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Cadillac promises double the fuel economy with its CT6 PHEV plug-in hybrid

Stephen Edelstein
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Hot on the heels of the 2016 Cadillac CT6’s New York debut comes a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option for those who want their cars to be both luxurious and green.

The long-rumored Cadillac CT6 PHEV was revealed at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, which was pretty heavy on plug-in hybrids this year.

Cadillac started with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, then added a pair of electric motors. The combination is good for 335 horsepower and 432 pound-feet of torque, all of which is sent to the rear wheels.

However, the most impressive component may be the CT6’s 18.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. It’s actually the same size as the one used in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, and much larger than those of comparable models.

The pack is located between the rear seat and trunk, which should limit space loss in both. It can be charged using a standard household outlet or a dedicated 240-volt charging station, Cadillac says.

While specific figures will have to wait until closer to the car’s U.S. launch, Cadillac expects the CT6 PHEV to double the fuel economy of the standard model.

The CT6 PHEV also features the Regen on Demand system that first appeared on the ELR coupe. This allows the driver to control the aggressiveness of regenerative braking using steering-wheel mounted paddles.

Tugging a paddle engages the regeneration system, storing but a bit of electricity for later use. Cadillac says it has the added benefit of slowing the car on corner entry, just like when downshifting a manual transmission.

Powertrain aside, the CT6 PHEV appears identical to the gasoline-only CT6, complete with CTS-on-steroids exterior styling and plenty of gadgetry.

That includes the latest version of Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system based around a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a streaming-video rearview mirror in place of a traditional glass one, and and available 34-speaker Bose audio system.

General Motors won’t discuss launch timing for the CT6 PHEV, but it will most likely hit U.S. showrooms sometime after the launch of the standard CT6.

That model will go on sale in the second half of this year, with more details to come closer to that time.

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Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
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