Cadillac Planning RWD Sedan to Go After the 7-series and S-class . And Maybe Even the Rolls-Royce Phantom

Cadillac has talked about building a true flagship for years�the beautiful Sixteen concept, shown above, dates to 2003�and it appears that a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan is finally taking shape. The brand�s bosses have realized that the XTS, a stretched derivative of the front-wheel-drive Epsilon platform also underpinning the Buick LaCrosse and Saab 9-5, will not quite be enough to scare the Audis and BMWs of the world, let alone cement the automaker�s position building the Cadillac of automobiles.
According to insiders, Cadillac�s new flagship model will be built on a standalone rear-drive platform, dubbed Omega, rather than sharing underpinnings with the CTS or upcoming ATS. As we predicted in the past, it will be powered by six- and eight-cylinder engines, and all-wheel drive would be optional. A hybrid version could follow later, a diesel� which would account for the bulk of the vehicle�s sales in Europe�won�t. The new, impressively styled sedan will be launched in 2014 as a 2015 model.
Naturally, offering rear-wheel drive and a V-8 won�t be sufficient for Cadillac to take on the world. A Cadillac flagship pointed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series will need to be jam-packed with safety and comfort technology, and requires cabin accommodations indulgent enough to make Buckingham Palace�s interior designer weep.

And Now, to Rolls-Royce
We also have learned that General Motors is considering an even more exciting use for the Omega platform�though it�s one we�re skeptical will see the light of day. Our sources tell us that Cadillac is looking at building a super-luxury sedan to compete head-on with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. (Yes, someone at GM actually referred to Rolls-Royce�s locomotive.) It�s far from a done deal, but it would be great to see such a halo car fighting for American supremacy in billionairemobiles.
No matter what happens, we�re guessing the Cadillac Sixteen�s 13.6-liter V-16 engine won�t be nestled in the engine bay. What a shame.
by blog.caranddriver.com