Cadillac CT6 flagship sedan leaked ahead of New York debut

Although the new Caddy isn't the much hoped for sedan version of the stunning Elmiraj concept, it does boast a number of firsts for GM's top-shelf brand.

The CT6 is the first sedan from the marque designed to go toe-to-toe with the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as well as the Audi A8, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ and others.

It also debuts the brand's new naming structure, which will see all sedan, coupe and wagon models branded CTx, where x denotes the car's relative size and price. All Caddy SUVs, with the exception of the Escalade, will use XTx branding instead.

Under the bonnet, the CT6 is the first car to employ GM's new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6. Generating 298kW of power and 543Nm of torque, this motor will be paired to a newly developed eight-speed auto and will be exclusive to Cadillac for the time being.

The other engine option, at this stage, is a new 250kW/385Nm 3.6-litre V6. Both engines feature cylinder deactivation and automatic engine stop/start in an effort to boost fuel economy.

Despite the CT6's visual similarity to the smaller ATS and CTS sedans, the CT6 rides on a new rear-wheel drive platform, dubbed Omega. Omega uses a mix of lightweight materials, including aluminium and high-strength steels, to achieve weight savings in the order of around 90kg.

On the inside, the CT6 is likely to feature the brand's Cue touchscreen infotainment system. Additionally, it's been announced that the CT6 will debut Bose's 34-speaker Panaray sound system (above).