Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Plug-in Cadillac CT6 hybrid gets 335 hp, double the fuel economy

PHOTO BY CADILLAC

UPCOMING FULL-SIZE CADILLAC GOES GREEN WITH BORROWED CHEVY VOLT TECH

   The Cadillac CT6 full-size sedan range will include a plug-in hybrid version, the automaker announced at the Shanghai motor show. Cadillac says the hybrid powertrain will double the fuel economy of the conventional engine while delivering 335 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque. The move makes sense considering most of Cadillac’s competitors have already done the same thing. (We’re looking at you Mercedes S-class plug-in hybrid and BMW ActiveHybrid 7.)

PHOTO BY CADILLAC

   The CT6 PHEV gets an 18.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is located between the rear seat and the trunk. Inside are 192 pouch cells, which share their chemistry with the Volt’s new battery. It can be charged with 120- or 240-volt outlets. Range will be announced closer to launch, according to Cadillac.

PHOTO BY CADILLAC

   The plug-in CT6 will use a new rear-wheel electric variable transmission (EVT) designed for smooth, fast takeoffs. The two-motor EVT system uses three planetary gears combined with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four, all of which is good for that 335 hp and 432 lb-ft.

   The CT6 will offer three modes for driving: normal, sport and hold. Normal is designed for everyday driving with a balance of comfort and performance. Sport provides more aggressive pedal mapping. Hold reserves the battery for later use -- say, if you’re trying to sneak home through your subdivision undetected, or if you’re driving through a city that doesn’t like CO2 emissions.

PHOTO BY CADILLAC

   The car has regenerative braking to maximize electric range; according to the automaker, a more aggressive braking mode called Regen on Demand can be engaged with the paddle shifters, much like the electric ELR coupe.

   The 2016 Cadillac CT6 goes on sale at the end of 2015; the hybrid will be launched the following year. Pricing and more information will be announced later in 2015.

PHOTO BY CADILLAC

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