The CT6 Plug-In is Cadillac's answer to the growing market for premium plug-in hybrid vehicles that deliver greater efficiency and environmental performance, while also offering the high levels of luxury, comfort, and advanced on-board electronics expected by premium car buyers. All this brought recognition in Washington DC this year as the CT6 Plug-In was honored as Green Car Journal’s 2018 Connected Car of the Year™ for these attributes and its suite of sophisticated electronics

This is not Cadillac’s first go at a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Its initial effort was the ELR produced from 2013-2016, a beautifully-designed plug-in luxury coupe that did not find a ready market at the time and is no longer in the Cadillac line. This new $75,000 CT6 Plug-In, based the acclaimed Cadillac CT6 luxury sedan, is a significantly stronger effort that offers plenty to the luxury car buyer including sophisticated style, a refined and accommodating cabin, and very satisfying performance.

Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 265 horsepower with 295 lb-ft torque. It works with twin 100 horsepower electric motors integrated into a newly developed electric variable transmission that delivers power to the rear wheels. This combination provides a total system output of 335 horsepower and 432 lb-ft torque in what Cadillac call a blended hybrid configuration.

An 18.4 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack located between the rear seat and trunk provides the CT6 Plug-In a battery electric range of 31 miles at speeds up to 78 mph. This pack can be charged overnight from a standard 120-volt outlet or in about 4.5 hours with a 240-volt charger. Only an incidental amount of charging come from the gasoline engine/generator. Regenerative braking also delivers electricity to the batteries.

Along with electric-only mode, a driver has a choice of three other operating modes – Normal, Sport, and Hold. In Normal mode, the system switches between electric-only, hybrid, and gasoline engine-only operation to optimize performance and fuel economy. In Sport mode, this plug-in hybrid delivers more aggressive throttle response for quicker acceleration, plus sportier steering. Hold mode conserves battery capacity for urban driving at a later time and uses the gasoline engine for highway driving or higher speed conditions.

The CT6 Plug-In’s 31 mile all electric-range is likely to fit the daily driving needs of many drivers, which means zero-emission motoring every day. Beyond that, this plug-in hybrid’s combined driving range of about 440 miles with a full charge and 15.6-gallon tank fits all possible driving needs, meaning no range anxiety and no compromises. EPA estimates the car’s fuel efficiency while driving on battery power at an equivalent 62 mpg (MPGe), with overall efficiency on hybrid power rated at 23 city and 29 highway mpg, which is quite respectable for a luxury vehicle weighing in at over two tons.

Regen on Demand allows the use of steering wheel-mounted paddles to select a desired level of brake regeneration and regen-induced brake drag, from light to very aggressive. Using more aggressive regen delivers significant levels of drag and stopping power when lifting off the accelerator, allowing conventional brakes to be reserved for those instances when maximum braking is desired or required. Exclusively using the throttle and paddles delivers in more refined and fun driving experience.

The CT6 Plug-In's connectivity and on-board electronics capabilities are impressive. Among these systems is the automaker’s CUE Information and Media Control System with Navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, OnStar 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless cellphone charging, and Bluetooth with voice recognition. A rear camera mirror camera and automatic parking enhance convenience. Driver awareness systems includes Forward Collision Alert that monitors traffic ahead and alerts if a collision is imminent. A Following Distance indicator in the Driver Information Center displays following time relative to the vehicle ahead. Surround Vision provides a birds-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

Of course, the CT6 Plug-In is well-equipped with driver assist systems. Lane Keep Assist gently steers the car if it’s determined a driver is unintentionally leaving a lane when directional signals are not used. Side Blind Zone Alert displays a warning in the outside rearview mirrors when a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, or if a car is rapidly approaching that spot. Also included is Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically accelerates and brakes to maintain a driver-selected following distance to the vehicle ahead. Forward and Reverse Automatic Braking senses front or rear collisions and applies brakes as needed. Night vision and a reconfigurable head-up display are also welcome additions.

