(Chris Doane Automotive)
The new "Standard of the World" has been out for a spin.
A prototype of Cadillac’s upcoming flagship sedan was recently caught on camera for the first time while out on a test run in Michigan.
Although its existence is yet to be officially confirmed by the automaker, the full-size sedan is rumored to be based on a longer and wider version of the platform that underpins the new Cadillac CTS.
Codenamed Omega, the chassis was reportedly engineered to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series in the upper echelons of the luxury segment.
Although heavily camouflaged, a large grille and Caddy’s signature vertical headlight arrangement can be seen. It's extremely long hood and wheelbase clearly setting it apart from the brand's current offerings.
The production version of the car is expected to feature styling inspired by the Elmiraj concept unveiled last year, and a production coupe even more similar to the concept could follow.
Rear and all-wheel-drive models are expected, and the range of powertrain options could include a version of the latest 6.2-liter small-block V8 used in the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, or the proposed 4.5-liter twin turbo V8 featured in the Elmiraj.
As for what it will be called, back in 2012 GM filled a trademark for the name LTS, which would fit into Cadillac’s current naming convention for cars, which also includes ATS and XTS.
Whatever it’s called, Caddy’s finest will likely debut in the 2016 model year.