the statement that the CT6 will be rear-wheel-drive “oriented,” it appears the door is open for an optional all-wheel-drive system, too.  “This Cadillac will be the lightest and most agile car in the class of top-level large luxury sedans,” said Travis Hester, executive chief engineer, Cadillac CT6. “It will employ a mixed material philosophy that combines the best and most efficient components optimized for each area of this new top-of-the-range car.”  That translates to an increased use of aluminum and, possibly, even lightweight carbon fiber in the chassis structure and body of the CT6. With the exception of the soon-to-be-discontinued V-Series models, and the existing SUVs, Cadillac is missing a V-8 from its current range of sedans. That should change with the new CT6, to allow it to take on other full-size luxury sedan rivals.  As for the CT6 name itself, well, it’s meant to simplify the Cadillac range. There won’t be a sudden revamp of every model – like Infiniti did with its own renaming structure – but a gradual evolution, as various models are overhauled they'll adopt a new name.  In our opinion, a return to iconic names like “Seville,” or “Eldorado” seems like a major missed opportunity. Numerical names are supposed to put more emphasis on the brand, though we think Caddy could reboot some blasts from the past for a 21st-century car buying audience.  Ironically, Cadillac’s colorfully named "Elmiraj" concept car has provided us with a strong hint as to the design direction of the new CT6. This long and low luxury coupe has wowed auto show crowds since it debuted last summer, during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. (It's worth mentioning that the concept was powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8!)  The clean and lean sides, thin vertical headlamps and tail-lights, and bold front grille make the Elmiraj and absolute jaw-dropper. While the CT6 name doesn’t have the gravitas of “Elmiraj,” here’s hoping the show car’s dashing design makes the transition to the production CT6 sedan.
Cadillac is moving to New York City, introducing a high-end luxury sedan, and adopting an entirely new naming structure.