GM has revealed detailed information about the 2013 Cadillac XTS in advance of today's official unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show. About the only detail missing is price but we've come up with a decent estimate of a starting MSRP.
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The Cadillac XTS, which arrives in dealerships this spring, is being touted by Cadillac as the most technologically advanced in the brand's history. 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 control. Available exclusively on the XTS is the 12.3-inch reconfigurable cluster. It features vibrant graphic displays showcased among four driver-selectable themes, ranging from minimal to extensive information.
The XTS is positioned above the 2012 CTS, which starts at $35,195. That could give some indication on potential MSRP when it is introduced. The 2010 Cadillac DTS had an MSRP starting at just more than $47,000.
The new XTS features a 3.6-liter V-6 direct injection engine with lightweight features, including integrated cylinder heads/exhaust manifolds and advanced all-wheel drive system. The engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control.
The Haldex all-wheel-drive system – with an electronic limited-slip differential that splits torque between the rear wheels – complements an advanced HiPer Strut front suspension and standard Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping.
HiPer Strut is based on the MacPherson strut front suspension design and features dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer of spring and damper loads to the body structure. It improves ride-and-handling characteristics in four significant ways:
• Provides more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control
• Improves impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces
• Reduces torque steer
• Improves vehicle sensitivity to tire irregularities and wheel imbalance.
An intriguing piece of safety equipment is the Safety Alert Seat feature, which vibrates either the left or right side of the driver’s seat cushion, depending on the location of the impending concern. It is part of the XTS' Enhanced Safety Strategy package. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models, along with variable-effort steering and Brembo four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock brakes
The XTS comes in smaller than the DTS. It has a wheel base of 111.7 inches compared to 115.6 inches for the DTS. The XTS is also a smaller overall car at 202 inches (vs. 207.6 for the DTS). Cadillac does say the XTS is going to be its largest sedan in its lineup.
The DTS was well known for its roomy trunk that could easily swallow four sets of golf clubs. Cadillac says the 2013 XTS won't be a slouch in this area, with 18 cubic feet, 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. (No details of how many golf bags that equates to.)
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