2011 LA Auto Show: Cadillac Uncovers its XTS Premium Sedan

The new Cadillac XTS Premium Sedan was uncovered just before the opening of the 2011 LA Auto Show this week. The newest addition to Cadillac’s short-reaching lineup is a much anticipated and needed vehicle to fill the gap that the outgoing STS and DTS sedans left. The new XTS features new technology innovation such as a new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system, standard Magnetic Ride Control and an optional Haldex all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip differential.

Cadillac’s new XTS is touted by GM to be the “most technologically advanced production car in history.” There is no doubt in my mind that they will accomplish this but the big-car question remains to be “at what cost?”

The new XTS, slated to hit showroom floors as early as Spring 2012, will be initially powered the 3.6-liter (LFX) 300 horsepower engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The same configuration will be available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. The XTS will use Brembo brakes directly from the CTS-V. Interior dimensions are astounding providing 18 cubic-feet of trunk space (more than the Audi A8L) and 40-inches of rear seat legroom (more than the BMW 5 Series and Benz E-Class).

The Cadillac XTS will be taking its typical luxury midsized competitors head-on which will make for an interesting battle. Prices and options will be announced at a later date closer to launch.

Cadillac XTS Quick Highlights

• Advanced Haldex all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled limited-slip differential
• Magnetic Ride Control, rear air suspension, HiPer Strut front suspension and Brembo brakes – all standard
• Standard 19-inch wheels and available 20-inch wheels
• Direct-injected 3.6L V-6 with lightweight features, including integrated cylinder heads/exhaust manifolds
• Capless fuel tank filler for easier, cleaner refueling
• Folding rear-seat headrests that enhance rear visibility
• Safety Alert Seat that vibrates to alert the driver
• Intervening braking system that lessens or avoids potential collisions
• Short- and long-range radar systems that support:
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Front and Rear Automatic Brakes
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Highlighted Safety Features

• Front and Rear Automatic Brakes – Using “virtual bumpers” that rely on short-range radar technology and ultrasonic sensors, this feature helps prevent front and rear low-speed collisions via a progression of alerts that extends to complete braking if necessary. For example: If the vehicle is headed toward a small pillar inside a garage or a lamppost on a city street, the system will alert about the hard-to-spot item and stop the vehicle to help prevent an impact.
• Adaptive Cruise Control – Using radar technology, this feature can apply limited braking or acceleration to maintain a selected following distance to the vehicle ahead.
• Intelligent Brake Assist – Detects a panic-braking situation and assists the driver by applying brake force more quickly to help stop sooner.
• Forward Collision Alert – Radar and camera technology detects a possible collision threat and alerts the driver, giving him or her time to stop and/or change course.
• Safety Alert Seat – A vibration on either the left or right side of the driver’s seat cushion, depending on the location of the impending concern, alerts the driver to a potential collision threat.
• Automatic Collision Preparation – When the XTS senses a collision is imminent, braking is applied to lessen the severity or perhaps even enable the driver to avoid the incident.
• Lane Departure Warning – A camera-based lane detection system that warns the driver of unsignaled lane changes. The camera, mounted near the inside rearview mirror, identifies traffic lane markings and provides audible alerts or activates the Safety Alert Seat.
• Side Blind Zone Alert – Using radar sensors on both sides of the vehicle, the system “looks” for other vehicles in the blind zone areas of the XTS and indicates their presence with LED-lit symbols in the outside mirrors.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Using radar sensors of the side blind zone alert system, it warns the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking spot – including angled parking. Visual and audible alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.
• Adaptive Forward Lighting – With adaptive forward lighting, the headlamps swivel with direction of the front wheels to maintain forward lighting in concert with vehicle steering.
• Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines – With a display in the center stack, the camera provides a view of objects directly behind the XTS, with dynamic guide lines laid over the video image to assist in parking maneuvers.

2013 CADILLAC XTS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS:

Overview

Engines

Transmission

Chassis / Suspension

Brakes

Wheels / Tires

Dimensions 

Exterior

I nt erior

Capacities