Autoblog

2013 Cadillac XTS [w/video]

Michael Harley — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, First Drives, Luxury

A Return to Greatness Or Just A Stopgap?

There was a time when the name of the second oldest American automotive nameplate meant something more. The term "Cadillac" was widely used to express the best of the best. In fact, it was common for people to use the term when referring to other items (e.g., "It's the Cadillac of audio receivers" or the "Cadillac of washing machines") to drive home the point that something was nothing short of top-of-the-line.

It was good to be Cadillac, and the automaker supported the conviction with vehicles such as the 1928 Series 341, 1936 V12 Series 85 and 1959 Eldorado Biarritz.

By the 1970s, though, much of the brand's luster had begun to fade. Then vehicles like the Cimarron and Catera happened.

But Cadillac has been on track to redeem itself. Vehicles like the CTS range (especially the high-performance CTS-V models) and the strong-selling SRX crossover have helped the 110-year-old luxury automaker alter the public's opinion and reinvigorate the brand. Retiring the full-size DTS is another milestone, as fresh new products began to fill the pipeline.

Enter the all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS. For the next couple years, the full-size luxury sedan is tasked with holding the flagship role in Cadillac's passenger car lineup. Meaning, in so many words, that the range-topping model loaded with nearly every bell-and-whistle known to man and a price of $60,000 should be... well... the Cadillac of Cadillacs.

Continue reading 2013 Cadillac XTS [w/video]

2013 Cadillac XTS [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac XTS configurator ready for your own personal livery

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury

You can now attack the 2013 Cadillac XTS configurator with tame abandon. Why tame? Because there are hardly any options; understandable for a temporary flagship - just about everything is standard or included in a trim package.

The proceedings begin at $44,995 (plus $920 for destination) for the front-wheel drive XTS Standard, rising in increments of about $5,000 through three additional trims: Luxury, which adds ornamentation like dual stainless exhaust tips, LED spotlights and light pipes, and more seat functions; Premium, which upgrades the CUE system to a 14-speaker Bose system and adds the 12.3-inch reconfigurable dash cluster, plus tri-zone climate control; and Platinum, which swaps for 20-inch wheels and installs power and manual rear shades. Step over to the all-wheel drive XTS and the bar moves up to $51,835 and begins at Luxury, moving through Premium to top out at $61,305 for the AWD Platinum.

There are five colors from which to choose, and on all but a few models there are just two cost options that aren't already checked: the $75 engine block heater and the $350 compact spare tire. On the Luxury trim you can add the $1,450 UltraView power sunroof and $795 upgraded CUE system, on the Premium you can add the $250 power rear sunshade. There is nothing else for your fancy to do.

The only shocker we found were interior options: the trims below Platinum get four color options, including a couple of contrasting two-tones like the beautiful caramel and jet black (inset). The Platinum trim only gets two interior color choices, caramel not one of them. Checking all two boxes on the Platinum leaves you with a heady $62,725 for the lot. We'd advise you not to take our word for it, though, and get over to the configurator and start virtually outfitting one for yourself.

Cadillac XTS configurator ready for your own personal livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac XTS stretch limousine spotted looking prom-idential

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Cadillac, Specialty, Luxury

A seriously stretched Cadillac XTS has been snapped during cold-weather testing doing what appeared to be checks of its traction-control, braking and stability systems, according to our spy photographers. With the Lincoln Town Car having left the building, Cadillac probably sees a huge opportunity not only in the livery market, but also in the celebs-and-prom-kids segment.

More than once the spy photogs mentioned the size of this car, and it looks massive even from its best angle. Another option for its use is as a new presidential limo to replace the rolling Imperial Starship that is the current Cadillac One, though while that vehicle does have the body of a Cadillac, its underpinnings come from a medium-duty Chevrolet Kodiak truck.

Cadillac XTS stretch limousine spotted looking prom-idential originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac choreographs light show for approaching its 2013 XTS

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Videos, Cadillac, Design/Style, Luxury

Cadillac has already been releasing a steady drip of information about what's going into its 2013 XTS like its autonomous-vehicle tech, and now it's focusing on lighting choreography. Cadillac reminds us that its lighting signature is vertical bands of illumination, tying it back to 1948, when the tailfins for which the brand is still known were first used on cars like the Fleetwood Sixty Special and Series 61 Coupe.

