Cadillac will unveil a long-wheelbase version of its full-size DTS sedan at the Los Angeles auto show later this month. Labelled the DTS-L, the new sedan will hit showrooms early next year and will be powered by the same 275hp 4.6L Northstar V8 from the standard version. Key changes are the extra 8 inches in length and Cadillac’s "VIP privacy" rear seating that hides passengers behind the car’s c-pillar.

The stretched DTS will be assembled alongside the standard model at General Motors’ Detroit/Hamtramck plant and there’s no word on whether Cadillac will release a performance “V” variant. Either way, the new version will help maintain Cadillac’s sales lead for the DTS until the new Zeta-based model arrives in 2010.