A C8-based Cadillac reportedly wouldn’t be distinct enough from Chevrolet’s current Corvette
- GM boss Mark Reuss says a new Cadillac XLR doesn’t align with their brand strategy.
- A modern Cadillac XLR would reportedly share too much with the Corvette platform.
- Cadillac Celestiq deliveries are expected to begin soon after long software-related delays.
The Cadillac XLR is nearly 20 years old, but it’s still fondly remembered today. While it wasn’t perfect, the idea of transforming a Corvette into a luxurious flagship to battle the best Germany has to offer still packs plenty of appeal.
That’s especially true now that the Corvette moved to a mid-engine layout. This would seemingly make a new XLR a perfect addition to Cadillac’s lineup, and a V-Series variant based on the 1,064 hp (793 kW / 1,079 PS) ZR1 would be wonderfully insane.
More: Cadillac’s Opulent Velocity Concept Is The Electric Hypercar Of The Future
Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen as GM President Mark Reuss recently told CNBC that a modern-day XLR wouldn’t mesh with Cadillac’s brand strategy. It calls on vehicles to share platforms with mainstream brands, but be truly unique thanks to bold designs, special interiors, and additional changes.
While the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon have a lot in common, the luxury SUV feels like its own vehicle thanks to an exclusive cabin. It features a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display as well as an available Executive Second Row package, which adds a rear center console with a digital command center, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and retractable tray tables. Buyers can also get the Escalade-V, which has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 developing 682 hp (508 kW / 691 PS) and 653 lb-ft (885 Nm) of torque.
A modern-day XLR, on the other hand, would have reportedly been too much like the Corvette. As Reuss explained, “It was developed as a secondary car to the Corvette” and “we would never do that” now.
Celestiq Is Being Relaunched, Despite Never Launching
Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
The Cadillac Celestiq debuted in 2022, but you’ve probably never seen one. That’s not surprising, as it still hasn’t been delivered to customers. Production was expected to begin in December of 2023, with deliveries set for the following year. As part of the preparations for launch, we visited Cadillac House in 2024 and were told the Celestiq has attracted “many” customers.
Hopefully, they’re a patient bunch as Reuss told the publication “We didn’t want to execute the car without everything being perfect on the software front.” He added they’re “relaunching the car.”
That’s a disappointing return to the ultra-luxury segment, but the first customer deliveries will reportedly begin by the middle of the year. Interestingly, if the model proves successful, it could reportedly spawn a line of hand-built vehicles. This suggests the well-received Sollei concept could eventually go into production.
Cadillac Primed For Success, But Still Isn’t The Standard Of The World
While several luxury brands are in a bind due to Trump’s tariffs, Cadillac could benefit as most of its vehicles are made in the United States. The CT4 and CT5 are made at Lansing Grand River Assembly in Michigan, while the Celestiq and Escalade IQ are built in Detroit (or nearby). The standard Escalade is made in Texas, while the Lyriq and Vistiq call Tennessee home.
One of the few models made outside of the United States is the Optiq that’s built at the Ramos Arizpe Assembly plant in Mexico.
Cadillac has made a lot of progress in the past few years, but there’s still room for improvement. Reuss acknowledged as much as he said the brand was not the ‘standard of the world’ and “still isn’t.” However, he contends the “vision is there and it’s pretty clear.”
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