Cadillac Confirms 335HP Four-Cylinder Plug-in Hybrid For CT6

As expected, Cadillac announced the addition of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for its range-topping CT6 sedan at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The powertrain combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an all-new rear wheel electric variable transmission (EVT) that incorporates two electric motors and draws energy from an 18.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned between the rear seat and the trunk. 

GM estimates the system is capable of producing a combined output of 335 hp (250 kW) and 432 lb-ft (586 Nm) of peak torque, stating that fuel economy will be "more than double that of the car’s conventional engine offerings, as measured by miles per gallon equivalent".

The driver will be able to choose among three operating modes named Normal, Sport and Hold:

• Normal: Designed for everyday commuting. Provides ideal balance of comfort, performance and maximized EV range and fuel economy.
• Sport: Provides more aggressive pedal mapping for improved off-the-line feel and a stiffer steering response.
• Hold: Allows owners to select when the CT6 PHEV uses its engine, reserving the remaining battery charge for later use. This feature helps enhance efficiency because owners who mix city and highway driving can save the battery charge for city travel, where the CT6 EV mode operates most efficiently.

The CT6 PHEV will get GM's Regen on Demand system that allows the driver to temporarily regenerate energy through steering-wheel paddles by slowing the car, such as when entering a turn, much like downshifting with a manual transmission. It also gets iBooster and Electronic Stability Program customized for hybrid electric vehicle regenerative blended braking. 
“The first-ever CT6 is a technological showcase throughout, making it an ideal platform for Cadillac to offer its first plug-in hybrid,” said Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen. “In the CT6, Cadillac presents a new formula for prestige luxury. The advanced Plug-In Hybrid system is a key addition, providing a combination of exceptional fuel economy, crisp acceleration and strong electric-driving range.”

*Note: regular 2016 Cadillac CT6 pictured 

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2016 ELR Coupe Cadillac

This is the revised 2016 Cadillac ELR coupe that gains a boost in performance and improvements in handling and connectivity for the new model year, while keeping its design mostly intact. The only cosmetic changes are a tweaked grille and Cadillac's new wreathless badge. 

Cadillac made software upgrades to the battery system improving power and torque by a claimed 25 percent to 160kW / 215hp in tour mode and 174kW / 233hp in Sport mode, as well as pure EV range on the base model to about 39 miles (60 km), which increases to 330 miles (530 km) when combining pure electric driving and the range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered engine. 

A modified Sport mode that combines engine and electric motor power cuts the ELR's 0-60 mph (96km/h) time by 1.5 seconds over the previous model to 6.4 seconds, with Cadillac also promising a higher top-speed of 130mph (209km/h) in Sport and Hold modes with the optional Performance Package, and 106mph (171km/h) in regular mode. 

The newly available Performance Package adds several goodies including 20-inch summer performance tires that are said to improve lateral grip by nearly 10 percent, recalibrated Continuous Damping Control and electric power steering systems, front Brembo brakes with four pistons that improve 60-to-0 mph stopping distance by almost 12 percent and a sports steering wheel with a thicker-rim.

Besides the optional Performance Package, all 2016 ELRs get the following steering and suspension upgrades:

• Revised calibration of the HiPer Strut front suspension
• Increased front spring rates and a stiffer rear axle
• Stiffer bushings for the front lower control arms, cradle mounts and Watts link in the rear suspension, for more precise control with no loss of ride quality
• Revised calibrations for the Continuous Damping Control system
• Front Damper Rebound Spring added
• New steering calibration tuned to complement the revised chassis and suspension systems
• Revised brake hardware and system calibration for improved application feel.

For 2016, the previously optional Driver Assistance package that includes side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert and Intellibeam headlamps, becomes standard, while the ELR also gets GM's OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot with a "three-month/three-gigabyte data trial, whichever comes first". In addition, there's also a new magnetic inductive charge spot on the instrument panel that allows passengers to recharge their enabled phones wirelessly. 

According to Cadillac, the 2016 ELR will go on sale with a starting price of $58,495 after U.S. federal tax credits.

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Cadillac CT6 with Twin-Turbo 3.0L V6 (Video)

A new 3-liter V6 will launch with the all-new Cadillac CT6 and be offered in the brand's other sedans, Cadillac announced Friday.

The company detailed the powertrain offerings that will be in their new flagship sedan, set for a March 31 unveiling as part of the New York Auto Show. The CT6 will be one of the first vehicles to show off General Motors' new engine family.

A mainstream offering is expected to be a new, naturally aspirated, 3.6-liter V6 with 335 horsepower and 284 lb.-ft. of torque. That's up from 14 horsepower from the 3.6 V6 currently offered in the ATS and CTS.

