Cadillac exec confirms sub-CTS model and STS/DTS replacement

The baby Caddy is due within the next 24 to 30 months and will be followed by a sedan bigger than the current STS In late 2007 Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor revealed that the current STS and DTS models would be dropped at the end of their respective product cycles in favor of a single luxury sedan. While General Motors financial woes led many to believe that the new Caddy flagship model had been put on hold, the luxury divisions marketing chief has revealed that the STS/DTS replacement is still in development but will be preceded by a sub-CTS model.

Speaking with TheDetroitBureau, GM exec Steve Shannon explained that the elimination of Hummer, Saab, and Saturn will be beneficiary for GMs other brands as it will leave extra resources for them. In the case of Cadillac, we will see the launch of the new SRX, CTS SportWagon and Coupe, as well as the eventual sub-CTS and flagship models.

The "sub-CTS" would be a 3-Series contender slotted under the CTS and would likely be Cadillacs highest volume model, Shannon explained. This wont be a just another BLS but a brand new global model with dedicated architecture and content. The new car is tipped to be based on a compact RWD platform currently development at GM called Alpha. Shannon went on to reveal that the compact four-door sedan could be on sale within the next 24 to 30 months and may spawn hatchback and convertible versions. A diesel version is also being considered for the U.S.

As for the STS/DTS replacement, Shannon said the car would need to be bigger than the STS though it still needs to be fuel-efficient and meet toughening global standards for fuel economy. He wasnt willing to give a release date for the car but with the STS and DTS being withdrawn from the market in the near future the new Cadillac flagship should be on sale early next decade.   

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