Cadillac is to produce a two-seater luxury roadster for the 2003 model year inspired by the acclaimed Evoq concept car, writes David Duffy.

Cadillac general manager Michael J. O'Malley said: "As we expand Cadillac's global portfolio, this expressive roadster will be developed to attract customers in all important luxury markets including Europe."

The rear-wheel-drive roadster is another example of how GM intends to lead in product innovation and technology by moving quickly to market with high impact designs.

It will be developed on the next generation of GM's performance car architecture, specifically designed for convertible applications, and featuring advanced steel hydro-forming, an aluminium cockpit structure and cored composite floors, making it exceptionally stiff, crashworthy and lightweight.

The price is expected to be competitive with other low volume roadsters in the luxury segment like the Mercedes SL500 and the Jaguar XK8. The new car will also include several exclusive Cadillac technologies, including the 4.6-litre Northstar V8 in its first production rear-wheel drive configuration, mated to an electronic five-speed automatic transmission.

Other elements of the Northstar System, like MagneRide active suspension damping and the StabiliTrak yaw control system will be standard as well as Michelin's revolutionary run-flat PAX tyre system.