2012 Cadillac XTS Surfaces Online

Cadillac's upcoming XTS large sedan has made its way onto the internet, after it was mistakenly published on the brand's consumer website today.

While the image has since been removed and details remain a secret, it is known that the new luxury sedan will replace the existing DTS and STS cars.

The XTS is based on the XTS Platinum Concept revealed at last year's Detroit Auto Show and, apart from a subtly revised face, little has changed in its transition to production.

Earlier reports suggest the XTS is built on an even larger version of the Epsilon II platform, which currently underpins the Opel Insignia and the new Holden Malibu in short-wheelbase form. The Saab 9-5 sits on the long-wheelbase version.

In concept form, the XTS is driven by a 3.6 litre V6 petrol and plug-in hybrid arrangement, producing 260kW. The production model's powertrain has not been revealed.

Australia

Don't expect a local debut for this one, or for any Cadillac model, in the near future.  "An Australian launch [for Cadillac] is not currently on our agenda," is all Holden's Shayna Walsh could tell us.

With GM and Holden now focused on German brand Opel for its assault on Australia's premium car segment, we may never see Cadillac here at all.