Cadillac continues its quest to enter specific market segments currently dominated by crosstown rival Lincoln. Last month we learned a six-door Cadillac XT5 limousine is in development that will serve as a competitor to the recently discontinued Lincoln MKT. And now it appears the XT5 will soon join another niche but very necessary market.

Cadillac Society claims an XT5 hearse is set to arrive sometime next year. As is typically the case with the hearse market, the XT5 hearse will be sold to funeral homes as an incomplete vehicle, meaning it can be finished according to need and budget.

The hearse market is expected to be very profitable for GM and since the Cadillac XT5 is already being engineered for more, shall we say, happier occasions as a limo, it makes sense to go in the opposite direction, emotionally speaking. Also, the XT5 hearse will serve as a replacement for the discontinued XTS, a sedan that was also modified for this purpose.

Powering the XT5 hearse will be the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations will be available. But don't think Cadillac will have either the limo or hearse markets all to its lonesome self.

For decades, Lincoln has been a major player here and just because the MKT and Continental sedan are gone doesn't mean either segment is being abandoned. The Lincoln Nautilus, for example, could easily be modified for hearse and limo duties as well. However, a recent rumor claimed the Nautilus and its Ford Edge cousin will be discontinued once their current lifecycles end. If so, that would leave the Lincoln Aviator as the prime candidate because the brand will soon have zero sedans left.

Lincoln's plans are still speculation at this time, but it is clear Cadillac sees a huge opportunity and it's not wasting any time. Business is business in life and death.