Cadillac’s CT6 Plug-In is an exceptionally well-crafted luxury vehicle that delivers all the features expected in its class, with the addition of leading-edge electronics that enhance convenience and safety. It delivers a premium driving experience with responsive handling and welcome performance, all the while providing increased efficiency and the option of zero-emission driving that’s increasingly desired in today’s new-generation vehicles. It’s a job very well done.

For a decade now, Green Car Journal has been presenting its Green Car Awards™ at the Washington Auto Show to recognize environmental achievement in the auto industry. The magazine’s most recent press conference during the 2017 Washington Auto Show’s second Policy Day found automakers honored for their efforts in three important categories. Named 2017 Connected Green Car of the Year™ was the Mercedes-Benz C350e, while the 2017 Green SUV of the Year™ was awarded to the BMW X5 xDrive40e and the 2017 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ to Acura’s new NSX.

Along with the award winners, 2017 Connected Green Car of the Year™ finalists included the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic, Tesla Model X, and Toyota Prius Prime. Also identified as 2017 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ finalists were the BMW 740e xDrive, Jaguar XE 20d, Mercedes-Benz S550e, and Range Rover Td6, with 2017 Green SUV of the Year finalists including the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-9, Mercedes-Benz GLE550e, and Nissan Rogue Hybrid. All offered either plug-in, efficient diesel, or advanced internal combustion power and each featured admirable levels of environmental performance.

The Mercedes-Benz C350e, Green Car Journal’s 2017 Connected Green Car of the Year, offers drivers the luxury and driving enjoyment expected of a premium sedan, with the added benefit of plug-in hybrid power. Its overall driving range of 410 miles means there are no compromises. An estimated 11 miles of zero-emission driving is provided on batteries at an EPA estimated 51 miles-per-gallon equivalent.

Drivers are well-connected with an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot and an array of advanced, connected features including location-based, real-time traffic information and route guidance. Driver assistance systems play a major role in the C320e with data from radar sensors and stereo cameras enabling autonomous and semi-autonomous features. Among its capabilities is helping avoid collisions with vehicles ahead and in cross traffic at intersections, even applying full emergency braking if needed. On board systems can maintain a set distance from a vehicle ahead, even in stop and go traffic. Steering inputs helps drivers stay in their lanes.

Green Car Journal’s 2017 Green SUV of the Year, the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance, combines the versatility and luxury of a full-size, five-passenger SUV with the driving confidence of intelligent all-wheel drive. It offers desired levels of functionality and convenience expected of a full-size SUV, while also addressing efficiency and use of electrification.

A 241 horsepower, 2.0- liter TwinPower turbo four-cylinder engine and 111 horsepower electric motor enabling this nearly 5,000 pound plug-in hybrid SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds. It can travel 14 miles under electric power alone with a total driving range of 540 miles. To enhance all-electric driving, intelligent connectivity constantly monitors all factors affecting range including traffic conditions, route profile, and driving. Route guidance functions include displaying public charging station locations on a navigation map.

Winning the 2017 Luxury Green Car of the Year was achieved in style by the all-new NSX hybrid supercar. Promising the luxury of carving the perfect turn, riding on race-inspired suspension, and the exhilaration of breathtaking acceleration, the Acura NSX delivers the ultimate driving experience while also somehow netting some 31 percent better city mpg than the previous generation.

The NSX champions aerodynamics, hybrid drive, and lightweight materials like carbon fiber, SMC fiberglass, aluminum, and high-strength steel. Its mid-engine, twin-turbocharged V-6 connects to a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission integrated with a rear electric motor, with two additional electric motors powering the front wheels. The car’s 573 total system horsepower propels it from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. In a word, this hybrid supercar is ‘thrilling.’

Winners and finalists for these three Green Car Awards are proof positive that it is no longer good enough to design and build vehicles with style, quality, functionality, and performance. It is necessary to do all this while also delivering much more, taking into account the need for highly-evolved models with improved efficiency, lower environmental impact, greater safety, and ever-expanding ways of connecting our lives and our vehicles to one another.

