2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Is The Cadillac XTS Ecstasy Or Agony?

With day two of the 2010 North American International Auto Show being quite -- uhm, er, lame -- disappointing, the biggest reveal came from the boys and girls over at General Motors.

The car in question: the brand's range-topping XTS.

Although this is considered a concept, rumors have hinted this could be something more. If it was built, it would likely take on other brand's range toppers because its price point would be pushed up due to a lot of the technology stuffed into the all-new XTS. Which makes it a tough choice for GM to "green light." In that class, there is very tough competition vying for a relatively small market share. Probably would be best to hold off on the XTS until GM is a more financially stable firm.

But, let's get back down to brass tacks. When I saw this car at the end of the summer, I thought two things:

1) That's a damn good looking car.

AND...

2) Thank God they are getting around to replacing the DTS/STS.

And, to provide a little more color on this auto, I spoke to 001 who had this to say: "Overall, I see the new car as a more masculine Jaguar XJ...I think it is better looking inside and out."

Additionally, 001 added that he feels it is not a true competitor to the Germans and that it is a very unique piece. He felt the new rear end really channels the Cadillac of old.

What say you, Spies? Cadillac's trying VERY hard to impress you and build the best cars. Did they hit or miss?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Autocar reports:

"Cadillac has shown off its new flagship premium saloon - and it can be engineered for righ-hand drive the company has confirmed.

The over five metre long Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept is the first glimpse at the STS and DTS replacement, which is due to hit the US market in 2012. The plug-in hybrid XTS features the firm’s Art and Science design language seen in the smaller CTS, but the styling is more contemporary and less aggressive than traditional Cadillac models.

The all-wheel-drive XTS is able to travel on electric power only for short distances, with a 345bhp, 295lb ft 3.6-litre V6 engine providing power for longer distances..."


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M53R - 1/12/2010 7:18:13 PM

+9 Boost

That is definitely a handsome looking car.

LuxuryFan - 1/12/2010 7:24:37 PM

-5 Boost

The exterior is a garish jumble of other automakers' designs, while the interior is rather well done. I do wish that the center console was designed using some type of brushed metal, though.

Joe_Limon - 1/12/2010 7:36:00 PM

-3 Boost

Stunning, my only comment is I hope they tone back the dash display a bit. It's too strong and radical.

dumpsty - 1/13/2010 12:42:06 PM

+2 Boost

I disagree.

Strong & radical is what Cadillac needs to continue their resurgence in the luxury vehicle market on the global level. Both the interior & exterior of the XTS must be a BOLD statement the indicates how serious the brand is at delivering the highest luxury (not just upscale --- that's Buick) levels of comfort, entertainment, drive-ability, reliability, etc. to both existing and new customers. Consumers must leave a Cadillac retailer either with a new vehicle or with the impression that Cadillac offers the same levels of luxury that all the other competition currently does.

Being bold and radical is what has put most Lexus vehicles on most consumer shopping lists. Have you seen the Panamera interior? That's bold for a brand "first". And you probably have to wait for the next-gen model to get the chance to own one.

Joe_Limon - 1/13/2010 3:46:50 PM

+1 Boost

There is a line you must not cross over. The amount of visual stimulation given off by the dash is very over the top. Think of it this way. Concept cars in general are there to generate hype, when it comes to actual everyday production cars they are very much toned down. For example, the Mazda Furai a very exagerated car. I think it would be cool to own one, but I would much prefer the new rx7 that is supposedly going to take design hints from it as a daily driver.

JUGNU - 1/12/2010 7:44:59 PM

-6 Boost

Looks like luxury Chevrolet caprice to me.

JUGNU

tattedtwice - 1/12/2010 8:18:38 PM

+4 Boost

Gorgeous. Caddy please build it, you need a true flagship, and this thing SHAMES the vw a8, and toyota ls.

1evlaudi - 1/13/2010 3:32:12 PM

-2 Boost

taddezero,
Were you born stupid or too much autospies made you stupid; the VW A8, when is it that VW built the Audi A8? however you are right the lexus LS is built by Toyota.
Morons uneducated like you are annoying.

jrwilson - 1/12/2010 8:50:14 PM

-3 Boost

I agree, Exterior is disappointing>>> Its like they rushed and put something together and presented at the Auto show... Its very uninspiring and just plan unoriginal for the most part... The side view reminds me of a Chrysler...

Agony---Its just isnt good enough

freeagent - 1/12/2010 9:52:00 PM

+4 Boost

looks like a solid effort to me.... as long as they put decent drivetrains in it and leave the expensive green stuff for later. it would do well.

bmwdrvr - 1/12/2010 9:53:42 PM

-2 Boost

The exterior looks rediculous why are the overhangs so long, and the car is so long and narrow it looks ackward. They could really learn from Audi how not to make a car this big look like a huge FWD car, im sorry this just looks like a highly stylized DTS replacement, not competition for the luxury class its not wide enough, and those overhangs and huge blunt short front end look bad.

