If you though Cadillac's->ke18 recently announced plans to move its global headquarters from Detroit to New York City in 2015 was big news, then wait 'til you hear this. The manufacturer just released a press statement that not only confirms the name of its large, rear-wheel-drive, luxury->ke505 sedan->ke142 in development, but also reveals a new naming scheme for its future products.
Rumored for more than a year, Cadillac's flagship sedan is finally shaping up as a real vehicle to be introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year. What's more, it now has a name, the CT6. "This Cadillac will be the lightest and most agile car in the class of top-level large luxury sedans," says Travis Hester, executive chief engineer of the CT6, adding that the range-topping sedan will make use of advanced, lightweight materials and new body construction techniques "to reduce fuel consumption while enhancing driving dynamics and safety." Now that's mighty courageous of Cadillac, who will be facing competition from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class->ke359 and the Audi A8->ke1089 in this fastidious segment.
As far as the new naming scheme is concerned, the automaker will use the "CT" lettering for all its cars. The moniker will also include a number indicating the size and position of the vehicles in the lineup. For instance, if the CT6 sits at the top of the range, the XTS->ke3488, which slots between the flagship and the CTS->ke1200, could be named CT5, while the CTS may become the CT4 and the ATS may become the CT3. At the same time, SUVs->ke145 will likely receive a naming scheme too; maybe CX or SX. Of course, these are only educated guesses. It remains to be seen if this is the actual strategy. For the time being, we only know Cadillac is planning on changing its nameplates when the current vehicles are redesigned or an all-new model is created.
Click past the jump to read more about the Cadillac CT6 and the company's new naming scheme.
Why it Matters
It's very important Cadillac is introducing its new naming scheme with the flagship sedan. A large, ultra-luxurious, sedan counterpart for the Escalade->ke245 was long overdue and virtually essential for the company's rebirth as a leading premium manufacturer. Cadillac desperately needs a competitor for the big German sedans, and judging by what it has achieved with the CTS and ATS->ke3619, it appears Detroit is ready to deliver a large limousine. What's more, Cadillac is somewhat building things from the ground up, a new beginning with a state-of-the-art vehicle.
As for the new naming scheme, it's too early to predict if it will help the manufacturer in any way. However, the fact that Cadillac is reinventing itself is great news. The Michigan-based automaker needs to shake off some of its past mistakes (we're talking to you Cimarron and Catera), and a thorough rebranding and an all-new, range-topping model come together to form a strong first step.