Metamorphosis. That is perhaps the easiest way to describe what’s happened to Cadillac over the past decade or so. So distant now are the days where the brand’s entire lineup was nothing but four-wheeled enclosed love seats that simply varied in overall length. And when it came to anything outside of flabby luxury, the brand had no idea what it was doing. Today, a more youthful, broad-shouldered, and focused Cadillac identifies BMW as its most direct competitor, one that has made its name in selling what are perhaps the best performance-oriented luxury automobiles on the planet over the past 30 years. And going forward, the Wreath and Crest brand, armed with its Art & Science design program, is on a significant product offensive — one that calls for a complete overhaul of the entire line-up between the 2013 and 2016 model years that will counter the best that Germany has to offer, one model at a time.
As the entire Cadillac lineup gets replaced over the next four years, new nameplates will be added and new segments entered. Due to the long-term nature of the brand’s future product plans and international expansion and manufacturing strategy, the exact timeline of vehicle introductions and their respective market launches aren’t set in stone — as we’ve learned that GM hasn’t internally finalized a timetable for some of these models. As such, the schedule you see here will most likely change and we will do our best to update this guide as we gather more intel.
Please note that the years denote model years, which tend to precede calendar years by approximately a year. For instance, a vehicle may first debut in 2013 and then be brought to market later that same year as a 2014.
We’re told that Cadillac plans on launching 12 all-new models within the next four years. This includes all-new takes on models currently in existence like the Escalade, CTS and SRX. This also means that by 2016, Cadillac’s lineup would be four times bigger than it is today.
| 2013 MY | 2014 MY | 2015 MY & BEYOND |
|---|---|---|
| XTS | CTS | COMPACT CUV |
| ATS | ELR | LAMBDA II CUV |
| SRX UPDATE | ESCALADE | ROADSTER |
| OMEGA FLAGSHIP | ||
| ALL-NEW SRX | ||
| MYSTERY VEHICLE |
2013
ATS
The Cadillac ATS, due to launch in the fall of 2012, is Cadillac’s first truly direct rival to BMW’s legendary segment-defining 3-Series. ATS rides on an all-new rear wheel-drive architecture dubbed Alpha and offers three gasoline engine choices in North America: the new naturally-aspirated 2.5 liter Ecotec, an equally new 2.0 liter turbo-charged Ecotec, and the familiar 3.6 liter LFX. In addition, a four-cylinder turbo-diesel mill is also in the cards thanks to a modified variant of GM’s 2.8 liter mini Duramax engine that made its debut in the Chevrolet Colorado global midsize truck. The ATS will offer Brembo brakes (made in the U.S. of A) and class-exclusive Magnetic Ride Control. An ATS-V will likely be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.6 liter V6 producing as much as 450 horsepower.
The ATS sedan will start at $33,990 and is thought to also have coupe and wagon relatives, although these have yet to be officially confirmed or announced by Cadillac itself.
XTS
The Cadillac XTS, launching in the summer of 2012, is Cadillac’s replacement for the discontinued DTS. It’s a full-size vehicle based on the stretched version of GM’s global Epsilon II midsize architecture shared with the 2014 Chevy Impala and second-generation Buick LaCrosse. As such, the XTS is not a rear-wheel drive Nurburgring machine — which has it going against the grain of the performance luxury brand that Cadillac is trying to become. Instead, it’s our opinion that the XTS is a temporary stop-gap product meant to transition DTS/STS owners to the New Cadillac.
The XTS is powered by the 3.6 liter LFX V6, offers all-wheel drive, a segment-exclusive dual-mode Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, the latest Cadillac safety technology, and the long-awaited CUE infotainment system; it will have a starting price of $44,995 and will be delivered to customers with an iPad explaining CUE. Stretched and limousine variants will be available for the livery market.
SRX Update
The well-selling midsize SRX crossover receives minor changes for the 2013 model year that consist of a new front grille, LED accents around the chrome fender vents, the addition of the CUE infotainment system, and new safety features such as adaptive cruise control, front and rear automatic braking, and Cadillac’s new vibrating Safety Seat. In addition, there are trim level changes and three new colors.
2014
ELR
Based on the well-received Converj Concept, the ELR will be Cadillac’s 2+2 coupe interpretation of the Voltec powertrain found in the Chevy Volt and Opel Ampera. The ELR is expected to use an updated version of the Voltec system, dubbed Voltec 2.0, and — according to Cadillac itself — “will be as exhilarating as it is responsible.” Rival vehicles will include the BMW i8, Tesla Model S, and Fisker Atlantic (if Fisker builds it).
CTS
The third-generation Cadillac CTS, due for the 2014 model year, will be moved upmarket in size, luxury, and performance to take on the segment stalwart BMW 5 Series. As such, it will be longer and wider while offering all the technological bells and whistles new to the Cadillac line. The CTS will ride on a modified version of the Alpha rear-wheel drive architecture shared with the smaller ATS. Expect engines choices to include the 2.0 liter turbo-charged Ecotec, 3.6 liter naturally-aspirated LFX V6, and the upcoming 3.6 liter twin-turbo LFX-based V6. An M5-fighting new CTS-V will eventually follow, which may be powered by a twin-turbocharged small-block V8.
While the launch of the 2014 CTS will likely commence with the introduction of the Sedan, coupe and wagon variants are likely, but haven’t been confirmed as of this writing.
New Escalade
Contrary to perhaps popular belief, the Escalade isn’t going to be replaced by the fullsize Lambda-based crossover (below). Instead, the new third-gen fourth-gen Escalade will ride on a new platform (K2) while offering a high level of differentiation from the Chevy and GMC variants compared to the previous generations. Expect significantly improved aerodynamics and fuel economy, upgraded Magnetic Ride Control, and a much better hybrid system, with a new engine line-up mated to an eight-speed gearbox. Sources have described the cabin of the new Caddy flagship SUV as “jaw-dropping” and told us that the days of looking like an upscale Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban will come to an end with this generation. The much-loved EXT variant will be discontinued.
2015 and beyond
Alpha-based Compact Crossover
The second-generation Cadillac SRX has been a sizeable sales success for Cadillac, selling over 50,000 units in both 2011 and 2010. However, the midsize crossover has been criticized for not effectively living up to the performance luxury characteristics that Cadillac is vying to become. Because of this, Cadillac will produce a compact crossover based on the new Alpha architecture shared most directly with the ATS. And just as the ATS goes head-to-head with the 3 Series, this compact CUV will take on BMW’s X3 as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLK. Whether this new crossover will become the next-gen SRX or push the SRX upmarket to compete with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML is unknown at this point. We’re hopeful that the third-gen SRX will ride on the stretched Alpha platform used by the CTS.
Alpha-based Roadster
GM Authority was first to report that the Alpha platform would also result in a Cadillac-branded roadster. Not much is known about this vehicle at this time except for the fact that Caddy has the BMW Z4 in its crosshairs.
Fullsize Crossover
A rendering of the Lambda-based Cadillac CUV
It’s no secret that Cadillac has been working on a fullsize crossover on the Lambda platform. Development of this vehicle is far from finished, as we’re told that the vehicle will utilize the second generation of the Lambda architecture, perhaps providing the reason why the CUV continues to evade the spotlight. The biggest difference for the second-gen Lambda platform will be its ability to accommodate a wider range of engines, as the first-generation architecture isn’t capable of using anything except for the 3.6 liter LLT V6 (not even the LFX). Expect a wide variety of luxury and entertainment options to be available.
Flagship sedan
The rumored rear-drive Omega platform will underpin the true Cadillac flagship sedan that’s set to battle the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The vehicle will most likely replace the XTS at some point during its life cycle. If it means anything, the Cadillac Ciel Concept, with its futuristic twin-turbo V6 four-mode hybrid system AWD setup, is a fully functional vehicle. And Cadillac has also been permitted to build said vehicle.
All-New SRX
When it comes to a new SRX, Cadillac’s 3-year cadence would yield us a completely new SRX by the 2016 model year. Details are still incredibly vague, but our crystal ball tells us that mid-sized Caddy crossover would befriend the Alpha platform, giving it a RWD configuration like the original Sigma-based model that launched nearly a decade ago. The configuration and size would put the SRX more in line with rear-wheel-drive-based BMW X5 midsize crossover.
