Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept Foretells DTS Replacement

Meet the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept that made its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Officially, the XTS is just a design study that showcases Cadillac's emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, but unofficially, it previews the Detroit firm's DTS replacement in the full-size sedan segment that's pegged make its way onto the market by 2012.

General Motors did not say which platform the concept is based on, but judging from the XTS' wheelbase length of 111.7 inches or 2,837mm that is identical to the new Buick LaCrosse, we'd say that it rides on a modified version of the Epsilon II.

Even though it shares the same wheelbase with the LaCrosse, the XTS is 6.6 inches longer at 203.5 inches (5,170mm) and 1.7 inches wider at 74.8 inches (1,900mm).

You may have noticed that we haven't said anything about the XTS' exterior design. That's because we can't decide if we find it elegant or boring. We're probably leaning towards the second, but feel free to tell us what you think in the comment section below.

The concept's interior is a bit more intriguing style-wise, but nothing groundbreaking - or at least not for anyone under the age of 50...

Moving on the XTS Platinum concept's hardware, Cadillac fitted the full-size sedan with a plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system (PHEV). It combines a direct-injection V6 petrol engine and electric motors to drive all-four wheels. The system delivers an estimated output of 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

CADILLAC XTS PLATINUM CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle type:	luxury sedan concept
Wheelbase (in / mm):	111.7 / 2837
Length (in / mm):	203.5 / 5170
Width (in / mm):	74.8 / 1900
Height (in / mm):	59.1 / 1500
Track (in / mm):	62.6 / 1589 (front); 62.8 / 1594 (rear)
Powertrain:	plug-in hybrid system with 3.6L Direct Injection gas engine (with variable valve timing); lithium ion battery
Suspension:	four-wheel independent with Magnetic Ride Control.
Brakes:	four-wheel disc with electric park brake system
Wheels:	20-in front / 20-in rear
Estimated power:	350 hp (260 kW) / 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm)