Cadillac’s new boss, Johan de Nysschen, is tasked with bringing the luxury brand to compete with and beat luxury German automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to both product and sales fronts. The former Audi exec recently sat down with Reuters and detailed his plan to introduce a raft of new products by 2020, which include a luxury sedan larger than the Omega-based CT6 and an all-electric vehicle.
The plan entails growing Cadillac’s product portfolio from five models to 10. de Nysschen said the company has “just signed off on” a new range-topping luxury sedan called “CT8 or CT9” that will compete with long-wheelbase versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The impending CT6 will also do battle with the S-Class and 7 Series, but the CT8/9 may offer even more luxury amenities and have a variety of seating layouts available like a reclining 2-seat option as seen on the S-Class, for example.
Apart from a range-topping halo car, Cadillac will also offer a pure electric car running on batteries. de Nysschen refused to elaborate on this product, but did add that the company is currently developing the next-generation ELR. He said the next-gen ELR, which will probably share its underpinnings and drive components with Chevrolet’s second-generation 2016 Volt, “may not be a two-door coupe.”
Like before, de Nysschen also hinted at the two new crossover models, one being smaller than the current SRX and one larger. He also said the SUVs would compete with similar entries from the Germans, which translates to a BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK fighter for the smaller CUV, and a larger full-size, three-row CUV that would battle the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GL (soon to be renamed GLS), upcoming Audi Q9 and BMW X7. The long-time auto exec also alluded to a sub-compact sedan smaller than the ATS to compete with the Audi A3/S3/RS3, Mercedes CLA-Class and to a certain extent, the BMW 1 Series.
Industry sources told Reuters GM has already approached suppliers about the sub-compact-sedan and the two crossovers. The CLA-Class and A3/S3/RS3 fighter could share its underpinnings with the second-generation Chevrolet Cruze when it enters production on or before 2018, but Cadillac could also a shorter version of its praised Alpha platform. The compact crossover, meanwhile, is planned for 2017, the redesigned SRX (which will likely be called XT5 as per Cadillac’s new naming scheme) is expected to go on sale in 2016, and the larger seven-seat crossover will likely arrive for the 2017 or 2018 model year on the new Omega platform shared with the CT6.
Comments
I thought there won’t be a FWD sedan?
A few questions and concerns:
If the larger luxury sedan will be called the CT8, what will fill the void as a CT7? Could this give us more of an idea of what other Cadillacs are going to be called? Sedans ending in even numbers, coupes being odd? Also, will this car ride on Omega?
If the ELR is going to have a next generation it needs a few things. First, longer range, obviously. Second, more power and dynamics. If the CT6 is going to be a PHEV with a 70 mpge, 0-60 in under 6 seconds and also be RWD, why can’t they do the same with the ELR (or whatever it will be called)? Omega is very similar to Alpha from what I have read. Move away from the Volt as the underpinnings of the next ELR and towards this new technology for the CT6 PHEV and put it on Alpha. It would be a phenomenal RWD (maybe even AWD) handling car with good power and efficiency.
My next point kind of leads off from my previous; why are future Cadillac’s going to share platforms with the Chevy Cruze? This is a huge mistake. Cadillac has one of the best platforms on the market with Alpha. Lightweight, adjustable, excellent dynamics and ride quality. Take it, shrink it down a little for a RWD CLA fighter below the ATS, and grow the ATS a little bit in the next generation seeing as its class is growing. SRX we already knew was going to be FWD at least for the next generation though I think it should ride on the CTS platform. But the compact crossover should definitely be on Alpha. Cadillac is off to a great start of separating itself from GM, don’t go backwards and start sharing more platforms cheaper Chevys.
CT7 = coupe of the CT6.
Just like 6 series is the coupe of the 5 series, etc.
So the ATS and CTS are now orphans? Just a few weeks ago, GM was saying that they would not build a FWD sub-compact and that a sub-ATS would be developed.
I like change, but it sounds like de Nysschen is just copying the rivals and not doing anything new.