The illumination system goes by the intriguing names of either "Lead Me to the Vehicle" or the Phil-Collins-esque "Take Me Home" and is charged with adding drama and security. Twenty light sources are used in total, starting outside with the LEDS in the headlights, mirror housings, door handles and around the perimeter. Inside, LEDs are used everywhere from overhead to controls to door handles to the footwells, and they are timed in their illumination and dimming, "similar to a production crew lighting a theater stage."

Follow the jump for a press release and vids demonstrating the latest in Art & Science.

Continue reading Cadillac choreographs light show for approaching its 2013 XTS

Cadillac choreographs light show for approaching its 2013 XTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac says 'no' to XTS-V, considers larger flagship

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury

What a difference a letter can make. Having an extra one or two after your name shows the world you're better schooled than most. But the right application of a special letter on a luxury sedan signals something else altogether: it's a mark of performance. So a BMW 5 Series becomes an M5. A Mercedes-Benz E-Class becomes an E63 AMG. A Jaguar XF becomes an XFR or even an XFR-S. An Audi A6 becomes an S6 or RS6.

You get the picture, and so does Cadillac: with the CTS-V it launched its own assault on the best European machinery. But while an ATS-V is expected to follow with the same formula applied to GM's new 3 Series rival, don't expect the same of the Cadillac XTS flagship.

According to reports, Cadillac has ruled out the possibility of an XTS-V. The new XTS is powered by a V6 engine, but while a turbo variant could follow, we're told not to expect a V8 model, let alone a performance version. Apparently Cadillac feels its flagship isn't meant to go fast, focusing instead on its vast space that includes enough room in the back seat to cross one's legs and enough space in the trunk for four golf bags.

What Cadillac is reportedly looking into, however, is an even bigger model. That's right, the full-size XTS apparently isn't big enough, so Cadillac is looking at a flagship that will be larger still - something like a proper BMW 7 Series competitor. Which we can only hope will hold, like, at least five golf bags, easy.

Cadillac says 'no' to XTS-V, considers larger flagship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac XTS to feature safety tech developed from autonomous vehicles

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Videos, Cadillac, Luxury

Five years ago, GM engineers, a variety of partner companies, and Carnegie Mellon University built a Chevrolet Tahoe that autonomously traversed 60 miles of urban traffic in less than six hours, taking home the DARPA Urban Challenge win. Later this year, some of that technology will make its way to production in the 2013 Cadillac XTS.

The list of active safety systems in the XTS is easily on par with what the Germans offer, including adaptive cruise control, intelligent brake assist, forward collision alert, automatic collision preparation, lane departure warning, blind spot alert and a heads up display (hit the jump for the full, exhaustive list).

The incorporation of all these systems is something GM is calling "sensor fusion," which combines multiple inputs and serious processing power to, in the words of Bakhtiar Litkouhi, GM Research and Development lab group manager for perception and vehicle control systems, "provide advisory, warning, and control interventions to help drivers avoid collisions and save lives."

It's also the first step in bringing both semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles to market, something Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are all actively working on.

Get a brief primer on the philosophy behind sensor fusion in the video and accompanying release below the fold.

Continue reading Cadillac XTS to feature safety tech developed from autonomous vehicles

Cadillac XTS to feature safety tech developed from autonomous vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac to show XTS town car at Vegas LCT show [w/poll]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty, Luxury

Town Car may be a nameplate still associated with Lincoln, but as any New Yorker will tell you, it's also a class of car and its application: large domestic luxury sedans used as chartered taxi cabs preferred by executives and highly valued professionals to get from one meeting to the next through Manhattan's notorious traffic. It's a market Lincoln itself is keen to retain, but with the demise of the Town Car as a model, it's pitching the MKT crossover for the application. Cadillac, however, is going with the XTS.

The top-end GM marque's new flagship sedan will be presented on February 13 at the upcoming International LCT (Limousine, Charter and Tour) Show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. There, Cadillac will showcase the XTS W20 Livery Sedan Package, paving the way for extended-wheelbase and even sedan chassis to be made available sometime later this year.

