Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

[vonVeezelsnider]

For the past decade, Cadillac has been transforming itself from a brand that built big, floaty old-school luxury cars for old-school customers into something much more contemporary to compete with the best premium brands from Europe. Unfortunately for General Motors, the process has been only partially successful. The Escalade has been a huge sales success for the brand and the CTS has achieved both critical and commercial acclaim. The STS and the first generation SRX, however, never quite struck a chord with the market and the DTS is just old.

A new SRX debuted last year, but now it's time to flesh out the rest of the lineup. The CTS in sedan, coupe and sportwagon forms is one of Autoblog's favorites. It's time to spread that goodness to both a smaller and larger sedan. Last August we saw styling concepts of both those cars, dubbed the ATS and XTS during a visit to the GM design studios. GM isn't publicly showing the 3 series-sized ATS just yet, but the XTS is debuting today at the Detroit Auto Show. The XTS Platinum concept is a preview of Cadillac's new flagship that's expected to start production in early 2012. Read on after the jump to learn all about it.

More: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-cadillac-xts-platinum-concept-ready-to-replace-sts/

http://jalopnik.com/5445942/cadillac-xts-platinum-concept-the-cadillac-of-luxo+barges

OK, so sleek and stylish rarely equate to muumuu, but bear with us. For starters, ignore the powetrain. It's a concept fercrissakes. Cadillac says the XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac's 3.6-liter V6 Direct Injection gas engine paired with a "plug-in hybrid system" — whatever the hell that is. To us that sounds a lot like a Volt-like Converj — which bores us a bit. No, the real story here is where this takes the Cadillac design language for the DTS and STS sedans — the current Cadillac of old fogey-mobiles.

The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future wreath-and-shield models' in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac's intuitive in- car electronics systems from deployable touch-screen navigation systems in the CTS and SRX product lines to a minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel they call a "dead front" design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate. Also, because in the XTS concept's current incarnation — the STS and DTS — it's probably the last car many owners will ever own because they're in their 80s.

On the outside, the XTS Platinum Concept has a distinctive proportion that supposedly "transcends the traditional aesthetic of luxury sedans and carries the brand's Art and Science design in a more progressive manner." We think the sleek profile and short, high deck lid makes it look like a spaceship on steroids. We kinda like it — but only in that "wow, look, it's a techno-barge from the 21st-and-a-half century" kind of way. It's the kind of thing we hope we never end up buying, but it we did, we'd play with all the toys and run our hands over the piano black instrument panel until we'd rubbed the gloss right off. Because frankly, it's just damn sexy. Is that American luxury? Not lately it hasn't been, no.

Alright so I reserved my opinion until I saw the car and I am now going to say that these pictures are not promising! I'm sorry this does not cut it, especially the side profile which is atrocious. Not only that but less than 204in, and a wheelbase only an inch longer than the W-Body Impala? Even the current DTS has a wheelbase in excess of 115in. I can't even begin to start. Short hood, LaX-ish side profile, nonexistent rear deck (a big Cadillac should have a noticeable decklid) all seem to spell out a smaller car with much less interior space and no doubt another 12cu ft. trunk at the expense of styling. Sure it might look better in person like the Terrain but I don't know how well I am going to warm up to this car.

That being said the interior does show an impressive attention to detail which will hopefully transfer to the production model.

Edited January 12, 2010 by Dodgefan

[Paolino]

Exterior: not too impressive.

Interior: Sign me up. That, to me, is GORGEOUS!

[Blake Noble]

Why am I so horribly disappointed when I knew this was coming?

GM's going to build a front-drive geezermobile for Old Ma and Pa Kettle from Wisconsin again, oh joy. Could someone just try to still my beating heart? Please? Do it the same way Grandma Ethel's heart was stilled before she crashed her DTS into a mailbox post if you can. I can't stand the excitement going on here.

Nice interior, though.

Edited January 12, 2010 by whiteknight

[C.H.U.D.]

It's sexy front-driver, but not what Cadillac should be doing at all.

[bobo]

The front looks ok, but the rest of the car is poorly proportioned. Not very exciting.

[Lamar]

Interior is wonderful.

Exterior's not bad, design-wise... but it looks to follow current Cadillac trends, not lead as a proper flagship should do.

Also, please let just the concept be on EPII...

[daves87rs]

I like it. It's simple, yet easy on the eyes.

I need to see it in other colors though too...

