Cadillac has developed a two-seat roadster to serve as its flagship, signature model, according to sources at a Cadillac preview here.
The concept car could go into production in 2002, if there is demand for it.
Powered by a V-8 engine and having rear-wheel drive, it would be built on a platform similar to the Chevrolet Corvette’s.
But it would be 11 inches shorter with a 5-inch longer wheelbase than the sports car. The Corvette’s wheelbase is 104.5 inches and overall length is 179.7 inches.
Cadillac sources, however, insist the car will bear no physical resemblance to the Corvette.
A rendering of the concept will be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in the fall, and the car will be introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January to test industry reaction.
In February, the car will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show to gauge consumer reaction.
Cadillac’s last attempt at a two-seat roadster was the Allante, sold in 1987 through 1993, a $54,000 car plagued by quality problems. Only 20,443 were sold.