So will Cadillac finally be able to leapfrog past longtime rival Lincoln in this vital market? Will the XTS prove the ultimate successor to the Town Car? Follow the jump for the full press release and cast your vote in the poll below.

View Poll

Continue reading Cadillac to show XTS town car at Vegas LCT show [w/poll]

Cadillac to show XTS town car at Vegas LCT show [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #256

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Lexus HS 250h, Chevrolet Spark, Cadillac XTS

Episode #256 of the Autoblog Podcast is here a day late but still fresh, with Chris, Dan and Zach this week. Topics include the heavily revised Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the possible death of the Lexus HS 250h, the U.S. Chevrolet Spark and the Cadillac XTS. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #256:

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Chevrolet Volt
2012 Volkswagen Beetle
2012 Ford Edge EcoBoost

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:17:50

Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #256

Autoblog Podcast #256 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands on with Cadillac CUE

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Cadillac, Infotainment

We just wrapped up our first hands-on with Cadillac CUE, the luxury automaker's attempt at a modern, fully-integrated infotainment system for the upcoming XTS, ATS and refreshed SRX.

First impressions are favorable, although in its current form the system is still very beta in both execution and response. However, the core tenants of the system - a capacitive screen with multitouch control and proximity sensors, capacitive center stack buttons and a configurable instrument panel - are all functional and incredibly slick, despite some slow responses and awkward transitions.

Cadillac's electronics and HMI team have been working on CUE for the better part of four years and their efforts show. And with daily builds of the system being developed and deployed, they're well on their way to having the system ready for prime time when the XTS arrives early next year. Get a taste of CUE in action in the video after the jump and look for an animated cameo of the XTS towards the end.

Continue reading Hands on with Cadillac CUE

Hands on with Cadillac CUE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac to market new XTS to the Town Car set

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, Specialty, Luxury

General Motors is hoping to snag buyers who'd otherwise be driving an Audi A6, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class when it launches the new Cadillac XTS next year. That may prove a tall order, but the General is going about it in an interesting way.

Rather than (or in addition to) marketing the new XTS directly to prospective buyers, Cadillac is reportedly planning on selling its new flagship sedan (potentially stretched by approved third-party coachbuilders) to what are commonly known as Town Car drivers - known in the industry as Black Cars. We're not talking about the retiree down the street who refuses to drive anything but a full-size Lincoln - we're talking about car service operators who shuttle those with the means around cities like New York. Like taxis, only booked in advance and slightly more upscale, they're the preferred mode of transportation for affluent professionals and executives in Manhattan.

It's a market dominated by (and commonly borrowing its name from) the Lincoln Town Car, a vehicle that is finally out of production despite accounting for the lion's share of this niche market after extending its lifespan for years. Lincoln aims to retain its domination of the Black Car market with specially-prepared versions of the MKT crossover, while Cadillac (whose DTS never made as big an impact on these fleets as the Town Car did) is pitching the new XTS. In doing so, GM hopes the wealthy fares riding in the back of these shuttles will take note and maybe place orders of their own.

Cadillac to market new XTS to the Town Car set originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #242

Dan Roth — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Cadillac, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti, Fiat

With Autoline Detroit's John McElroy

Episode #242 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. This week, Chris and Dan are joined by John McElroy, long-time host of Autoline Detroit, Autoblog columnist and a fixture to listeners of WWJ. We start by getting our supercar fix, mulling the Pagani Huyara and its eventual move to the U.S. market. From there, we bring some informed analysis to General Motors regaining the largest automaker crown from Toyota and discuss the newly-confirmed Cadillac XTS and ATS. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #242:

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Infiniti M56
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
2012 Fiat 500

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk,
Guest: John McElroy
Runtime: 01:13:50

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #242

Autoblog Podcast #242 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #242 LIVE with John McElroy

Dan Roth — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, GM

We record Episode #242 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we're joined by Autoline host and Autoblog columnist John McElroy. Drop us your questions in our Q&A module (below) and check out our discussion topics or chime in to helm determine what the crew chats about this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #242
Pagani Huayra makes its U.S. Debut
General Motors back on top as world's largest carmaker
Will the confirmed Cadillac XTS and ATS help maintain momentum?

