Cadillac confirms new flagship to be built in Detroit next year

Fri, 19 Sep 2014

"The objective for this upcoming model is to lift the Cadillac range by entering the elite class of top-level luxury cars." – Johan de Nysschen

Cadillac confirmed Friday morning it will build its new flagship sedan, expected to be called the LTS, starting in late in 2015 in Detroit.

Possibly coming as a 2016 model, the LTS will slot above the CTS and XTS in size and price. Based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, the LTS will be positioned as Cadillac's answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series. The final name will be "announced soon" Cadillac said, and it will debut early next year, likely at the New York Auto Show.

The flagship sedan is also expected to feature General Motors' new semi-autonomous driving technology, called Super Cruise. It will also be used on the 2017 Cadillac CTS, GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed earlier this month.

Cadillac has shown a pair of eye-catching concept cars in recent years, the Ciel and the Elmiraj, which have hinted at new, demonstrative design language for the brand, and cues from these showcars will likely show up on the LTS.

"The objective for this upcoming model is to lift the Cadillac range by entering the elite class of top-level luxury cars," Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen said in a statement.

The LTS will be assembled at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck factory as part of a $384-million investment. The plant also makes the Cadillac ELR and Chevrolet Volt, Impala and Malibu, plus the Opel Ampera for overseas markets. A spokesman couldn't say if the factory would need to add more workers.

Cadillac has a long history of building cars at the factory, which sits on the border of Detroit and the neighboring community of Hamtramck. The first car to roll off the assembly line in 1985 was an Eldorado. Scroll down for the full press release.

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New Top End Cadillac to be Built in Detroit in 2015

DETROIT – Cadillac announced today it will elevate its growing portfolio with a new, top-end, high-technology car. The as-yet unnamed Cadillac will go into production in the fourth quarter of 2015 at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

The addition of this new Cadillac is part of a previously announced $384 million investment in the facility on Detroit's east side. Tools and equipment unique to the Cadillac model were installed recently.

"The objective for this upcoming model is to lift the Cadillac range by entering the elite class of top-level luxury cars," said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. "Currently in development, this new rear wheel drive-oriented sedan uses completely new, custom-designed materials on a unique vehicle architecture.

"In addition to new technology in the car itself, we are instituting innovative manufacturing techniques to assemble it with the precision deserving of a luxury make."

Positioned above today's CTS and XTS product lines, the new top-of-the-line Cadillac adds to rather than replaces any model in the portfolio. The model name will be announced soon. It will make its public debut in the first half of next year.

Said Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder: "Michigan takes great pride in being recognized as the automotive capital of the world, GM's choice to build its Cadillac flagship sedan at Detroit Hamtramck is a testament to the spirit, resolve and talented workers residing in our communities and state, and demonstrates the high quality of what 'Made in Michigan' means. And it's another sign of the amazing comeback underway that's building a strong foundation and bright future for all Michiganders."

Four of seven Cadillac models – the ELR at Detroit-Hamtramck and the CTS sedan and ATS sedan and Coupe are built at Lansing Grand River – are assembled in Michigan.

"This is another testament to the power of collective bargaining and what can be achieved when we all work together," said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who leads the union's GM Department. "Our members work hard and take great pride in creating quality products that drive the industry forward and make these achievements possible."

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly opened in 1985 and spans two cities - Detroit and Hamtramck. It is the home of GM electric vehicles, including the Cadillac ELR and is the company's most complex plant in North America building five models on one production line. GM has invested more than $1 billion in the plant over the last five years.

"This is wonderful news for Michigan. For 110 years, Cadillac has been building beautiful, cutting-edge vehicles right here in Michigan, and today's announcement just reinforces how exciting the future is for Cadillac, GM, and our state," said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. "I am thankful for (GM CEO) Mary Barra's commitment to Michigan and American manufacturing."

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring distinctive design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac's media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

By Greg Migliore