User:Tony Patt/sandbox/Cadillac CT8

The Cadillac CT8 is an upcoming full-size luxury car to be manufactured by Cadillac. If ever introduced, it will replace the Cadillac CT6 as the brand's halo vehicle, which has been serving as the de facto flagship since 2016. The car will compete directly with long-wheelbase versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series. Initially anticipated to arrive in 2019 as a 2020 model, the CT8 was rumored to have either been canceled or pushed back indefinitely, due to Cadillac shifting its brand focus and resources on developing new crossover vehicles and SUVs.

Announcement and speculation
After the announcement of Cadillac's new alphanumeric naming scheme by newly-appointed CEO Johan de Nysschen in late September 2014, there was much speculation about how the brand's lineup will change throughout the decade and beyond. Later, de Nysschen revealed his product plan to revitalize and expand Cadillac's rather limited lineup in an interview, mentioning that he believes there is space above the CT6 for an even more luxurious car called CT8 or CT9, to be released in 2019. In November 2014, Cadillac trademarked a total of 13 new nameplates to be used in several upcoming offerings, namely CT2 through CT9 for sedans, and XT2 through XT9 for crossovers and SUVs. At the 2015 New York International Auto Show, where the CT6 made its official debut, General Motors executive vice president Mark Reuss further confirmed that a larger sedan is in development, although a fixed deadline is yet to be given. In January 2016, de Nysschen revealed that brand needed to contemplate on several alternatives on how to define its ultimate flagship, and while the car is still in development, he is however concerned that the outcome would be too mundane by market standards, failing to "move the needle" when compared to products from rivaling manufacturers.

Possible cancellation
In April 2016, it was reported that the Cadillac CT8 had been canceled in order to expand the brand's SUV and crossover vehicle portfolio, the rapidly growing segment in which Cadillac has been desperately lacking products in and unable to capitalize effectively. However, the statement has not been officially confirmed by Cadillac and it declined to comment after being reached out, thus the car's current development status still remains uncertain.

Overview
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Design
There are scarce details on the appearance of the CT8. Its exterior will likely be an evolution of Cadillac's Art and Science design theme, shared with other contemporary Cadillac models. The CT8 is expected to be similar in design with the Cadillac CT6, albeit more stately and formal. The CT8 will likely be offered exclusively as a 4-door sedan.

Powertrain
The CT8 will almost definitely ride on an extended version of the Omega platform and offered in both rear- and four-wheel-drive layouts. It will be considerably lighter than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, courtesy of the Omega platform's aluminium construction. The engine will likely be a twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter V8 producing approximately 400 horsepower and 500 lb•ft of torque, a naturally aspirated V6 engine and a smaller, turbocharged V6 might be available as well. The car will probably use General Motors' new 10-speed automatic transmission, a dual-clutch is a possibility.

Marketing
There are multiple speculations on how the CT8 will be positioned in the lineup.

The first was being long-wheelbase variant of the CT6.

However, there is a

In contrast to the CT6, which focuses on driving dynamics, the CT8 will focus on rear-seat passenger comfort, with more legroom and luxury amenities.

However, it is still uncertain whether if the CT8 will become Cadillac's ultimate flagship car. Another rumor surfaced in April 2016 that Cadillac was working on an ultra-luxury car of even higher pedigree than the CT8, to be called the CT9. The Cadillac CT9 will be positioned above the CT8, with a six-figure price range. A SUV based on the sedan, named XT9 to comply with Cadillac's naming tradition, will also likely be available as well.