- Cadillac will neither confirm nor deny its XTS Platinum concept is slated for 2012 production.
- The future XTS is rumored to replace the Cadillac DTS and STS.
- The all-wheel-drive XTS Platinum concept debuted in January at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
DETROIT — Cadillac on Wednesday tiptoed around a new report from Motor Trend that says GM has given the green light to a production version of the big XTS Platinum sedan concept that debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show and would ostensibly become the brand's new flagship for the 2012 model year.
It was clear when the all-wheel-drive XTS Platinum concept debuted that it was designed to provide insight into what Cadillac is envisioning for its future products, inside and out. The concept is a plug-in hybrid with a minimalist-looking instrument panel that takes its cues from cell phones and MP3 players. One Cadillac insider told Inside Line at the time that the concept was "not a dream car" but headed for reality.
But Cadillac was careful not to commit to anything on Wednesday.
"We intend to produce a car that's in a class above the [Cadillac] CTS. Period," said Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell in a phone conversation with Inside Line. "How much of it will be like the [XTS] concept, I can't talk about. We're obviously developing new products, including something above the CTS."
When asked if the XTS Platinum got the green light for production, Caldwell replied: "I don't think anything has taken place there."
In a subsequent conversation, Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork said: "We've made no such announcement. [But] we don't do things that we don't actually consider doing."
He added: "All of our concepts are rooted in something we could do."
The speculation focuses on the XTS replacing both the aging Cadillac STS and DTS. But, Caldwell said, "nothing imminent is happening" with those two models. "There will be a 2011 model year for both of those cars," he said. "Nothing is on the immediate horizon with those cars."
The XTS Platinum concept has a 3.6-liter direct-injection gasoline engine and plug-in hybrid propulsion system that delivers an estimated 350 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.
Inside Line says: We know that the XTS Platinum concept is heralding big changes for Cadillac. What remain murky are the exact details. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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campi3ell says:
02:10 PM, 04/27/2010
I like the design. It's simple and elegant. While it will be higher-priced Cacillac, it's not quite designed to compete with the ultra-luxury large sedans (A8, 7-series, S-class, etc). This is like an upscaled Avalon, which is really what many people want. Cadillac and Lincoln to many still remains the luxury brands that signifies that you have "made it." I showed this vehicle to a few aunts and uncles, and they almost started drooling.
Keep the interior flashy but simple, large touchscreen for the infotainment system, simple to use like Lexus, and a comfortable controlled ride and it'll sell well enough for Cadillac to invest in the larger, more driver focused sedan to compete with the German trio
cargeek5 says:
12:18 PM, 03/28/2010
nutsaboutcars: One thing about used cars is you never know how the former drivers/owners treated their car. Who knows what the car went through over the last 9000 miles. Don't blame it on GM. Yes its Gm's duty to produce a quality, reliable car. But part of the responsibility falls on the owner when it comes to the lasting quality and reliablity.
mungmibear says:
08:50 AM, 03/27/2010
those blue headlights don't fool me, it's the same Cadillac. No Change.
frank908 says:
06:04 AM, 03/26/2010
@ xoquixxoqafxo- fanboy delusions
pegasuszz says:
02:25 PM, 03/25/2010
Looks like an FWD based design. Fail.
zoomzoomn says:
10:07 AM, 03/25/2010
I just hope that the interior makes it through largely intact. The exterior is ok, but the interior is downright sharp looking!
nutsaboutcars says:
09:58 AM, 03/25/2010
General Motors needs to get there heads out of there butts and do something about cadillac to improve quality and styling and performance...A friend of mine leased a new cts and with only 9000 babied miles her she is full of squeaks and rattles and the audio system stopped working a few times....Whats up with that gm ?
xoquixxoqafxo says:
08:53 AM, 03/25/2010
just an overgrown CTS. Ugly. Expensive, and most likely won't get good gas mileage despite the hybrid system. Interior is just plan ugly. Looks complicated. GM and Chrysler is just done. Ford however, has light at the end of the tunnel
autoadviseorg says:
07:33 AM, 03/25/2010
I have praised this design from the time it debuted. Now that I pay more attention to the interior, I really like the center vents mimicking the Cadillac grill. Now only if GM does not do the same mistake of using the shared parts bin to make this car and deliver before the design becomes stale, it could guarantee some success or some Respect for that sake.
double_duece says:
06:15 AM, 03/25/2010
I actually liked this concept, but it definitely needs more panache. And a V8. And a new face. I'm still not a fan of the current Caddy front fascia. I'm thinking of drawing this a different way and posting it on my blog