bowtie_dude

They will obviously put a V8 in it. It will be positioned to compete directly with the 7-series and S-Class. Both of which now have hybrid V6 "base" engines in addition to 8 and 12-cylinder engines. I doubt GM will put a V12 in it, simply because GM has no V12, but a HO supercharged DOHC V8 is likely, IMO.

Question for those who have a problem with it being on the modified EpsII platform. If its standard AWD on ALL models, is it really that big of a deal that its technically sitting on a FWD architecture?

Autoblog likes it. Says its all but production-ready.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-cadillac-xts-platinum-conpect-is-anything-but/

That may not sound like buckets of oomph, but when compared to the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid – the XTS's probable direct competitor – makes 295 hp. The XTS theoretically makes 295 pound-feet of torque, too. For those of you not geeked on the hybrid bandwagon, Cadillac's general manager Bryan Nesbitt posed an interesting hypothetical question, "Is the largest displacement engine the only symbol of luxury?"

As for the XTS itself, it looks like a big Cadillac., which if you stop and think about is is a good thing. Cadillacs should be big, and this sucker is large – within a couple of inches of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, according to both Caddy and our highly unscientific eyeball-based measuring system. We also thought the XTS was significantly better looking in person than in the preview pictures that broke last night. Supposedly there are lots of design cues borrowed from Cadillac's legendary Sixteen Concept, but aside from the grille we're not seeing it.

The XTS has its own mojo going on, especially when it comes to the interior. Here's where the Platinum part comes in. Nesbitt explained that Cadillac intends the XTS Platinum to be a "personal headquarters." We're not going to buy into the CEO and wannabe CEO pandering, but lordy is the interior fabulous. Featuring intricate laser-perforated stitching on the leather and synthetic-suede bits with sharp looking burled wood covering everything else, we have to say that with the exception of the Bentley Mulsanne, the XTS Platinum Concept has the best interior at the show. Call it the Cadillac of interiors. Video of the live reveal is available after the jump.

Size. Epsilon II is narrow. Drivetrain. This is transverse FWD architecture with Haldex-style AWD.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not complaining about this vehicle because I realize it's not a budget-destroying $100K flagship. Instead, it's a perfectly saleable Cadillac.

I think you're basing too much opinion off too little information.

So, no, it's not an S-class or 7-series competitor, but I think there's a market for such a Cadillac. It looks much nicer than the LaCrosse, and Caddy could potentially offer all the equipment in smk4565's wet dreams to adequately differentiate it from its lesser Epsilon II siblings. Think Lexus ES (a sales hit, by the way), made one size larger.

Its not? How did you come to that conclusion?

I'm starting to remember why I stopped coming here. You people are really negative and incredibly hard to please.

The power train in this concept is perfectly appropriate for the base model. See: Mercedes S400, BMW 740i. I keep seeing people say its FWD, but according to the PR its AWD. Seems normal to me. Whose to say its not RWD? Nowhere does it mention its FWD unless I missed something.

This car is gorgeous, especially for its segment. Compared to the S-Class, 7-series and the LS its the most striking car in its class.

I'm not sure what everyone was expecting. I guarantee you people will love this.

I love everything about this car and I think all of you are crazy.

The XTS is GORGEOUS!!! OMG, I want one.

Last year's was better (at least up to this point) and they were on the edge of bankruptcy. I've not been impressed by ANYONE. The one exception being the 2012 Ford Focus.

So XTS won't be unveiled until tommorow or later?

If there's a midnight embargo on the PR, then we'll see it right after midnight eastern time.

Otherwise, I'd say we'll be waiting until the Cadillac PC tomorrow.

Overall, pretty sub-par Day 1.

That's doesn't sound good....

Not at all.

Nope, no surprise at Chevy press conf.

Officially worst Day 1 ever. Shaping up to be a very underwhelming Detroit Show, though I'm excited to see the XTS concept tomorrow.

fixed.

Chevy presser just started.... thinking there's going to be a surprise.

Hope so. Been a very boring NAIAS Day 1 so far.

Were there no press releases for the new cars and concepts at the show? I've never seen it take this long.

It would appear that I need to update my sig and avatar...

Been a while. Good to see you guys are still in operation post-bankruptcy. Some of you may remember me, I wasn't the most active poster but I have been a member since 2002 (before the real big redesign back in 2005). Also, you should be happy to know I'm still carrying the GM torch in other message boards I'm active in.

Oh, and I guess I have to post me and my wife's current rides. I'm still in the old beater, a 2001 Cavalier. It actually had a fuel pump failure last summer, which set me back $500. But, bought used in 2005 and thats the only problem I've had, so I can't complain much. As for my wife, we sold the 2006 Escape back in September and bought a 2010 Mazda6 i Touring Plus. I tried my damnedest to get her into a Chevy, but she just couldn't warm up to a Malibu or the Equinox. C'est la vie!

I'll probably (finally) replace the Cavalier this coming summer. Not sure with what yet, if GM puts a more powerful engine in the Cruze, I'd give it serious consideration. Unfortunately, 140hp just doesn't cut it for me.

Well, how's everyone else?

I just wish it was here Summer 09

I think it's okay, but the front isn't cute at all. Will women buy this car? Remains to be seen. They need to put the "Tahoe rush" on this and get it to market post haste.

Good.

Overall it looks good, but I would have liked to see the bar across the middle of the grille, rather than near the top of the grille. The tailights look like they were inspired by a Camry or the old GS300, not really a fan of the back. 2011 model year is a while away, Civic and Fit are updated for 09 and new Mazda 3 for 2010, plus the Euro Fords will be here by then, and the Insight comes out next year and is supposed to get 60 mpg or something crazy. GM coming 2 years later with a 40 mpg car isn't going to make a big impact.

Same old GM story, seems like.

Looks a lot better than it did in the spy shots. Still not really sure about the huge new Chevy grille. It works better on the Malibu, but even there I think it's a little big.

Its my favorite thing about the new Chevy cars. I think its bold and in your face. Pointedly American, especially with the big bowtie in the middle.

I'm still pissed that it will be built in the US starting early 09, yet won't go on sale until early 2010. Stupid, stupid, STUPID.

This pisses me off SO bad.

The Cruze will go on sale in Europe in spring 2009, but U.S. sales won't begin until mid-2010.

GM is so f@#kING stupid to wait another 2 years to put this car on sale in the US.

A V8 stripper for $25k including destination charges.

No, they think Americans want bargain-basement pricing in their cars. The interiors are just the result.

Which is why you'll see my ass in a next-gen Mazda3.