Mystery Vehicle
The simple process of elimination gives us one vehicle we have absolutely no idea about. It could be a subcompact, like the Cadillac ULC concept. It could be a super powerful, super luxurious supercar in the league of the Audi R8 or Mercedes SLS AMG (perhaps an XLR replacement). It could be a sexy four-door coupe like the popular Audi A7 or upcoming BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. Only time will tell on this one. Going from a report from Top Gear, we can also expect two new concepts from Cadillac — one this year and one next year — that could indicate the future products Cadillac plans on bringing to market.
Comments
For the Omega, I really hope it isn’t underpriced so that it is “affordable” to a large percentage of people
It’s supposed to be only for the very wealthy, not those with a 30K loan and a Z71 trade-in.
I really hope Cadillac doesn’t sugar coat the Omega.
Right there with you. Should be $70,000+ , if not higher.
I think 85k starting would be good, since the new flagship will have no where near the brand cachet that the 7er and s class do, I think the caddy flagship should be better than its competitors while being slightly cheaper just to sweeten the deal, even if Caddy has to break even or lose a little money on them.
I heard that the smaller CUV will be in 4 and 2 variant like the rang rover evoque……and with Cadillac’s style it will be beautiful…….also where did you get the pictures of the ATS ! It looks tons better in real world lighting
Cadillac’s media page posted them yesterday. And the Evoque is probably the best looking CUV on the market today. A great benchmark.
Too bad the only 2 that aren’t revealed and that I am most excited for don’t come until 2015: The Roadster and the Flagship.
I’d like to think of the Roadster as the return of the XLR, even if it looks nothing like it. Heck, that will very likely be the name anyway.
For the Omega, I agree. Make it expensive. I think this reinforces one of Alex’s comments about how the XTS is temporary and a final goodbye to big-old Cadillacs.
But why a good-bye? Make it look like a modern DeVille or Fleetwood, or at least give some kind of shout-out (FTS/DTS?), and remind people that full-size is actually Cadillac’s game, not BMW or Mercedes-Benz. They need all the help they can get if they-re beating out the big-guys.
The XTS is replacing the DTS, thats sad the deville has been around for ever. They should make a new Deville to compete with the rolls royce and chrysler 300c.
Rolls Royce and 300c shouldn’t be in the same sentence, unless you’re saying that they shouldn’t be in the same sentence.
They do look remarkably alike though, a friend actually confused a blinged out, modded 300 for one.
Well that’s kind of what I said, but the 300c and Rolls Royce aren’t in Cadillac’s league. The Rolls Royce is a $300,000 car, and the 300c is more in Buick territory.
Why all the hateing on the XTS, it is a great front wheel drive option for Cady owners, not everyone wants to spend 80 grand on a luxury flagship. But they still want to feel like they bought a flagship type car; this will be the front drive flagship for years to come just a guess…
Love the future line up, very exciting. The Lambda option is interesting; communicates to me that Cady wants to be a luxury destination for a range of people; very cool…
Because it doesn’t live up to be a Cadillac flagship, nor does it live up to the competition’s flagship offerings. It has less interior room, the wrong drivetrain and engine, and would make a great Buick flagship.
Affordability should not even be a consideration when it comes to the full-size executive luxury segment, with the likes of the 7er starting at $70,000 and S Class at $90,000. Hence the stop-gap claim 🙂
Alex, We dont always agree but I respect your stance. However here I am just stating that a front wheel drive car should be an option within Cadillac a high end front wheel drive vehicle such as the XTS is a good option. I dont think it should be considered a flagship, I do think Cady needs an $80,000 legitimate flagship. The idea that cady can be all things to as many people as possible is intrigueing to me. Not sure if it is the right answere, personnally I would probably just get a well equiped Chevy and call it a day and to your point why not just get a Lacrosse and call it a day. I dont know enough about the XTS to say that it is a game changer that will pull customers away from Lexus.
1st. the new flagship should be called the FTS as a salute to the fleetwood. 2nd. the fullsized or midsized crossover should be called ERX and also there being a XRX.
Disagree on the FTS/Fleetwood bit. The whole “Art and Science” design language was the point at which Cadillac departed from the past and started anew; to forever shed the image of fins, pink, chrome, and whitewalls.
