Anybody who has ever had to find a good parking spot on Oakland University’s campus knows that it’s a struggle that only leaves commuters struggling to get to class on time, as they ride the struggle bus all the way from Lot 37. After that ordeal, you’d be lucky just to find your vehicle on the way out, as chances are it has been absorbed into the asphalt sea with hundreds of other cars. This is an everyday problem for some. But if you’re driving something such as a Cadillac XTS hybrid test mule, it’s bound to stick out. And you can bet a curious car enthusiast will take the time to photograph it.
What makes us think this is a hybrid and not some sort of performance model? Well for starters, the front fascia appears to have more restricted airflow for improved aerodynamics. There’s also no rear differential, meaning this model is front-wheel-drive only, and with such constricted exhaust pipes, the evidence begins to mount that this XTS isn’t packing a twin-turbo V6 under the hood.
This mule is pretty Spartan, with plastic lighting inserts, and an interior that looks like it was just torn apart by Border Patrol inspectors in the second row. But perhaps the most curious element of this mule is that it wears Goodyear Eagle ResponsEdge tires. These are different from the Bridgestone Potenza RE97AS tires found on the XTS Platinum and the Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 tires found on the more basic models. The ReponsEdge rubber is characterized as grand-touring all-season tires that provides a dose of handling while maintaining a quiet ride. And to help with driver feedback, the outer sidewall is reinforced with carbon fiber cords to make them stiffer. There’s nothing about low-rolling resistance, however.
The interior, aside from the wear and tear, seems pretty normal, except for the monitoring equipment. Oh and the black cord running into the trunk. Now, we know that all of GM’s eAssist models store their batteries in the trunk as well, and we can’t think of any other reason that a cord running from the trunk through the cabin would be necessary.
But will this hybrid utilize the same 2.4L eAssist setup that we currently see in the Buick LaCrosse and others, or will it be a fresh new mill, perhaps utilizing the power of the 3.6L V6 currently found in the XTS today? Because it’s Cadillac, we’re strongly leaning towards the latter, if anything.
Update: some of the latest intel suggests that this mule is a global model bound for markets such as China and Europe.
[nggallery id=461]This example is a former NCRS award winner.
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I really don't understand why hybrids have become the ubiquitous go-to solution these days. In my humble opinion, there are really only four reasons a car should offer a hybrid setup.
1) When hybridization yields a flagship powertrain, as opposed to using a larger engine (Lexus LS 600hL, Volkswagen Touareg)
2) Conversely, when a hybrid yields a smaller, lower-cost powertrain without the risk of being too plebeian and upsetting customers (Mercedes-Benz S400)
3) When a hybrid powertrain results in appreciable fuel economy gains over the conventional iteration of the vehicle (Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid)
4) When a hybrid setup allows an EV to run in an extended range (Chevrolet Volt, Fisker Karma)
And in reality, other than the Volt, General Motors makes the most blatantly asinine hybrids on the market, from the Dismal Chevrolet Malibu Eco and Buick LaCrosse eAssist models to the outrageous GMT900 hybrids. The XTS has pretty decent fuel-economy for its size and power. Cadillac (and General Motors) needs to learn how to leave well-enough alone...
This is for outside US consumption aka china and decontented some for certain markets
Okay...JD has arisen and has spoken! End of this argument! LOL! I agree with him, not just because he's usually right, but because I noticed something. Have a look at pictures 15, 16, and 17. That tailpipe is awfully dark for a hybrid or any modern gasoline engine for that matter, don't you think? I'm guessing that this could very well be a diesel model for the European market.
Wish we could see an obvious intercooler. With an intercooler think the airflow is more likely enhanced not restricted. Diesel has its place in the ROW cars especially Europe.
Great spy shots!
Actually there tends to be quite a bit of carbon build up on modern gasoline engines. I believe it is caused by the ethanol cotent of American gasoline. Ultra Low Sulfur diesel has been really cleaned up. That mixed with DPF or SCR has led to massive reduction in soot deposits on the tail pipe. I doubt this is a diesel powered XTS.
Have to disagree with Kyree. There are many different kinds of "hybrid" vehicles out there. Some are made to get fantastic MPG but also get very premium prices which, unfortunately, have a very long payback period. Buyers of these cars are primarily trying to make a statement about their "greenness" because it is not about the money since there is really no payback. They are like the musclecar buyers of the past except the hybrid system is their big block.
Then there are those who want higher MPG but not willing to pay too much for it. The eAssist system has a nice bump in MPG with a much smaller price cost. With the new CAFE requirements look for more vehicles getting this tech.
Issue is though that current CAFE testing does not take full account of what systems like eAssist give. ie start stop is not on the CAFE schedule. We will see that change.
It's not an XTS-V, it's an XTS-E!
Could the GM Authority watermark be any bigger? Jesus Christ.
John -- we wouldn't have to use a watermark if it weren't for thieves who regularly steal our original content (that we work hard to get) and pass it off as their own. However, we try to strike a solid balance between visibility of the content and the watermark, which we believe we've accomplished here: it doesn't obstruct the relevant parts of the images and is very transparent. Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused and we'd appreciate any recommendations you may have.
- Alex
@ Alex--Well said!
@ 62vetteefp--You do make a fair point. While I really don't see the point in the mild-hybrid eAssist models for the Malibu and LaCrosse, it is solely based on my own opinions and style of driving. Likewise I do not see the point in earning green-cred by driving a hybrid vehicle with a $10 to $18K price-premium over its petrol-motivated counterpart, but plenty of consumers do, and if the good people at General Motors can somehow make a profit off of that interest, more power to them.
That said, I still hope this isn't a hybrid.
But it probably is.