[vonVeezelsnider]

I'm really not digging it only from the B-Pillar back (poorly proportioned). I think it should have a more formal roofline and a longer deck. Also I'm not digging that convex rear end that shows up in the side profile. Additionally- a spoiler, on a Cadillac? Really?

I would've reacted more favorably if there was some fin action in the back, even ala the 1965-68 models where the taillights were the longest point on the car or at the very least equant to the rest of the rear end.

Edited January 12, 2010 by vonVeezelsnider

[Nick]

I really want to like it, but I can't.

The rear is horrible, the profile is not good. That chassis really shows through.

The interior... nice materials and attention to detail. Some nice design cues, but lacking, in my opinion. Especially the rear (kind of bland...an extended center console could've added some nice touches, although that would take away from the middle passenger, but I'd say it would be worth it for the sake of design and luxury features.) That high beltline creates the need for such vast surrounds which ultimately create a lot of empty space. I suppose it is absurd to consider that every square inch should be sculpted somehow...more of a drawback due to the chassis than anything else I'd imagine.

It's a nice DTS replacement.

[Justin Bimmer]

I'm sleeping on it.

But, you cant put a CTS coupe rear on an XTS

[Intrepidation]

Like the interior. Exterior is ok but it suffers from the tall/thick nose the SRX does.

[regfootball]

this in no way fits into a company that badly needs a flagship that should be futuristic looking in 3 years when it hits.

dear GOD the C&G chop (who did that one) is FAR better than this!

I like Mr. Lutz but honestly to let this crap out of the design center for a concept he oughta be called out for mailing it in.

I know GM was short on cash, but......

everyone's gonna have a field day with this one. i know the geezer set may like this, but that's about all.

some of the interior detailing is ok like parts of the center stack and the suede armrest (which should get nicely stained and smelly from arm oil and god knows what other fluids and oils will find its way onto that stuff over the life of the vehicle).

someone better get me Mr. What acres on the phone so i can give him an earful on why this is a half assed effort.

[Intrepidation]

Reg you mean this? I did it.

[mustang84]

I think they really hit the mark on the styling for the XTS. I just wish it was RWD.

[regfootball]

Reg you mean this? I did it.

yeah, that one, the one that is INTERESTING!

[regfootball]

the XTS concept looks like a stretched Jetta sedan with a cadillac nose grafted on it (from the front quarter view).

wow. this car sucks. i'm sorry, but it does. GM ought to be ashamed of such a half assed effort on this.

if it were a model besides a cadillac flagship maybe you could excuse the bland design.

and the back quarter view is a little more interesting. maybe the sheer size of the car makes it more dynamic.

if it had a longer wheelbase and a longer hood before the windshield it could possibly rescue it. but the short wheel base is doing more harm than anything.

there is no originality or detail in the front or rear end. look at the new cts coupe from the top rear, its got lots of innovation on where the elements stop and start and the shapes and the angles of everything.

this is just a big hunk of mass with a sweeping side groove on a generic cadillac facade and tail. the interior is far too restrained, the new focus interior has more detail.

there is nothing special about the wheel wells around the tires. just BLAH!

Edited January 12, 2010 by regfootball

[Delta Force79]

Oh how I long for the Sixteen, this is just dull and boring.

[ZL-1]

I definitely like the interior, hope it's not dumbed down much for production.

As fas as the exterior goes, I'm undecided: part of my brain says 'yes', part of my brain says 'no' as perhaps the styling theme/cues would work better on a Zeta-based car.

As far as mechanics, I don't care one bit if it's plug-in hybrid or not as long as Cadillac gives consumers a valid reason to buy this thing over a LaCrosse.

EDIT - And I hope we see enough of this 'Platinum' stuff. Offer fully contented vehicles as your value offer. It's much more fittng of the Cadillac name to say 'we offer value by delivering on equipment' than to say 'look this costs 15K less than than a BMW, Audi or MB'. Do that consistently, and in time you gain pricing power.

Edited January 12, 2010 by ZL-1

[ocnblu]

Well, I'm glad they didn't give it too much front overhang like the new SRX, but the hood is too short. The Epsilon II platform and its hard points do this car NO JUSTICE, hate the short door-to-front-wheel distance. For me, there is something of the drama of an old-school Cadillac (as in vonVee's sig) in the design from the A-pillar back, but something is awkward. OH.MY.GOD. That's it... compare the SAAB 9-5 to this, and suddenly the XTS is BLS part II. It's in the stance. The SAAB is already out for viewing, and with this car following, it inevitably enters my mind that it shares a certain proportion and stance with the lesser Swedish sister. Not a good way to give your supposed "flagship" a commanding air of cutting-edge newness.

