Cadillac XTS concept hints at STS replacement

Cadillac has unveiled the fullsize XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The concept showcases Cadillac’s new top-of-the-line “Platinum” series of models, which include new luxury tech and a plug-in hybrid system. The XTS is expected to replace both the STS and the DTS sedans by 2011.

The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept uses a 3.6-litre V6 direct-injection engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in technology enables the battery to fully charge from a standard electrical outlet, enabling pure electric propulsion in many driving situations, especially urban commutes in which fuel efficiency may double that of a conventional hybrid. The key benefit of external plug-in recharging is that in many situations, such as overnight parking, the battery can fully recharge in roughly five hours while the car is not in use. The whole setup is apparently good for 350 hp and 400 Nm of torque, and mated to an all-wheel-drive system.

Like the current Platinum Edition models, the interior is based on hand cut-and-sewn materials. The XTS Platinum Concept makes use of Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays in place of traditional gauges and screens.

Cadillac’s new in-car electronics systems include a touch-screen navigation system, and the concept previews the strategy to minimise traditional buttons and switches, which is bound to cause the kind of flack that BMW’s iDrive took in its first days.

Light cream is the cabin’s primary colour and is contrasted with darker elements, such as the steering wheel and an overhead console motif that runs the length of interior’s roof. The console is made of a richly finished wood and houses lighting features. Premium leather seats include a new style of automotive suede, with a laser-etched pattern. The patterned material adorns the centre sections of the seats and accents the door trim. Detailed stitching is used throughout the interior, including the seats, instrument panel and door panels. Passengers in the spacious rear compartment of the XTS Platinum Concept also have access to the car’s connectivity feature, along with a range of infotainment choices.

On the exterior, brushed billet aluminium trim is used selectively and the 20-inch wheels feature a brushed aluminium face accented with bright inserts within the spokes.

The headlights feature LED technology for bright illumination that requires less energy, as well as Cadillac’s Adaptive Forward Lighting technology, which turns the headlamps with the direction of the front wheels. Magnetic Ride Control enables the XTS Platinum Concept to deliver handling performance while maintaining luxury-car composure in regular driving conditions. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

Expect the production version of the XTS to debut sometime in early 2011 with various engine choices, to become the flagship of the Cadillac range.