While the interior (as seen in pictures on another website) looks very nice, the overall exterior is a bit of a let down. Certainly an improvement on the outgoing DTS model, it simply does not have the excitement of the new CTS Coupe or even the CTS sedan for that matter.

IMHO the new CTS Coupe is absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to see one in person.

One big surprise is the very short wheelbase for a car in this category. Most D segement cars have a wheelbase of at least 121 inches. A wheelbase this short to me implies some compromises in ride quality will be experienced and may make for some uncomlimentary comparisons with the competition in this segment.

The proof however (and as always) will be in “the pudding.” It will be interesting to see how well this car fares in the comparison tests the car magazines will undoubtedly subject it to. It will also be interesting to see what kind of compromises in drive train and interior features will be made when the actual production car arrives.

As an Epsilon II based car, there were, no doubt, limitations on how the styling is done. The shorter nose, longer overhangs, etc that come from the architecture they decided to use is what alters this look from the Sixteen concept they cribbed most of the elements from.

It certainly looks spacious – but the limitations of using a front drive platform (even one as good as Epsilon II) mean that this car will likely not compare favorably in looks or dynamics with anything that sits atop the competitions’ lineups.

I’m not sure we’ll see it take part in many competitions with cars like the 7, S, A8, or LS – and I’d think Cadillac would be happy to not be included.

Now it’s time to start looking forward to the XTS replacement in 2016-18.

After watching the press conference video (finally available at http://media.cadillac.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_cadillac.html after not being on Facebook this morning) I must say the car looks far better than the initial press release photos that made the car look like a Ford 500 with a Cadillac face.

I hope they bring it to the Chicago Auto Show as I would like to see it in person and get the full 3D view.

I finally got to see the XTS in person at the Chicago Auto Show this week. In person the car is much better looking than in the initial press photos. It is a design that does not lend itself to being represented in just two dimensions.

I have to take exception to the comments I have read recently in the automotive press that criticize the rear overhang as being excessive. It is not at all excessive, especially when compared to the Sedans Deville of old or any number of other large sedans from the 1970s.