GM Reveals Cadillac XTS Concept!

[FenwickHockey65]

Cadillac Unveils The XTS Platinum Concept
Link to Press Release

* A new study re-imagining the luxury sedan, showcasing the progression of the Cadillac Art and Science philosophy
* Designed from the inside out, featuring a new concept for the interface between the driver and the auto electronics
* Plug-in hybrid system is matched with a 3.6L V-6 and all-wheel drive for dynamic and efficient performance

January 12, 2010

DETROIT – Cadillac unveiled the XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, suggesting a new paradigm for the luxury sedan of the future. The concept showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

The XTS Platinum Concept was designed from the inside out, re-imagining the luxury sedan as a personal headquarters, built for efficiency, luxury and connectivity. The concept introduces a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car’s entertainment, navigation and information systems.

“The XTS Platinum concept is the next expression of Cadillac’s Art and Science execution philosophy, reflecting our drive to deliver the latest innovations in the most artful manner,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury.”

The XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac’s 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in technology enables the battery to fully charge from a standard electrical outlet, enabling pure electric propulsion in many driving situations, especially urban commutes in which fuel efficiency may double that of a conventional hybrid.

Traditional luxury sedans were defined by elegant interiors and Cadillac’s XTS Platinum Concept propels that formula into the future. It delivers new approaches to luxury within a design that combines fine craftsmanship with customer-driven innovation. Like the current Platinum Edition products, such as Escalade Platinum and the STS and DTS Platinum sedans, the interior is based on hand cut-and-sewn materials. The XTS Platinum Concept injects more contemporary forms and themes into the interior design, including the use of Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays in place of traditional gauges and screens.

The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future models with respect to in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac’s intuitive in-car electronics systems, typified by the deployable touch-screen navigation system that has been highly acclaimed in the brand’s CTS and SRX product lines. The XTS Platinum Concept previews this strategy via the minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel. They call it a “dead front” design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate. The instrument panel itself reflects the XTS Platinum’s other focus – uncompromising luxury and attention to detail on the interior.

“The Platinum distinction in Cadillac means the fullest extent of luxury and technology and we’ve tried to reach even further with this concept,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac design director. “Just as the technology pushes the boundaries of what a Cadillac can offer, so do the details that make the XTS Platinum Concept an uncompromising experience.”

The interior takes inspiration from nature, specifically the intricate layers of petals that combine to form an orchid. Cadillac designers translated that into a layered and detailed interior. Light cream is the cabin’s primary color and is contrasted with darker elements, such as the steering wheel and an overhead console motif that runs the length of interior’s roof. The console is made of a richly finished wood and houses lighting features.

Premium leather seats include a new style of automotive suede, with a laser-etched pattern. The patterned material adorns the center sections of the seats and accents the door trim. Thoughtfully detailed stitching is used throughout the interior, including the seats, instrument panel and door panels. Passengers in the spacious rear compartment of the XTS Platinum Concept also have access to the car’s connectivity feature, along with a range of infotainment choices.

“We never lost sight of the fact that a large luxury sedan needs to be spacious and accommodating,” said Dean. “Passengers will find generous headroom, legroom and knee space, along with the technology elements that make the drive more productive.”

A new proportion

The XTS Platinum Concept has a distinctive proportion that transcends the traditional aesthetic of luxury sedans and carries the brand’s Art and Science design in a more progressive manner. The unique proportion supports the “inside out” design priority, while creating a sleek profile that complements the car’s advanced technology elements and necessary aerodynamics.

“The XTS Platinum Concept design artfully conveys its focus on functionality through technology,” said Dean. “It is the antithesis of the conventional three-box sedan, suggesting the active evolution of Cadillac’s design language.”

A sweeping profile culminates in a short, high deck lid that meets the XTS Platinum Concept’s aerodynamic needs – including a rear spoiler mounted on the deck lid, incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp. A high, sloping beltline gestures the vehicle forward, suggesting motion, while the fenders flare outward wrapping tightly around 20-inch wheels and tires. The wheel-to-body proportion was carefully tailored to visually communicate the car’s all-wheel-drive chassis.