Hosting these Green Car Awards in Washington DC is appropriate considering the policies, regulations, and incentives that have historically come out of Washington DC that play a significant role in influencing the success and direction of lower emission, more efficient advanced technology vehicles. With its status as the largest public show in Washington and its proximity to the halls of power in the nation’s capital, the Washington Auto show is also the logical venue in Washington DC to honor environmental achievement in the auto industry.

 

Finalists for Green Car Journal’s 2017 Connected Green Car of the Year™, 2017 Luxury Green Car of the Year™, and 2017 Green SUV of the Year™ awards were announced at the LA Auto Show’s AutoMobility LA™ event in Los Angeles. Each of the finalists for 2017 Connected Green Car of the Year™ offers advanced connectivity and driver assistance systems combined with admirable levels of environmental performance. The finalists are the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic, Mercedes-Benz C350e, Tesla Model X, and Toyota Prius Prime. Four are plug-in vehicles while one is powered by efficient gasoline internal combustion.

In contention for 2017 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ are the 2017 Acura NSX, BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance, Jaguar XE 20d, Mercedes-Benz S550e, and Range Rover Td6. This diverse group of premium ‘green’ finalists includes plug-in, hybrid, and advanced diesel vehicles. Also a diverse group, 2017 Green SUV of the Year™ finalists are efficient SUV and crossover models that achieve their efficiencies with plug-in, hybrid, and internal combustion power. Nominees include the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-9, Mercedes-Benz GLE550e, and Nissan Rogue Hybrid.

Presented annually at The Washington Auto Show, the Green Car Awards™ honor the best-of-the-best in the important premium, connected, and SUV/crossover categories. Of particular importance is that these finalists achieve their environmental leadership in their own way. Hybrid power continues to be an important strategy in achieving greater environmental compatibility, along with plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and advanced gasoline and diesel propulsion.

The coordination of Green Car Awards™ announcements and joint exhibition of finalists is a significant new development between major auto shows on the auto show circuit. This milestone underscores the growing importance of “green” cars in the auto industry and how they are in turn creating synergies in complementary areas as well. Green Car Journal’s Green Car of the Year^® has been a high-profile program at Los Angeles Auto Show’s press and trade days (now AutoMobility LA™) since 2005. Beginning in 2008, the Green Car Awards™ have been a key feature of The Washington Auto Show^®, the “public policy show” on the auto show circuit that puts a priority on safety and sustainability. Award winners will be identified during a press conference on January 26 at The Washington Auto Show in Washington DC.

For the first time, Green Car Journal will announce finalists for the Washington Auto Show 2017 Green SUV of the Year™, Connected Green Car of the Year™, and Luxury Green Car of the Year™ awards at LA Auto Show’s AutoMobility LA, on November 17, 2016. Later in January, winners of the three awards will be presented in Washington D.C. at a press conference during the 2017 Washington Auto Show’s Policy/Media Day on January 26, 2017.

These awards recognize the best-of-the-best in three of the fastest-growing ‘green’ segments in the automotive field. Highlighting the full complement of finalists in Los Angeles and then announcing winners in Washington D.C. is ideally aligned. California is one of the most important ‘green’ car markets in the world while Washington DC is the epicenter of policies guiding vehicles to a more efficient and environmentally-positive future,

The coordination of Green Car Awards announcements and joint exhibition of finalists is a significant new development between major auto shows on the auto show circuit. This milestone underscores the growing importance of ‘green’ cars in the auto industry and how they are in turn creating synergies in complementary areas as well. Green Car Journal’s Green Car of the Year^® has been a high-profile program at Los Angeles Auto Show’s press and trade days since 2005. Beginning in 2008, the Green Car Awards™ have been a key feature of The Washington Auto Show, the ‘public policy show’ on the auto show circuit that puts a priority on safety and sustainability.

Produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA), The Washington Auto Show is the largest public event in DC. As part of the show’s Policy Days, on January 24-25 the Washington Auto Show will present MobilityTalks International, a global discussion on the future of mobility regulation, harmonization, and smart cities. This will be followed by a Capitol Hill event, Ride and Drive with advanced technology vehicles at RFK Stadium, and Media Day at the Washington Convention Center on January 26. Public days at the show are from January 27 to February 5.

