Red Noland Collision Center

New Cadillac Flagship Sedan

2011-07-14

Several months ago media outlets began reporting that General Motors was in the process of developing a rear-wheel drive Cadillac flagship sedan off of a new platform. At the time, GMI reported that the program did exist, but had not been given the full green light. That, however, has since changed. According to sources familiar with GM product planning, the company fully approved the development of the Cadillac flagship sedan within the last couple of weeks. The program was supposedly working off of a goodwill commitment from the GM board of directors until the final approval recently became a reality. The ultra Cadillac sedan will indeed ride on a new rear wheel drive program, which is reportedly referred to as Omega internally. Expect the new platform to feature extensive use of lightweight materials, including aluminum. Contrary to prior reports, GM North America has the lead development role on the new Cadillac, not GM China. Omega is expected to be a spin-off of the Zeta architecture. GMI has received mixed signals from sources regarding when the new Cadillac will launch. Sources have stated anywhere between 2015 and 2017, which could suggest the car will replace the upcoming Cadillac XTS, which has been strongly suggested as a stop-gap product until the “proper” flagship is ready. In fact, GMI has been told several times that new GM management is not fond of the XTS. It is too early to determine the specifics of the car, though sources have stated that the car will likely make use of GM’s upcoming Generation V Small Block V-8. A full hybrid model is also under consideration. What remains to be seen is if Omega turns into another Zeta-like saga of on-again, off-again program changes that never see production. We’re hoping that does not turn out to be the case. source: GMInsidenews.com