Like the interior, the exterior elements are precisely tailored and elegantly detailed. Brushed billet aluminum trim is used selectively and the 20-inch, 11-spoke wheels feature a brushed aluminum face accented with bright inserts within the spokes. The wheels are wrapped with special Bridgestone tires that were created specifically for the XTS Platinum Concept.

Signature elements essential to Cadillac’s Art and Science design language include vertical headlamp and taillamps, with integrated light pipes and richly detailed lighting components. The headlamps feature light-emitting diode technology for bright illumination that requires less energy, as well as Cadillac’s Adaptive Forward Lighting technology, which turns the headlamps with the direction of the front wheels for greater visibility in turns.

Purposeful and efficient performance

The XTS Platinum concept’s plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system (PHEV) builds on the experience Cadillac has gained with the Escalade Hybrid and Escalade Platinum Hybrid flagship models. The plug-in capability boosts the car’s electric-only driving capability, offering additional battery energy capacity and enabling it to recharge from a standard external electrical outlet. The key benefit of external plug-in recharging is that in many situations – such as overnight parking – the battery can fully recharge in roughly five hours while the car is not in use. The plug-in system operates at maximum efficiency when operating on power the battery has drawn from the electric grid. In some conditions, such as urban commutes, drivers can experience efficiency that doubles that of conventional hybrids.

At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine power and electric power or engine power only, propels the vehicle. The combination of the Direct Injection V-6 engine and the PHEV system featuring fully electric variable drive provides a spirited driving experience. The system provides an estimated 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) enables the XTS Platinum Concept to deliver superior road-holding performance while maintaining luxury car composure in “regular” driving conditions. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

MRC uses electronic sensors at all four wheels to literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions.

An advanced, specially calibrated all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in wet and slippery conditions, and helps deliver maximum traction while cornering. Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-channel ABS, StabiliTrak stability control and full-function traction control complete the drivetrain details.

“The XTS Platinum Concept was designed to deliver an engaging driving experience without compromising the functional features, space and comfort customers seek in a luxury car,” said Nesbitt. “It is a new vision of luxury that uses advanced technology to deliver functionality efficiently and rewardingly.”

[The_Blur]

It isn't as much a winner as a CTS, but it's definitely a Cadillac.

[FxsX24]

produce this NOW! it will sell

[FenwickHockey65]

GM.

Produce it.

As-is.

[Milk 1027]

Hybrid LLT?

or new engine?

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

Hybrid LLT?

or new engine?

Apparently it is the 3.6L SIDI V6 paired up with a PHEV system.

[305pride]

doesnt look as epic as the cts, but it looks like it could compete with a bunch of what the other companies have and like the vw cc. looks like it could be awesome. the styling is ok, i'll probably love it down the road. ihate how some current cadillacs look though like the dts and the sts

[Milk 1027]

Interesting....

[FenwickHockey65]

Sources are indicating production in 2012 with standard AWD.

[lil_chef]

i think it looks like the second coming when comparing it to the boring 7 series/ Audi A8/ mercedes offering

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

Interesting....

This isn't as encouraging as a couple of the other responses. Is it the dome-like shape of the pinstripe line, the colored headlights, the rear wheel's strangely long distance from the rear of the car, the digital dash, or some other feature that just doesn't seem right to you?

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

This isn't as encouraging as a couple of the other responses. Is it the dome-like shape of the pinstripe line, the colored headlights, the rear wheel's strangely long distance from the rear of the car, the digital dash, or some other feature that just doesn't seem right to you?

No, I like it.
Certainly better than the boring designs Mercedes offers.

The engine choice is what intrigues me.
I mean, I understand the whole going green thing, but this just seems strange to me.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

No, I like it.
Certainly better than the boring designs Mercedes offers.

The engine choice is what intrigues me.
I mean, I understand the whole going green thing, but this just seems strange to me.

I think this might be a good call. I think that a lot of people in this segment might be more interested in the feel than the number of cylinders. This isn't exactly a performance product.