Although I have heard of the CTS standing for Catera Touring Sedan, and the STS, SLS, DTS, and DHS weren’t that hard to figure out, and the last gen Eldorado did have ETC trim. So you may not be too far off with the FTS thing.
I refuse to belive that the ATS was named after the Allante though.
The ATS and XTS are not acronyms for anything, they just fit the name template set by the CTS and STS.
I would like to respectfully disagree with you. I would like to think that the STS is the Seville Touring Sedan and the CTS is the Catera Touring Sedan. DTS was likely DeVille Touring Sedan. When Cadillac was first switching to these names there were some name plates that were spelled out and while I cannot confirm the CTS its Catera it seems to fit in with what the others represent.
Guys, does it even matter anymore? What does XTS stand for? How about the SRX? ATS?
I’m pretty sure those are not acronyms for anything.
The only one that’s remaining that could stand for something is the CTS that could potentially stand for “Catera Touring Sedan”. Using that logic, the XTS is also a “Touring Sedan” — going by the TS designation — even though it’s as far from a touring (performance) sedan as one gets.
These things may have meant/stood for something at first; or maybe GM just adopted the first letter of the outgoing model name to keep it simple (Deville > DTS, Seville > STS) during the naming transition.
So my question for those arguing acronym-based semantics is… what difference does it make? Does a name make a better car?
You are right. It likely does not matter but I think people like me who grew up with real car names would feel better if it did mean something. Just a personal preference. The name certainly doesn’t make the car. Prime example? Chevrolet Cruze. I own one and it is really a great car (more direct steering and feel would be nice though) but the name is a head scratcher. I was partial to Cobalt but the last gen car killed that name.
I see; the feeling of nostalgia, I guess.
PS: former cruze owner here — and I love the car and the name. To me, the name fits perfectly.
Former? FORMER? What happened? I mean, I am pretty much a huge GM fan but had no interest in the Cruze until you bought one and reviewed it. What did you get?
What happened was the company got a ’12 Stang with a stick (Cruze was an auto). And I really wanted a stick. So I took it and really like it as well (can you blame me?).
But the Cruze is still my first choice when it comes to compacts; I think I’ve been responsible for 15 sales to friends and acquaintances so far by referring them to the local Chevy stores. 🙂
Don’t you just hate when someone gives you a Mustang with a stick? Gah. Solid choice though, I completely understand. Enjoy it!
I know, tough choice! 🙂
i was just speaking my mind. i agree not all of them have to point back to anything. but the higher end cars might do it as a salute to great caddy’s of the past. also technically i think the name fts or maybe ets (eldarado) should have been for what will be the xts and have the xts name for the real caddy flagship.
That’s really what I meant. If it was confusing, I was only referring to the ATS and XTS.
“F” could also stand for the vehicle’s segment size. Or “S” as the Germans categorize it.
The next gen CTS better hit it out of the park. If the ATS’s pricing is anything to go by (already steping on the toes of the present CTS), then the third gen CTS will go up in price to reflect it intent in the mid-size luxury segment and to further differenciate it from the ATS.
And that’s the thing. If the CTS can’t absolutely nail it in terms of content, features, and specs at a higher price point in the already cut-throat mid-lux segment, then it’s really won’t matter what the car looks like or what the V-series will do to it.
It’ll be Cadillac’s Acura TL.
Great write up love great information!!!
Grawdaddy, you are absolutely right now that the ATS exists the only car that really maters and is absolutely crucial is the CTS… The next CTS will define Cadillac it is the most recognizable Cady other than maybe the Escalade.
The 2016 xlr will return and rival the entry level super car segment (R8, NSX, i8, sls,etc.) The the roadster caddy is planning will rival the Slk, z4 territory……..and I heard that the range topping Cadillac (sedan and coupe) will have actual names….which will distinguish them apart from the rest of the line up…
Lance, wow if this is true look out world, cool stuff man…
The rear quarter panel on the ERL/Converj concept is awesome. The ATS is going to be a real game changer.