The Washington Auto Show is known for its impressive assemblage of new vehicle models and concepts plus specialty displays of advanced, specialty, and historic vehicles. Its proximity to the nation’s capital earns it the reputation as the auto show circuit’s ‘Policy Show,’ underscored with presentations by the Department of Energy, visits by members of Congress, and at times even the President. The show is also known for its focus on environmentally positive vehicles as host to Green Car Journal’s prestigious Green Car Awards™ program.

This year, Green Car Journal focused attention on three of the hottest categories of ‘green’ vehicles by announcing winners of its 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year™, Green SUV of the Year™, and Luxury Green Car of the Year™ awards. Making its debut at the Washington show, Connected Green Car of the Year™ recognizes vehicles that intelligently blend sophisticated connected technologies with advanced powertrains, materials, and design – all coming together to deliver driving enjoyment, efficiency, and enhanced safety with lower environmental impact.

New cars are becoming smarter and more autonomous, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, automated parking, and other driver assist systems signaling that the age of the connected car has arrived. A growing array of 'green' models with connected technologies are on the market with many more coming soon. Best exemplifying the integration of environmental performance and connected technologies were this year's finalists Audi A3 e-tron, BMW 330e, Toyota Prius, and Volvo XC90 T8, and the car that emerged as the 2016 Connected Green Car of the Year, Chevrolet's all-new Malibu Hybrid.

An impressive EPA estimated 48 city/45 highway mpg combined with advanced on-board electronics and connectivity are hallmarks of the new Malibu Hybrid. The mid-size sedan comes standard with Chevrolet MyLink radio and an 8-inch diagonal color touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, rear vision camera, OnStar, and 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. That’s a lot of tech for a model that starts at an approachable $28,645. Available systems include low speed front automatic braking, parking assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. A unique Teen Driver feature actively encourages safe driving and allows parents to view stored information on how their teenagers drove the vehicle.

The popularity of crossovers and SUVs continues to surge, underscoring why it’s important they continue to evolve with improved environmental performance in mind – whether offering a smaller footprint for easier maneuverability and efficiency, or using advanced powertrains that eke the most from a gallon of fuel or incorporate hybrid power. These are the vehicles that 2016 Green SUV of the Year™ seeks to honor. Finalists this year included the BMW X1 xDrive 28i, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-3, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and award winner Honda HR-V.

Based on the Honda Fit platform but substantially larger in all dimensions, the new HR-V compact crossover features coupe-like styling with SUV functionality that includes an interior volume rivaling that of some midsize SUVs with its second row seats folded. Powering the HR-V is the same 1.8-liter engine as the Honda Civic, delivering 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft torque while achieving up to 35 highway mpg. The HR-V offers many desired features combined with an approachable $19,215 price. Standard or available electronics include brake assist, electronic stability control, rear view camera, Bluetooth, tire pressure monitoring, and Honda LaneWatch. A 5 inch color LCD screen or 7-inch touchscreen display are offered.

Higher-end vehicles with ‘green’ attributes are gaining an increasing amount of attention from automakers. Buyers now have the ability to find more environmentally positive aspirational vehicles that feature the aesthetics of a sleek sedan, the excitement of a sports car, or the functionality of an SUV, combined with high efficiency or even plug-in hybrid power. Finalists for 2016 Luxury Green Car of the Year™ illustrated this trend, including the BMW X5 xDrive40e, Lexus RX 450h, Mercedes-Benz C350e, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, and award winner Volvo XC90 T8.

Volvo's all-new XC90 T8, the industry's first seven passenger plug-in hybrid SUV, uses a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine with a rear axle electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. This enables an overall 350 mile driving range and an all-electric range of about 17 miles. A 46 horsepower starter-generator motor located between the engine and transmission provides start-stop capability and additional power as needed. The XC90 T8 includes all of Volvo’s conventional safety systems plus items like lane departure warning, road sign information display, pedestrian and cyclist detection, pilot assist adaptive cruise control, and park assist with automatic parking. The $68,100 XC90 T8 is EPA rated at a combined 25 mpg and 54 MPGe on battery power.