Something else, I am already imagining it in livery service, as a limo or hearse. It looks like it would transition well that way.

The interior is suitably beautiful and serene.

I don't like GM's trend of tiny decklids, either.

[1970s]

Interior better than expected, exterior a little underwhelming compared to my expectations, engine and drivetrain about equal to expectations and not stunning but probably about right for what this is trying to be.

As regards size I can understand that if this is to replace both STS and DTS it makes some sense to find a sweet spot in there but nonetheless it'll be a little odd when one cannot get a truly large sized Caddy - that not only the Lincoln but also the Mercedes are longer. In terms of practical interior room however it is probably quite good.

I can't help also wishing one could find at least one big American sedan with more traditional profile and appearance with a long hood and deck and overhangs and more upright glass. I think even something based on Zeta would have given some of those virtues like a longer hood.

So far I guess I have mixed feelings and this isn't compellingly better to me than the very nice Lacrosse. I wonder what the price premium will be.

I wonder what sorts of deals will be available for the DTS, STS, and Lucernes that are left on lots after production peters out...

[bowtie_dude]

I love everything about this car and I think all of you are crazy.

[Robert Hall]

It's um....different. The last 25 years of FWD full size Cadillacs (deVille, DTS) didn't have such odd proportions. The nose is so short. The short front wheel well to door distance screams FWD genericism. The greenhouse looks like the current Malibu stretched out. Oh well. The interior is nice, though.

2nd thought..maybe GM with this (and the LaCrosse) is doing their spin on cab forward, maximizing the cabin space w/ minimal front and rear.

Edited January 12, 2010 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[avant1963]

Someone stuck a Caddy emblem on a Mercury Milan.

Headlight shapes have to change for the production.

Does not look like a Caddy.

Biggest let down of the show so far.

[pow]

So, no, it's not an S-class or 7-series competitor, but I think there's a market for such a Cadillac. It looks much nicer than the LaCrosse, and Caddy could potentially offer all the equipment in smk4565's wet dreams to adequately differentiate it from its lesser Epsilon II siblings. Think Lexus ES (a sales hit, by the way), made one size larger.

[bowtie_dude]

I'm starting to remember why I stopped coming here. You people are really negative and incredibly hard to please.

The power train in this concept is perfectly appropriate for the base model. See: Mercedes S400, BMW 740i. I keep seeing people say its FWD, but according to the PR its AWD. Seems normal to me. Whose to say its not RWD? Nowhere does it mention its FWD unless I missed something.

This car is gorgeous, especially for its segment. Compared to the S-Class, 7-series and the LS its the most striking car in its class.

I'm not sure what everyone was expecting. I guarantee you people will love this.

Edited January 12, 2010 by bowtie_dude

[pow]

On closer inspection, one thing I notice is the narrow driver's footwell. I know CR complained about the LaCrosse's intrusive center console and front wheelwell, and this looks no different. Check out the size of that dead pedal...

That interior is gorgeous, though... easily comparable to a production S-Class.

Edited January 12, 2010 by pow

[bowtie_dude]

So, no, it's not an S-class or 7-series competitor, but I think there's a market for such a Cadillac. It looks much nicer than the LaCrosse, and Caddy could potentially offer all the equipment in smk4565's wet dreams to adequately differentiate it from its lesser Epsilon II siblings. Think Lexus ES (a sales hit, by the way), made one size larger.

Its not? How did you come to that conclusion?

[pow]

Well, I'm glad they didn't give it too much front overhang like the new SRX, but the hood is too short. The Epsilon II platform and its hard points do this car NO JUSTICE, hate the short door-to-front-wheel distance. For me, there is something of the drama of an old-school Cadillac (as in vonVee's sig) in the design from the A-pillar back, but something is awkward. OH.MY.GOD. That's it... compare the SAAB 9-5 to this, and suddenly the XTS is BLS part II. It's in the stance. The SAAB is already out for viewing, and with this car following, it inevitably enters my mind that it shares a certain proportion and stance with the lesser Swedish sister. Not a good way to give your supposed "flagship" a commanding air of cutting-edge newness.

Something else, I am already imagining it in livery service, as a limo or hearse. It looks like it would transition well that way.

The interior is suitably beautiful and serene.

I don't like GM's trend of tiny decklids, either.

Superimposed on each other, you can see it's a LaCrosse with a larger rear overhang. I see no 9-5 in it at all. Some wheelbase as the LaX, too. The curvature of the door panel and dash meeting place is similar as well.

