Preview: 2014 Cadillac XTS Twin-Turbo Spools Up for Cadillac Sales

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It seems not so long ago that the Cadillac brand was associated with white hair and slow, right-lane driving. Only ten years ago, the reliable but mundane DeVille still graced American streets, and America’s only true luxury brand seemed to be fading into oblivion. In recent years, however, the advent of the groundbreaking CTS and the monstrosity that is the CTS-V have completely revamped Cadillac’s public perception, with their appeal now aimed at young fun-seekers who might otherwise stick with brands like Audi and BMW.

Launched just last year along with the fabulous ATS, the Cadillac XTS nicely fills the full-size sedan segment that Cadillac had been lacking for years. The current XTS offers a host of impressive options – a potent V6 shared with the CTS, industry-leading magnetic ride suspension, and gorgeous chrome wheels that suit it nicely to its luxury sedan segment. However, there were some who were concerned that the 304-horsepower V6 wasn’t nearly enough to move around all 4,000 pounds of the XTS. An XTS-V, of sorts, is what some critics really wanted.

Well, it seems that Cadillac listened – a 2014 Cadillac XTS Twin-Turbo is soon on its way to showrooms.

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Cadillac took the already-existing 3.6-liter V6 and strapped on two efficient turbochargers to bring output up to 410 horsepower and 369 lb.- ft. of torque, very impressive numbers for any sedan in any class. This torque is available from only 1,900 RPM, something GM achieved by adding a whopping 12 pounds of boost from their blowers. Interestingly, the forced induction air is directed to Twin-Turbo-specific cylinder heads that maximize the motion of air charges to make for a more efficient burn. Cadillac’s six-speed automatic with manual mode remains for the XTS Twin-Turbo, something that will probably make for lower fuel economy numbers than many competitors who are increasingly moving toward 8-speed units.

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Though its performance is undeniable, a Cadillac’s primary function is to swaddle its owners in comfort and style, a place where the XTS truly excels. New on the 2014 Twin-Turbo is a model-specific “Twin-Turbo” grille and rear badging that sets this apart from the more leisurely XTS 3.6, while a rear-seat entertainment system with fold-out TV screens is available at a premium. The XTS Twin-Turbo is also available with an opaque rear sunshade controlled by a new multi-function rear seat armrest, allowing rear-seat passengers to control radio functions and sunshade deployment. For 2014, automatic park assist, Intellibeam automatic headlights, and the love-it or hate-it Cadillac CUE system come standard on all XTS models, which are available in either front-wheel-drive or AWD configurations.

Cadillac certainly hit the mark with the launch of the XTS last year, and it seems likely that the introduction of a turbocharged performance-oriented model will win over customers from BMW and Mercedes. Though pricing and a release date haven’t been specified, expect the XTS Twin-Turbo to debut late this year at above the XTS’s $44,000 base price.

Please enjoy this TFLcar review of the sportiest of Cadillac’s latest lineup, the ATS.