But in keeping with modern turbocharging trends, a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft torques will also be introduced. In addition to revised mechanicals for greater efficiency, these new engines also sport cylinder deactivation and start/stop. Cadillac says it expects a 9-percent fuel economy bump from this engine over the outgoing 3.6 that's in a whole bunch of GM products.

Those two Cadillac sedans will also get the new 3.6-liter engine, although the 3.0-liter turbo is for now reserved for the CT6. An 8-speed automatic will be the transmission for these engines, doing away with the six-speed unit that's been offered on the outgoing engine.

“Cadillac’s elevation on the world stage is driven in great part by its advanced powertrain technology and the all-new 3.0L Twin Turbo powers past the traditional segment leaders with higher degrees of the performance and refinement their reputations were built on,” said Rich Bartlett, assistant chief engineer.

“Torque is the pulling power of an engine and the new 3.0L Twin Turbo delivers it with confidence-inspiring smoothness and progression,” said Bartlett. “In fact, the potency of the torque across the rpm band is matched only by the satisfaction of the horsepower created as those revs climb quickly to 6,500 rpm.”

Cadillac officials confirmed engine details CEO Johan de Nysschen let slip last month, including that the CT6 would also offer a turbocharged four, which is probably going to be the 2.0-liter, 270-horse unit in the ATS and CTS. It might not be a slouch, given the CT6 is all about lightness in its construction.

                           

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Cadillac CTS-V VR1200

 2013 Cadillac VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe based on the two-door version of the CTS-V

There's a ton of stuff going on under the sheetmetal but the highlight of the tune can be found right behind Cadillac's crest.

Whereas the stock model features a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, Hennessey's version adopts a 7.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with an adjustable boost controller that allows the driver to select from three modes of power: 800HP, 1,000HP and if that's not enough, a tremendous 1,226HP (1,066WHP) and 1,109 lb-ft (1,502Nm) of torque.

In the highest setting, Hennessey says that the Cadillac VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe is the "world's most powerful four-seat vehicle."

The tuning brand quotes a zero to 60mph (96km/h) time of 2.9 seconds, a quarter mile run in 10.2 seconds with an exit speed of 141mph (227km/h), and a top speed of…242mph (389km/h).

Other upgrades include a special clutch to handle the ferocious power of the twin-turbo V8, 20-inch wheels in 275/30YR tires at the front and 345/30YR at the rear, a suspension tune and a carbon fiber aero package.

Cadillac VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe Specifications

Power:
• 1,226 bhp @ 6,400 rpm (1,066 Rear Wheel HP)
• 1,109 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm (964 Rear Wheel Torque)

Estimated Performance:
• 0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
• 1/4 Mile: 10.2 @ 141 mph
• Top Speed: 242 mph

VR1200 Twin Turbo Upgrade Includes:
• 427 CID (7.0L) Aluminum V8 Engine
• Forged Aluminum Pistons
• Forged Steel Connecting Rods
• Forged Steel Crankshaft
• Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly
• ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• Hennessey VR1200 Camshaft
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel System (Includes Lines, Rails, Regulator & Pump)
• Twin Ball Bearing, Billet Wheel Precision Turbochargers
• Dual Wastegates
• Adjustable Boost Controller (800, 1000 & 1226 HP power settings)
• Stainless Steel Turbo Downpipes and Exhaust System
• Air-to-Water Intercooler
• High-Flow Air Induction System
• Professional Installation
• HPE Engine Management Calibration
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• Hennessey Exterior Badging
• Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
• 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty

Transmission & Drivetrain Upgrades:
• Manual: Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Upgrade
• Automatic: Performance Build & Torque Converter Upgrade (Add $20,000)
• Extreme Duty CV-Shaft Upgrade

Brembo Brake System Upgrades:
• 15.1 inch Carbon Ceramic Rotors (Front & Rear)
• Calipers: 8-Piston (Front); 6-Piston (Rear)

Wheels & Tire Upgrades:
• Hennessey Wheels: 20x10 inch (Front); 20x13 inch (Rear)
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires: 275/30YR-20 (Front); 345/30YR-20 (Rear)

Suspension Upgrades:
• Lowered 1" (Front & Rear)
• Upgraded Front and Rear Swaybars
• Factory Magnetic Ride Control Tuned by John Heinricy

CarbonAero Widebody Body:
• Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
• Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
• Carbon Fiber Front Fenders
• Carbon Fiber Extractor Hood
• Carbon Fiber Rear Fender Flares

Interior Upgrades:
• Alcantara Headliner
• Carbon Fiber Door Sills
• Upgraded Leather & Stitching
• Hennessey Embroidered Heardrests
• Hennessey Premium Floormats

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