[pow]

Its not? How did you come to that conclusion?

Size. Epsilon II is narrow. Drivetrain. This is transverse FWD architecture with Haldex-style AWD.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not complaining about this vehicle because I realize it's not a budget-destroying $100K flagship. Instead, it's a perfectly saleable Cadillac.

Edited January 12, 2010 by pow

[bowtie_dude]

Size. Epsilon II is narrow. Drivetrain. This is transverse FWD architecture with Haldex-style AWD.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not complaining about this vehicle because I realize it's not a budget-destroying $100K flagship. Instead, it's a perfectly saleable Cadillac.

I think you're basing too much opinion off too little information.

[Camino LS6]

Passable as a direct replacement for DTS, but that's not good enough.

This car will hold Caddy back, and give the critics some serious ammo to hurt them with.

Must be a Fritz car, it reflects his flawed thinking.

They would have been better-off tweaking the STS.

5 out of 10

[GMTruckGuy74]

I like it, though it's definitely not "'96 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham top-of-the-line"-ish enough for me to be called a "flagship" model of the brand. Maybe as a replacement for the outgoing DTS, but not as a DTS/STS combo. And Buick is already going after the Lexus ES with the LaCrosse, Caddy needs not apply for that position. I too was expecting to see a somewhat watered down 'Sixteen' here, but that's not what GM gave us. Hopefully the ATS doesn't disappoint.

[Camino LS6]

Honestly, I hope they still have the flexibility to not put this into production.

I think this car will hurt the brand at exactly the wrong time.

[vonVeezelsnider]

On closer inspection, one thing I notice is the narrow driver's footwell. I know CR complained about the LaCrosse's intrusive center console and front wheelwell, and this looks no different. Check out the size of that dead pedal...

That interior is gorgeous, though... easily comparable to a production S-Class.

for comparison's sake the footwell might not be narrow as you think if you compare it to this pic of the current DTS which has lots of room to stretch. Of course it does have a smaller steering wheel than the DTS/Lucerne/Impala so that might hurt the frame of reference a bit.

Also the back seat for comparison's sake

The back seat and front Fascia are probably my favorite parts of this car, I love how the back seat is sculpted and styled like that- it almost reminds me of a late 60s- early 70s big GM car (Cadillac or Buick).

Regardless I think I'll drive it when it comes out but I'm skeptical that those proportions will look any better in person.

Edited January 12, 2010 by vonVeezelsnider

[Intrepidation]

I think I'd rather see the STS reskinned with these styling cues and interior and keep it than this car.

I don't get why GM doesn't do that...it's not like Sigma is a bad platform...it's one of their best. Why not better utilize it in teh Cadillac brand?

[Brougham-Holiday]

If this this close to the production version we are going to see either a. sales flop because this car does nothing the DTS couldn't do, but the DTS looks more like a Cadillac, b. a major re-skin because of poor public reaction, c. a half hearted re-skin to try and save the car.

Toss on a set of white walls and its clear Cadillac made a retro 86 FWD Fleetwood/DeVille.

[Intrepidation]

I do prefer this to the DTS, but the bar was set pretty low and it looks more like it compete withe the LaCrosse than the S-Class, 7 Series, and LS.

[Brougham-Holiday]

Just checking out GM's facebook page, everyone there seems to have the same reaction that we had. I've got a feeling GM is going to have to do something before this car hits the market because the styling just isn't right.

[Intrepidation]

It looks best from this angle of the 3 exterior photos.

From that angle it does actually look quite nice.

[ZL-1]

I don't get why GM doesn't do that...it's not like Sigma is a bad platform...it's one of their best. Why not better utilize it in teh Cadillac brand?

GM will not invest in Sigma anymore. Probably a fairly smart move as Alpha can cover the smaller RWD car segments and Zeta or, better, a lightened version of Zeta can eventually cover or the larger RWD segments... Then there's always the chance GM will abandon any hopes of having a car aimed squarely at the S-Class/7-Series/A8, and will offer this XTS until the DTS/STS customer base, i.e. those who want a not-so-edgy Cadillac, dies off.

Edited January 12, 2010 by ZL-1

[bowtie_dude]

Autoblog likes it. Says its all but production-ready.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-cadillac-xts-platinum-conpect-is-anything-but/

That may not sound like buckets of oomph, but when compared to the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid – the XTS's probable direct competitor – makes 295 hp. The XTS theoretically makes 295 pound-feet of torque, too. For those of you not geeked on the hybrid bandwagon, Cadillac's general manager Bryan Nesbitt posed an interesting hypothetical question, "Is the largest displacement engine the only symbol of luxury?"

