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Cadillac to Build V12-Powered Rear-Drive Flagship

It was only a matter of time before Cadillac reentered the rarified league of full-size, rear-drive luxury cars, and the car that single-handedly stole the 2003 Detroit auto show is to be theinspiration for this long anticipated model according to a report by AutoWeek magazine.

The Sixteen concept was aptly named for its outrageous 1000-horsepower V16, but as much as the engine wowed show goers it was the car's elegant yet bold styling that caused auto writers and analysts to speculate about the future of North America's most prestigious brand. Many believed that it would be built with a V8 or even a V12 when produced, and yes, that it would definitely see the light of day. When an announcement from GM's Detroit headquarters

Expect an interior beyond any current Cadillac. (Photo: General Motors)

later that year put dampers on the project, most thought that the brand would simply soldier forward with only the rear-drive STS and front-drive DTS as its flagship sedans, but it now appears that those original faithful are to be vindicated.

The new flagship sedan is reported to feature a V12, although a V8 will most likely be offered in the entry-level version. It has been described as a competitor to Mercedes-Benz's S-Class and Lexus' LS, but due to Cadillac's sportier character

The new V12 won't add up to 13.6 liters, like the Sixteen's V16, but like the concept's engine it will fuse two different powerplants together and displace 7.2 liters. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

it will no doubt also give Audi's A8 and BMW's 7-Series a run for their respective money.

If it indeed looks anything like the Sixteen concept it certainly will give such industry benchmarks trouble on the showroom floor, especially considering that the domestic model will probably undercut its rivals for price while delivering more standard features.

According to reports, GM's product czar Bob Lutz has been pushing the project in an attempt to raise greater awareness of the Cadillac brand in overseas markets, although there has been nothing said of a diesel

GM product man Bob Lutz wants to return Cadillac to "Standard of the World" status, improving the brand's image overseas. (Photo: General Motors)

model for European consumption or a dual-mode hybrid version for North America's environmentally aware elite.Lexus will soon release its flagship LS 600h L, with V12 power and V6 fuel economy.

What is more likely, at least soon after the model's release, is a high-performance V8-powered “V” version, something Lutz promised in 2003 when he was feeling bullish about the Sixteen concept's future production.

Interestingly, development work on the top-line V12 is well underway by GM's Holden division in Australia's Lang Lang test center outside Melbourne, according to Lutz, who explained the details to reporters taking part in a Hummer dealership opening in England.

According to an Automotive News report, the V12 is the result of two 60-degree, 3.6-liter V6 engines fused together

Cadillac's upcoming flagship sedan is said to pull design cues from the Sixteen concept introduced in 2003. (Photo: General Motors)

with a common crankshaft. The drivetrain also will feature direct injection, cylinder deactivation and a top-tierautomatic transmission to enhance performance and fuel economy. If the engine truly doubles the two V6 powerplants, it will displace a sobering 7.2 liters, which, according to Automotive News would equal approximately 600 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque, ample to make it competitive with the top-line Mercedes-Benz and BMW models, as well as Bentley's Continental Flying Spur.

The prototype mules being worked on in Australia are built upon GM's rear-wheel drive Zeta architecture that also underpin Holden's Commodore and Pontiac's upcoming G8. The chassis has been stretched to house the longer V12, while its front and rear track has been widened. It's not known whether the production car will use the Zeta architecture or something entirely new, although it makes sense that GM would want optimize economies of scale for a car that would, for the most part, achieve relatively low volumes.

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