Joe_Limon - 1/12/2010 11:50:28 PM

+4 Boost

The overhangs are long because this isn't ugly hatchback. And they don't look any larger then what is already found on it's main competitor, the S-class.

AlleVier - 1/13/2010 2:18:09 AM

+3 Boost

I'd like to see some pictures with a long lens. Sometimes the autoshow pictures really distort the proportions of a car because they're a bit fisheyed. As it is, I'm a fan of the Caddy design language and like what I see so far.

bmwdrvr - 1/13/2010 12:07:40 PM

0 Boost

what does it not being a hatchback have to do with anything thats just stupid..... what are you talking about. For the record this car is alot larger than the Lacross its based on yet its wheelbase is exactly the same all of its added length is in the overhangs. The proportions are off, it looks like an old caprice with updated Cadillac styling cues. For reference compare the sixteen concept to this future livery sedan, how short the front overhangs were and how tightly wrapped the body was around its chassis, so are other cars in this class.......Nice car not a 7,s,A8,Xj competitor....MKS competition

Joe_Limon - 1/13/2010 12:35:45 PM

+1 Boost

The hatchback comment was because when I visualize a car with little overhang it is the only thing that pops into my mind.

iamdabest1 - 1/12/2010 11:16:04 PM

+1 Boost

i like it more than sts/dts, but still liked the concept cadillac 16 more.
this is a nice car, but i would not choose this over the A8, 750, XJ, LS460, OR S CLASS.

motion - 1/13/2010 5:25:47 AM

+1 Boost

I think the wedge design should be ditched. It's becoming more difficult to tell the vehicles apart and they've resorted to toying with proportions instead of new ideas.

Bmw8ter - 1/13/2010 6:33:51 AM

+3 Boost

This has got to be the first time I've ever seen a car company create a frameless split rear passenger window.

fabulescent - 1/13/2010 7:52:52 AM

-2 Boost

meh. Interior looks nice though.

fatandsassy - 1/13/2010 10:30:45 AM

+3 Boost

The smartest back seat video system I have ever seen. I love the hidden screens.
The new front grill needs to go into every production model ASAP. The chrome grill would add some class character to the CTS, Escalade,and SRX right now.

Agent00R - 1/13/2010 11:32:57 AM

0 Boost

Problem with that is they may squeak.

Recently had a Cadillac CTS wagon with the pop-up navigation. Squeaked intermittently.

Not sure if the angle is good for viewing, either.

fatandsassy - 1/13/2010 10:34:42 AM

+3 Boost

The car has a huge trunk from what I can see. Which is typical Cadillac but the design is new. I like the brake light on the truck lid.
just imagine this car in JET BLACK with tinted windows. It would be hot sooo hot.
I love this car and would willing to bet that if they build this and make a V series that BMW, MB, and Lexus will have true competitor on their hands.

golfer38 - 1/13/2010 10:46:08 AM

+1 Boost

This car is gorgeous, at least for a 4 door sedan.

no1listensanyway - 1/13/2010 11:32:17 AM

-1 Boost

Im a big cadillac fan, own a CTS. But I am very dissapointed here. It just looks like a bigger cts. Not good enough, especially for a concept car. Needs to be more dramatic and revolutionize the styling of large sedans, set the tone for the future like the 16 concept did.

Cmon Cadillac, I know you are government owned, but have a little fun.

veyron1001 - 1/13/2010 12:35:48 PM

-1 Boost

Exterior is an over used and tired Cadillac design and the interior reminds me of Lincoln/Ford.

Joe_Limon - 1/13/2010 12:51:52 PM

+1 Boost

Over used and tired?

I believe that is called design continuity, Audi is good at it.

fatandsassy - 1/13/2010 1:24:32 PM

+2 Boost

DUH.... MB, BMW, and Audi have been doing it for years. It's what defines a brand. At least Cadillac has something different and cutting edge

motion - 1/13/2010 10:04:07 PM

-2 Boost

Agree that enough with the wedge design. They're entering the third generation of Cadillacs with the same concept. At least the Germans come up with new ideas every generation or so, well, except for Audi who haven't done much outside LEDs.

1evlaudi - 1/13/2010 3:34:05 PM

+2 Boost

Agreed, Cadillac is on the right path right now.

Caraficionado - 1/13/2010 5:11:29 PM

+2 Boost

This is nice and nobody can say they copied this and that. It's a Cadillac.

LuxuryFan - 1/16/2010 4:47:26 AM

+1 Boost

This will be rotating on grand prize platforms in second tier casinos around the country!