[DarthNacho08]

its nice, but it doesn't interest me

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

No, I like it.
Certainly better than the boring designs Mercedes offers.

The engine choice is what intrigues me.
I mean, I understand the whole going green thing, but this just seems strange to me.

I'd say it's also a performance thing.

The PHEV system in the XTS can power the car up to 40 MPH, meaning that launches will be electrically driven...meaning instant torque.

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

I think this might be a good call. I think that a lot of people in this segment might be more interested in the feel than the number of cylinders. This isn't exactly a performance product.

It dosen't have to do with the number of cylinders, but rather the hybrid part.
I think people that want this car should be given the choice of whether they want to go green or not.
It's a nice car to turn down the segment who doesn't want a hybrid car.

That's just my opinion though.

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

I'd say it's also a performance thing.

The PHEV system in the XTS can power the car up to 40 MPH, meaning that launches will be electrically driven...meaning instant torque.

good point...

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by Milk 1027

It dosen't have to do with the number of cylinders, but rather the hybrid part.
I think people that want this car should be given the choice of whether they want to go green or not.
It's a nice car to turn down the segment who doesn't want a hybrid car.

That's just my opinion though.


good point...

For the sake of argument—I haven't played devil's advocate in far too long—let's consider this: the option of going green hasn't been an option for cars that green buyers would eagerly choose. For instance, a smart fortwo hardly makes a grocery getter that can get more than a couple bags of groceries. Alternatively, a Suburban, despite its ability to carry a platoon of children, has no torque-lacking green alternative.

The argument, then, is that the green part is just a small part of the car. Regardless of the political ramifications of being green, GM has engineered a Cadillac that looks good and carries a primary motor that acts as a counterweight to the fact that GM is still struggling to sell enough pro-CAFE products to avoid one of two great evils: massive tax penalties for failing to adhere to CAFE or the end of so many products that we enthusiasts know and love. Sadly, we cannot expect CAFE to get repealed. Not enough Camaro5 members, despite our gargantuan size and lobbying potential, are politically active enough to make even a single call to their elected officials, regardless of party, to demand CAFE's repeal. This leaves us two very important alternatives that could reshape the automotive industry: we accept green cars as a standard for certain non-performance products or we say goodbye to most of our performance products. What would you rather have? I know where I stand.

[305pride]

green cars arent bad. the more green cars thats out there, the more better off the earth is, the more we can hold on to our camaros.

[Muscle Master]

I swear I want this car !!!!!!

As I mature a lil bit, I'm starting to sway from performance cars to luxury brands ... I don't know why but that's sexy

I don't like the hybrid part, but give me the LLT alone and I would gladly buy it over a camaro

[DGthe3]

I don't love it but it does what it intends well: big flagship Cadillac. Exterior could be a touch bolder (this is Cadillac remember), but no more than a touch. The powertrain choice makes sense, base engine is the 3.6 DI, offer a two mode hybrid system and spread out some of the Volt's battery development cost, then introduce a XTS-V with a Gen V V8 engine.

[TAG UR IT]

The seats have back packs on them!!!!




Sorry...first reaction.

Not too sure what to think either.

[Zeus]

They need a new chief designer imo.


Would it kill them to throw in some curves? The interior is stellar, but the exterior has that same old straight-edged Cadillac thing going on which I am not a huge fan of.

[bwnunnally]

I think the idea of a hybrid powerboost with the 3.6L LLT is very exciting; Cadillac needs a 350 hp range engine. If they can get the pricing right making the hybrid 3.6L the mainline update to the 3.6L in the Camaro and the CTS would be interesting. Cadillac has been missing a 2-stage hybrid in a car (Escalade Hybrid is available).

I would also like to see an LSx engine available in the DTS, and I suspect we will see the 3.6L w/o hybrid as the entry-level version.

[2010 SSRS]

Nice

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Zeus

They need a new chief designer imo.


Would it kill them to throw in some curves? The interior is stellar, but the exterior has that same old straight-edged Cadillac thing going on which I am not a huge fan of.

Cadillac's design theme IS straight lines and edges. If you want curves, you're going to want to look at Buick.