First Take: 2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept
By Gunnar Heinrich | IMG GM
LIKE the DOD, GM’s positioning Cadillac to fight a war on two fronts.
The XTS concept which bowed at Detroit this month is a testament to how far Cadillac has come in honing a product range that’s right, tight, and ready to roll against the best that Japan and Europe can import.
It is very clear that GM designers did their homework in studying and in some cases borrowing from rivals as well as paying clear due diligence to the marque’s own past.
In this respect, Cadillac’s design team have actually succeed in routing their rivals by creating an almost road-ready concept that offers more by being less.
A crucial case in point: the XTS provides similar interior space as the capacious DeVille/DTS while simulaneously managing to occupy less real estate – the new sedan is four inches shorter.
Thanks to short overhangs, a high bow that sweeps into a high beltline which arcs gently into a short decklid with trademark fin LEDs, the package en totale seems even tighter.
Tighter, in fact, than either the new Audi A8 or the Lexus LS.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
Jim | Jan 29, 2010 | Reply
At last a big Caddy that screams CADILLAC IS BACK. As nice as the CTS is, in all forms, Cadillac needs a superior large sedan and the XTS, visually is it. Plus in a market of ever diminishing luxury car grills the XTS has a face that says Yes Damnit, I’m a Cadillac.
Please, please GM execute the driving experience and quality as well as the designers have the visuals.
Brad Starcevich | Jan 29, 2010 | Reply
Jim,
Well stated. The XTS concept is gorgeous. If GM actually produces this car, properly executes the quality and driving experience, thus providing a choice that I wouldn’t be ashamed to drive, I would buy one. I would like nothing more than to be proud to drive American again.
Best regards,
Brad