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast and hear your questions asked:
[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream - 10PM Eastern on Monday, August 08, 2011
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #242 LIVE with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New flagship Cadillac sedan given green light

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill

Cadillac XTS Platinum concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Recent spy photos show us that the all-new Cadillac XTS is already well on its way. But while the XTS will be the biggest Cadillac sedan in years, it won't be the top dog in the Wreath and Crest lineup for long.

GM Inside News reports that sources familiar with General Motors' product plans claim that a rear-drive flagship Cadillac has been approved for production. The green-lighted rear-wheel-drive platform has reportedly been given the internal name "Omega," playing off of the "Alpha" designation for the smaller rear-drive platform set to underpin the ATS and the next-gen CTS. The top-dog Caddy, which we've heard about plenty of times over the years, will reportedly receive plenty of Zeta bits, while at the same time using plenty of lightweight materials like aluminum. GMI also speculates that the fifth generation small-block V8 could find its way underhood, though we think powertrain speculation is a bit premature at this time.

The next generation Caddy flagship will reportedly see the light of day between 2015 and 2017, and GMI claims that the model may replace the forthcoming (front-drive based) all-wheel drive XTS. GMI says that its sources claim that current management isn't all that thrilled with how the XTS is shaping up, though we should point out that we haven't heard anything along those lines.

A big, luxurious rear-drive Cadillac sounds plenty good to us, but 2015 is a long way away...

New flagship Cadillac sedan given green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac XTS draws closer

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury

Cadillac XTS spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Work is well underway on Cadillac's upcoming new flagship. The XTS is slated to replace both the STS and DTS, and while this isn't the first time we've seen a test mule out in the open, it could be our best glimpse yet.

The new sedan is said to be riding on an extended version of General Motors' Epsilon II platform - the same architecture that underpins the Buick Regal and LaCrosse, the next Chevrolet Malibu and the new Saab 9-5. Power is expected to come in naturally-aspirated and turbocharged V6 forms, driving either the front wheels or all four depending on specification, when it comes along likely sometime late next year as a 2013 model. A turbocharged four has also been rumored, and of course we'd love to see a high-output XTS-V.

Our intrepid paparazzi say the XTS prototypes are wearing very similar camouflage to the much smaller ATS - which was beefed up to disguise its form under development. Very clever, GM, but not clever enough. Take a look at the spy shots in our gallery for a closer look.

Cadillac XTS draws closer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #221: Cadillac XTS, 2012 BMW 6 Series and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, Jaguar, Lexus, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #221 is here, and the two Chrises, Zach and Dan chat about the 2012 BMW 6 Series, whether or not the Cadillac XTS has a shot, and debate whether or not the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is hot, or a hot mess. Questions and feedback wrap it up, and it's an hour and twenty three minutes of fun this week. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #221: Cadillac XTS, 2012 BMW 6 Series and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

In the Autoblog Garage:

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:23:26

Get the podcast:
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #221: Cadillac XTS, 2012 BMW 6 Series and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #221

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW, Cadillac, Nissan

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

We record Episode #221 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we've plucked some topics for discussion. Use the forum below to drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what else we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #221

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #221 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Latest Cadillac XTS prototype caught inside and out

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury

Cadillac XTS spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen spy photos of Cadillac's upcoming XTS before, but only from far away. Now, our intrepid spy photographers have managed to get up-close and personal with the new Caddy flagship, giving us a sneak peak at the sedan's interior in the process.

Based on the XTS Platinum concept shown at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, this new Cadillac sedan will replace both the STS and DTS within the automaker's lineup. This way, the current entry-level CTS can move slightly upmarket to allow for a new, smaller ATS sedan (alphabet soup, we know) that is slated to arrive in the summer of 2012. The XTS is expected to use the same Epsilon II platform that underpins the Buick LaCrosse, and we expect both front- and all-wheel-drive variants to be available.

