2013 Cadillac XTS First Photo

On Wednesday, for a split second only, General Motors posted a photograph of the new 2013 Cadillac XTS on its U.S. website by mistake, but that was more than enough time for the picture to be shared all over the world.

Since there's no point in hiding anymore, GM today released a full-blown version of the same image in high-resolution providing us with a more detailed look at Cadillac's new flagship model that replaces both the DTS and the STS in the carmaker's lineup.

Previously, we had a chance to get a peek at the new XTS's interior with a cutout dashboard meant to show off the firm's new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment, navigation and communication system that will launch in 2012, not only in the full-size sedan, but also in the ATS compact saloon and SRX crossover.

There are very few details about the powerplant options that will be available on the new XTS when it goes on sale in the States next spring, but GM's 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 should be a prime candidate.

We'll have more on Cadillac's new luxury sedan from the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show floors next week.