Cadillac caught patenting flagship sports coupe

Cadillac has submitted patents for a large new luxurious coupe that could go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

Submitted to the US patent office back in February 2017, these images -- discovered by car blog cadillacsociety.com -- were approved for a design patent on July 3.

Reportedly set to replace the mid-side ATS Coupe, the production car's design appears to be inspired by the Escala concept that was unveiled at the 2016 LA motor show.

Beneath the skin, the GM-owned brand's new coupe is expected to be based on the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro platform and share that car's powertrains.

Despite the patent's four-outlet exhaust system, some commentators are suggesting the coupe could provide the basis for Cadillac's first pure-electric offering, although conventional internal combustion engines will almost certainly be offered.It's thought Cadillac could reveal all at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 26.

Last year Cadillac was spotted testing six cars in the NSW high country, fuelling rumours that perhaps the luxury US brand was planning a return to the Australian market after an ill-fated attempt to launch Down Under back in 2009, before the Global Financial Crisis kicked in and dashed its plans.

Sadly, for those who fancy a left-field US-made alternative to a BMW or Mercedes, the decision to test in Australia was to benefit from Holden engineers' expertise in powertrain development.