Report: Cadillac XTS Headed to Production, Mostly Unchanged from Concept

Cadillac will move ahead with production plans for its new flagship XTS luxury sedan, with the vehicle remaining mostly unchanged from from the concept car shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. Slated to replace both the STS and DTS, the XTS won’t quite compete head-to-head with the Lexus LS, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class, due mostly to a slightly smaller interior and the lack of a rear-wheel drive. But don’t worry, XTS will at least be available as an AWD model. It is, however, longer and wider than an S-Class.

According to a report by Motor Trend, Cadillac is not only intent on keeping the exterior style of the concept, but is also planning on retaining the impressive interior – that easily rivals segment leaders like the Audi A8.

Shown as a plug-in hybrid in concept form, using an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 gasoline engine making a total of 350-hp, this drivetrain is unlikely. GM has recently admitted that the company’s plug-in hybrids are to be limited to the Volt and Opel Ampera in Europe, due to short supply of parts. However, a non-plug in hybrid system is a possibility. There’s also reason to believe that instead of a typical V8 under the hood, GM will deliver a rumored twin-turbo V6.

GALLERY: Cadillac XTS Concept Unveiled in Detroit

GALLERY: Cadillac XTS Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]