LOS ANGELES – Cadillac unveiled the 2013
XTS, the newest addition to the Cadillac luxury sedan lineup at the LA
Auto Show. It arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2012 as the most
technologically advanced production car in the brand’s history.
Larger than the CTS, the new XTS delivers
the space, elegance and dramatic presence that are Cadillac signatures,
but with entirely new and technically advanced methods tuned for a new
generation of luxury customers. It also marks the debut of CUE, a
comprehensive in-vehicle experience that merges intuitive design with
auto industry-first controls and commands for information and media
data.
In addition to the CUE interface and
connectivity, many other advanced technologies are integral to the new
XTS. It will be the only luxury sedan with standard Magnetic Ride
Control – the world’s fastest-reacting suspension. Advanced technologies
that enhance vision are available as well.
Positioned directly above the centerpiece
CTS family in Cadillac’s revamped lineup, the new XTS features a 3.6L
direct injection engine and advanced all-wheel drive system, marking a
shift to more-efficient performance in a spacious luxury sedan.
Cadillac CUE is the highly customizable
user interface that exemplifies XTS’ blend of advanced technology and
artistic design. The heart of CUE, which stands for Cadillac User
Experience, is the standard eight-inch (203 mm) screen in the “center
stack,” the faceplate below the screen and the steering wheel controls.
CUE features several industry firsts, including capacitive-touch control
with proximity sensing, gesture recognition and natural voice
recognition.
Available exclusively on the XTS is the
12.3-inch (312 mm) reconfigurable cluster. It features vibrant graphic
displays showcased among four driver-selectable themes, ranging from
minimal to extensive information. And while it is the prominent element
in the XTS’ technological character, CUE is part of a more comprehensive
and layered approach to the car’s design, capabilities and performance
The XTS is also the most-spacious Cadillac
sedan, tailored to provide roominess in a more efficiently sized
package. It offers more interior space than midsize luxury cars and
comparable to full-size sedans, particularly in the rear seat area,
where it has 40 inches (1,016 mm) of rear legroom. That’s about four
more inches than the BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class and about
two more inches than the Audi A6 – and comparable to larger sedans.
And when it comes to trunk space, the XTS
is in a league of its own, with 18 cubic feet (509 L), exceeding both
midsize and full-size competitors – more than Audi A6 and A8L, BMW 5 and
7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E- and S-Class. For XTS customers, the cargo
advantage means room for five or more suitcases.
Horsepower for the XTS comes from an
advanced 3.6L V-6 that’s known by its “LFX” engine code. It is rated at
an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kW). Lightweight features help reduce
overall weight for greater efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear
weight balance. Examples include a composite intake manifold saves
approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) over the weight of a comparable
aluminum intake and an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design
that saves approximately 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine.
The LFX engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic
6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control.
The XTS will begin production in Oshawa,
Ontario in spring 2012.
