Spy Shots: Latest Cadillac XTS prototype caught (STS/DTS replacement)
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Spy Shots: Latest Cadillac XTS prototype caught (STS/DTS replacement)
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.
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.
Wow...lots and lots and lots of chrome on that interior 
Shifter has barely changed from mid 1990s GM, steering wheel looks like corporate GM parts...this will be interesting. Are we sure this isn't another ATS test car? The exterior looks strangely devoid of chrome trim for a top level rig and that interior look's pretty downscale.
Shifter has barely changed from mid 1990s GM, steering wheel looks like corporate GM parts...this will be interesting. Are we sure this isn't another ATS test car? The exterior looks strangely devoid of chrome trim for a top level rig and that interior look's pretty downscale.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,540
Likes: 273
From: Illinois
All of their designs are the same.... they all have the same looking headlights, same taillights, same blinged out oversized grills, the interiors are all the same, same sharp body-lines... I mean you can almost predict what the next cars will look like from these guys.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Cadillac still needs a big, heavy, smooth, soft-riding car for the old folks, though. That need was nicely fulfilled with the DTS (and the somewhat similiar Buick Lucerne), despite their (admittedly) dated powertrains and somewhat cheap interior materials. Now, with those cars on the way out (and the Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis also all but gone), where are the smooth-rider fans going to go without spending $90,000 for a Mercedes S-class? Look at the shorter wheelbase and those low-profile tires on the masked-prototype in the picture (it probably has a firmer suspenson than the DTS, too). Even without driving it, I'll predict it won't equal the DTS' soft ride. But, of course, good suspension engineering can do wonders for a ride-handling combo...the old DTS, admittedly, had comfort, but it also anything but good handling. And, I'll admit, when I sampled the new Buick LaCrosse, I was very impressed with the steering/chassis, which lacked some of the pillow-softness of the old LaCrosse, but still retained some ride comfort and had a far better ride/handling combo.
And, of course, the old FWD DTS lacked an AWD option......if Caddy is smart, they'll include it on this new model, like Lincoln did with their flagship MKS.
And, of course, the old FWD DTS lacked an AWD option......if Caddy is smart, they'll include it on this new model, like Lincoln did with their flagship MKS.
Nobody is saying there is something wrong with that. I was just pointing out that this consistency is very boring. There is nothing to look forward to because odds are, if they keep on this path, the next design will look near identical with only minor tweaks.