Cadillac planning high-end halo car for 2015 production in Detroit

By Andrew Hard September 22, 2014

Cadillac Elmiraj

When somebody says “Cadillac,” usually the first thing that comes to mind the Escalade, or perhaps the DeVille if you’re a really big Joe Nichols fan.

Cadillac may be looking to change that with the production of a new flagship, which could be called the LTS.

LTS doesn’t quite roll off the tongue quite like the other brand associations do, but the vehicle itself may make up for it.

The LTS name began circulating in August, when we reported that a sleek production coupe based on the Elmiraj concept (pictured) would debut at the 2015 NY Auto Show.

GM has just announced plans to build a new flagship in Detroit next year, and although Cadillac didn’t mention the LTS by name, the timeline fits for it to be a four-door version of the LTS/Elmiraj.

The range-topping Caddy is slated to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2015 in the Motor City, positioned above the CTS and XTS lines to “lift the Cadillac range by entering the elite class of top-level luxury cars,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac President.

“Currently in development, this new rear wheel drive-oriented sedan uses completely new, custom-designed materials on a unique vehicle architecture,” he continued.

Related: It won’t have tail fins, but Cadillac’s rumored convertible will have style

Since the technology-packed halo car will be constructed with new parts and an original platform, what engines the sedan will use are anybody’s guess. Given its place at the top of Cadillac’s line, though, the 420–horsepower turbo V6 from the CTS-V and a V8 are almost a given.

What we do know, however, is the still-unnamed luxury car will be built at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant in Michigan, which recently received a $384 million investment by the American automaker. Equipment specifically designed for the flagship is currently being installed at the facility.

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