As for the XTS itself, it looks like a big Cadillac., which if you stop and think about is is a good thing. Cadillacs should be big, and this sucker is large – within a couple of inches of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, according to both Caddy and our highly unscientific eyeball-based measuring system. We also thought the XTS was significantly better looking in person than in the preview pictures that broke last night. Supposedly there are lots of design cues borrowed from Cadillac's legendary Sixteen Concept, but aside from the grille we're not seeing it.

The XTS has its own mojo going on, especially when it comes to the interior. Here's where the Platinum part comes in. Nesbitt explained that Cadillac intends the XTS Platinum to be a "personal headquarters." We're not going to buy into the CEO and wannabe CEO pandering, but lordy is the interior fabulous. Featuring intricate laser-perforated stitching on the leather and synthetic-suede bits with sharp looking burled wood covering everything else, we have to say that with the exception of the Bentley Mulsanne, the XTS Platinum Concept has the best interior at the show. Call it the Cadillac of interiors. Video of the live reveal is available after the jump.

[Croc]

I'm starting to remember why I stopped coming here. You people are really negative and incredibly hard to please.

Read the top banner: "GM's Biggest Fans and Toughest Critics"

[Justin Bimmer]

They will make some changes to this before selling it. But at the same time, this doesn't eliminate a RWD car from the mix either. If Cadillac was selling an STS next to a DTS all these years, why would having a Sigma AWD next to a Zeta RWD be a departure?

[Justin Bimmer]

Also, there is still PLENTY of time to get a Zeta Cadillac ready for 2013 release.

[Camino LS6]

But supposedly, this thing is already on a fast track for production as a 2012 model.

I just don't see them doing this and a Zeta Caddy.

[ZL-1]

I just don't see them doing this and a Zeta Caddy.

Me neither, it would be a waste of money.

[Camino LS6]

I do hope I'm wrong about that, however.

[turbo200]

i understand the negative reaction here. the side surfacing is rather dull and owes a lot to 4 year old lexus models [think gs, ls and you are on the right track]. on to the proportions which are actually not all bad, and that combined with the cadillac elegantly sloped roofline and nice greenhouse combine so that the side profile is one of the most attractive elements of the car, but still, that view is like a heavily upgraded DTS. and that my friends, is where a lot of the disappointment sets in. cadillac really made a traditional car to appeal to traditional buyers. this is no 7-series competitor, because that car is athletic. this car has no pretense for athleticism.

i feel this concept is not a bad one. but it's one that should have come after cadillac fleshed out its lineup and decided to appeal to new luxury buyers in full force, with a full lineup of modern aggressive cars/suvs. there's room for traditional cars, look at bentley. with the continental they appeal to those who like more daring and emotive design; with the arnage it's those that prefer luxury that looks old world.

i'm actually pretty okay with this design, other than what i stated that i wished caddy had established its sport brand before continuing the tradition brand; but my problem with caddy production design is it never fully embraces moving forward. the rear end treatment is tired, the converj had more progressive cues while still in line with the fins and large clean middle section, even the exposed LED diodes under the taillights are five or six years old now with the the DTS, and beyond boooooring and tasteless really; they just don't look appealing stacked up in one straight line, that may work elsewhere, but not with this design. cadillac could have gotten more creative with the sides. converj again was thrilling and shocking and amazing in this respect, but none of that is here. cadillac production design can never fully embrace the best of what the conceptual side is thinking.

i think this can find an audience. the best car possible though would be to include the hybrid powertrain standard. i agree with the above statements that the regular 3.6 will be overwhelmed, and a big blingy powerful looking caddy like this should not feel overwhelmed. a nice caddy hybrid with that interior though and a good comfortable looking exterior has a good chance at success. it's too bad that there isn't a cadillac brand already established, a concise cadillac message, to allow for this departure [from CTS], to allow for this side adventure.

Edited January 12, 2010 by turbo200

[Justin Bimmer]

XTS driving at NAIAS

This photo makes the car look a lot better. All the images of it from the ground up is what is distorting this car.

[DetroitNut90]

I have to say, I like it.

Two things: the greenhouse is a little odd, especially as it stretches over the back door and the center stack reminds me ever-so-slightly of the Lexus LS. It's nothing groundbreaking nor envelope-pushing (like what Cadillac should be showcasing), but it's nice enough for what it is, IMO.