I believe the XTS will be on sale this summer, not summer of ’13? That being said the XTS and ATS can’t ge here soon enough for Cadillac. Right now they have the dated CTS, the SRX and Escalades and that’s it! Meanwhile BMW is rolling with the new 3.
Let’s go, get these cars on the market now! Enough of the teasers, videos, XTS sitting on the lake at the golf tournament, etc…. people are tired of waiting!!!!
2013 MODEL YEARS. XTS launches this summer and ATS in the fall.
From the last sentence before the model table:
“Please note that the years denote model years, which tend to precede calendar years by approximately a year. For instance, a vehicle may first debut in 2013 and then be brought to market later that same year as a 2014.”
yes, check your individual model breakdown. It says “The Cadillac XTS, launching in the summer of 2013” ……
My fault. Thanks for pointing that out; corrected!
This would actually be 4th gen Escalade.
The black ATS looks gorgeous ! The XTS isn`t looker anyway, and GM why tease us with a Caddy Flagship again? You could do it many times since 2001 ( what I assume was the first “rennaisance” ) .
Just a random thought here, wouldn’t a 6 series competitor be the perfect opportunity for a return of the Eldorado? (Eldorado Touring Coupe ETC if we stick with the acronyms.)
Now this is a Great Caddy Debate, Luv all the Responses and Thoughts…….But I Really Hate the EXT leaving the fold……..I hope they reconsider Big Time cause like you said Alex “The EXT is Very Much Loved”, was looking forward to the New Interior and CUE!! 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁
This post made me very horny
Always glad when we can have that kind of effect on our readers 🙂
Thx for the cargasm GMA 🙂
Alex, sorry I didn’t understand(english not my first language). The Escalade 2013 will have a new body or just the same from previous years but with some updates.
Thanks for the info.
Barack – the 2013 Escalade will offer a few minor changes to the existing model. So it will have the same body as the current model. In fact, you can see the changes to the 2013 here:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/04/2013-cadillac-escalde-escalade-hybrid-esv-ext-rpo-central/
However, the 2014 model year model will be completely new and redesigned, including the platform, body, and anything else you can think of. Hope that helps 🙂
Thanks for your reply Alex, I really appreciate it.
FROM PORDENONE, ITALY
La nuova Cadillac CTS sarà una automobile molto interessante. Ma è necessario che per l’Europa abbia un valido motore diesel. Un V6 di 3.000 cc sarebbe perfetto. Anni fa si parlava del Vm che oggi, ulteruiormente evoluto, equipaggia la Lancia Thema e le grosse Jeep Grand Cherocke.
Yes, I don’t just how much you will take my suggestions, seriously, but I think the 2014 Cadilac XTS, is a decent vehicle. I just think that GM, should invest more money in the small differentials, such the price and value of the front grill, the interior door, seat, and other interior knobs, etc. You get the picture, and other small attachments, that maybe you are trying to evade, by unintentional neglect! I thnk that the Corporation, should not be afraid to invest more money, in the raw materials, and increase the price, of the vehicle overall! Don’t be afraid to place a higher price tag on the Cadillac, as America, is truly making large sums of money, and the economy is definitely not in a recession! I first had intentions, of purchasing the 2013 Cadillac XTS, yet after viewing the 2014 Cadillac XTS, Concept Car, I have truly changed, my mind, and the 2014 Cadillac XTS, is worth the wait! You could also, add a few more colors, as the selection, is rather minimal!! Know what I mean? Anyway, I’ll be prepared to purchase the 2014 Cadillac XTS, in early February 2013, it’s been a long time coming! Thank-You, for accepting my suggestions. Sincerely, Dean E. Cochran.
Dean — that’s an interesting take, with which I agree with, overall.
Cadillac should be the uncompromising performance-luxury brand, and it shouldn’t skimp on the “small stuff”.
That said, what kinds of changes would you like to see made to the grille, interior knobs, etc.?
The rear quarter panel on the ERL/Converj concept is awesome. i like it most..
Thanks!!!
Just bought at 2013 CTS Coupe, the whole rear differential Assembly had to be replaced, the front was repaired but the steering it still too much play in the wheel.
They also made the seats cheaper from my 2011 CTS Coupe, its hard to sit on them.
Stay away from the 2013 CTS Coupes.