The new 2016 Cadillac CT6 features a mixed material vehicle construction that represents a first of its kind for General Motors (GM) in North America and China.
The CT6 body is 62% aluminum, which combined with advanced joining techniques, has afforded Cadillac weight savings of around 100kg that make this full-size luxury sedan comparable in weight to the smaller mid-size CTS sedan. When compared to a similar size vehicle using predominantly high-strength steel, the CT6 is approximately 100kg lighter, according to Cadillac.
The aluminum is supplied by Novelis, from its facilities in Ontario, Canada and Changzhou, China. “The Cadillac CT6 is one of the most advanced body structures we’ve ever worked on,” said Pierre Labat, VP, global automotive, Novelis. “We are proud to be the lead global supplier of aluminum to this new and innovative vehicle program on two continents.”
Aluminum is featured throughout the vehicle body, including the passenger and rear compartments, roof structure, outer body panels and door and deck lid structures. The CT6 features one of the most advanced mixed-use automotive body structures in the industry, including all-aluminum exterior body panels and rear-drive architecture.
GM’s advanced joining methods are used to fabricate the CT6 vehicle structure, including GM’s proprietary aluminum spot-welding technology to reduce weight and increase strength and efficiencies. Laser welding, flow drill fasteners and self-piercing rivets are also used, along with nearly 600ft of advanced structural adhesives. In bending, the Cadillac CT6 is claimed to have a 10% stiffer body than competitors.