A quick glimpse at this prototype's interior shows that it will be very similarly designed to the CTS, though we certainly hope that higher-quality materials will be in place. (Let's be honest - the CTS' interior was fine for 2008, but it's ready for an update). Other new details spotted on this test car include a set of Brembo brakes up front (is an XTS-V in the works?) and large, 19-ish-inch wheels. See the full slate of photos in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Cadillac XTS: Spy Shots

[Sources: Jeremy Kupfer/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Latest Cadillac XTS prototype caught inside and out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Cadillac ATS hits the test track

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

Cadillac ATS mule - click above for high-res image gallery

Look what the spies have caught. Fresh from our time in the nothing-else-looks-like-it Cadillac CTS Coupe, comes these furtive shots of what we think is the upcoming Cadillac ATS. We've heard different rumors, but the dedicated BMW 3 Series fighter will either show up in 2013 as a 2014 model, or 2014 for the 2015 model year. Whenever it shows up, the ATS will be riding on a smaller version of GM's new/upcoming Alpha platform, the same basic RWD chassis that will also underpin the third generation CTS as well as the next Chevy Camaro.

We've taken a long, hard look at these spy shots, and have concluded that whatever sits under the CTS shell has had its wheelbase shrunk, leading us to believe this is in fact an ATS mule. The wheels are far too close to the passenger compartment. The other giveaway are the two places to insert fuel. At first we thought perhaps this is an XTS prototype and that the second orifice was (maybe) because of the new big Caddy's plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. However, we think the vestigial door in the photographs is actually there because of the shortened chassis of the ATS. Also, GM will be placing PHEV plugs on the driver's side for convenience. We've also heard nothing about an ATS PHEV, though an ATS Hybrid has been rumored.

As for the mule in these pictures, here's hoping whatever's under there is worthy of all six ducks.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Cadillac ATS

Spy Shots: Cadillac ATS hits the test track originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Cadillac XTS confirmed for production

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, Sedan, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

Cadillac XTS Platinum concept unveiled at 2010 Detroit Auto Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in January, we watched as Cadillac took the wraps off of its big XTS Platinum sedan concept under the Detroit Auto Show lights. And while parent company General Motors insisted on slapping the word "concept" behind the car's name, we were pretty sure that the XTS we saw in Cobo Hall was very close to being production-ready.

Now, a new report from Motor Trend states that GM has, in fact, given the Cadillac XTS the go-ahead. When it hits the streets, the XTS will replace both the aging STS and DTS in the Cadillac lineup, and will feature a plug-in hybrid system mated to a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 - the system originally developed for the Saturn Vue. MT also reports that a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter V6 could be in the works, and that GM hasn't necessarily ruled out the option of shoving a big ol' V8 under the Caddy's hood.

GM is also working hard to ensure that the XTS's high-zoot interior remains intact for the production car (or, as close as it can get). Cadillac is hoping to offer some proper competition for top-end German luxury cars with the XTS, and we'll know how it fares when it hits the road next year, badged as a 2012 model.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

Gallery: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: Cadillac XTS confirmed for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac distancing itself from parent GM to elude bankruptcy stigma?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Cadillac XTS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no way to misunderstand Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork on this: "The Cadillac brand is best communicated as Cadillac without GM." For proof of his intent all you'll need to do is swing by a Cadillac showroom where soon you'll be unable to find any trace of the words "General Motors" or any hint of marketing strategies like Red Tag Sales. Even Cadillac employees are changing their e-mails from @gm.com to @cadillac.com.

Cadillac's 2009 sales posted a slightly steeper drop than GM's overall decline, and this year the luxury brand is rebounding at about half the pace of GM overall, with a 14 percent rise vs. 31 percent for its parent. That doesn't mean we should assume that the perhaps unsavory associations with "Government Motors" is what's holding Cadillac back, but the brand doesn't want to leave anything undone in its quest to again be the best.

GM wants to move 140,000 Cadillacs this year, representing a 28 percent jump over last year's depressed figures. It's starting consumer research to figure out what buyers think of the brand, will soon reveal the first round of creative by its new ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty, and will introduce more leasing deals that luxury buyers are keen for. And neither it nor its dealers will bring up The Brand Which Must Not Be Mentioned. Hat tip to John!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

[Source: Bloomberg]

Cadillac distancing itself from parent GM to elude bankruptcy stigma? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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