GM Will Debut Something at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, but It's Not the 2020 C8 Chevy Corvette

TopSpeed

By Jonathan Lopez

Published Dec 20, 2018

No C8 Corvette, though. Like socks on Xmas, the XT6 isn’t what we wanted, but at least it’s useful

The 2019 Detroit Auto Show is very nearly here, and we’ve been getting a steady stream of updates on some of the latest and greatest slated to show. Near the top of the list is the new Cadillac XT6, which looks to bolster Cadillac’s lineup with a more profitable crossover replacement for its current line of sedans. And although that’s exactly what Caddy needs to bolster sales, we were hoping to instead catch a glimpse of the new mid-engined C8 Corvette.

More Crossovers For The Caddy Crest

So far, it looks as though the plan is to fill the gap between the midsize XT5 and the full-size Escalade, with the XT6 heading a long line of new and updated models slated to drop from Cadillac over the course of the next few years.

Note: 2016 Escala Concept pictured here.

Up front will be an angular, crest-like central intake, plus vertical styling elements that draw up and towards the rear of the vehicle. The headlights will be horizontal and very slim, while a variety of polished chrome trim bits will be added front to back.

The latest example of this new design language can be found on the XT4, so if you’re trying to imagine exactly what the XT6 will look like, take the XT4 and just make it bigger.

Note: Cadillac XT5 pictured here.

The interior will also take after the XT5 in terms of look and layout, but will obviously offer more space to accommodate that third-row bench.

Under the hood, we expect to find a standard 3.6-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission, which is the same setup you get with the XT4.

Finally, the XT6 is expected to hit dealers by mid-2019.

What’s Up With Cadillac’s Lineup?

Note: Cadillac CT6 pictured here.

For now, the brand is floated primarily by two models - the XT5 and the Escalade.

According to research conducted by Automotive News, Cadillac has struggled to post solid sales numbers for the past few years, likely due to its “car-heavy lineup.” A new crossover slotting under the Escalade could help significantly in that regard.

At the same time, Cadillac will act as GM’s technology leader, debuting its latest autonomous and even electric propulsion systems, and as such, it’s gonna need some new blood to stay fresh and relevant.

What About The Corvette C8?

That really is the $170,000 question.

Although this piece is primarily about the XT6, we can’t help but mention it looks like GM will neglect to reveal the highly anticipated mid-engined C8 Corvette in Detroit this year, even though it was tipped to arrive early in 2019. Despite widespread rumors that we would finally get the skinny on this epic watershed moment for one of America’s most beloved sports cars,

And that’s a real shame if it turns out to be true. To be perfectly honest, we’d love it if we even got a teaser on the C8, because at least it would confirm that it was indeed on its way.

That said, a new Caddy crossover will at least help to drum up a little excitement around the GM side of the Cobo convention center. Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest from the 2019 Detroit Auto Show.

More Crossovers For The Caddy Crest

What’s Up With Cadillac’s Lineup?

What About The Corvette C8?

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