Unfortunately, that’s precisely what I’m starting to see. We all know some vehicles will be designed to go head-to-head with the Germans, but we were all hoping for more exclusive and unique products to separate the Cadillac brand better. I thought they weren’t going to go model for model with the Germans. But since they have to apparently, why don’t they just develop and utilize different variations of their own exclusive platforms? A Cruze-based Cadillac simply screams Cimarron!!! I understand Cadillac’s execution of a luxury economy car may be better done today than back then, but this looks to be a step backwards. And how will Buick not be affected by this? This Cruze-based Cadillac will have to be priced close to a fully-loaded Curze, since it borrows the same architecture and probably power train. The ELR is already flagged for being severely overpriced, so will it too see a strong price dive, since it also borrows from the Cruze-based tech of the Volt?
Let’s take a look at what the competition is doing. The competitors to a subcompact/smaller than a compact ATS are the Audi A3, MB CLA, Lexus CT, and some future variant of the BMW 1 Series. How do those competitors handle the models?
Audi A3: based on the Jetta (quattro AWD available)
Benz CLA: FWD, based on the A-Class (AWD available on the AMG model)
Lexus CT: FWD, based on the Corolla/Prius
Next-gen 1 Series: FWD, based on the Mini
So, every single one of the model fielded by the competition is based on a “lesser” model with FWD underpinnings. So, using the D2 architecture for this Cadillac product is fine as well.
And as it relates to the Verano: this is not a problem, either. There always has been and always will be overlap between some models. As long as the vehicles are different enough (they will be, given the flexibility of the D2 platform), let the consumer decide what makes sense for them from a brand, equipment, driving characteristics, warranty, and price standpoints.
Case closed!
So here is one question, is the CT6 really going against the s-class, 7 series? I know up until just now GM has been saying it will however it is smaller then those cars. So now we hear there will be a larger car that will take them on. And I know I sound like a broken record but are we seeing that car already driving around in camo? I keep saying there are a few pics of what everyone thought was the CT6 driving around where the car looks enormous. Much bigger then a Taurus which would be the same size as the new CT6 in terms of length. I wonder if the “Halo” car is further in development then we think.
The CT6 will be the direct competitor to the 7 Series, S-Class, A8/S8, and LS. But there’s room beyond that that’s going unexplored by the Germans or by Lexus. Think a vehicle like a Maybach, Bentley Continental, or Maserati Quattroporte for half the price, while still being more luxurious than the CT6.
The CT6 will compete with the standard wheelbase models of those cars. In terms of length, it will be in the middle of the pack:
Lexus LS- 200
Jaguar XJ- 201.9
Audi A8- 202.2
Cadillac CT6- 203.5
BMW 7 Series- 205.3
S Class- 206.5
The CT8 will compete with the longer wheelbase models in the class and offer further refinement and quality, probable around 208-210 inches in length. I doubt we are seeing test vehicles of the CT8 driving around seeing as it was just given the green light. Most likely it is the CT6 but it looks longer because Cadillac has been designing cars to look longer, lower, wider.
I see what your saying and it makes sense. I would be happy to see a huge Cadillac in the DTS range in terms of length. But i said i wondered if we were seeing the ultra flagship since even though he said it was just approved, I never believe what these execs say now. It was probably approved before Johan got there.
“approved” means a number of things.
Programs get approved many times along the development. Last major approval is when the vehicle is pretty much developed and ready for tooling.
The Cadillac CT6 will compete with the standard (short wheelbase) models in each class. Keep in mind that the S Class only comes in long wheelbase form here in the states. So that is why Johan said that the CT6 is smaller than the elite rivals from Germany if you read between the lines. I was assuming smaller meaning that the car will weigh far less so now I understand.
I said in Automotive News that Cadillac should, IMO, reserve the CT9 name for an elite super ultra luxurious Halo Cadillac Sedan to do battle against RR and Bentley many years from now beyond 2020 once Cadillac is viewed closely to the same level like its German and Asian (Lexus) counterparts.
I am happy that the CT6 is here in short wheelbase form and would prefer the car to have two wheelbase lengths but at the same time, I am happy that we are getting a model that is a direct rival to the short wheel base competitors while we have a long wheelbase model with different styling inside and out which should be called CT8. Unlike the competition, Cadillac is offering two wheelbase models in totally different body styles inside and out and gives a customer more alternatives than the competition. This is class leading thinking right here IMO. Let the Escalade have two wheelbases with the same body style.
Well what we have here is a whole new deal and there is a new Sheriff in town by the name of Johan de Nysschen.
All that has been said and projected in the last two years is up for grabs now.
This is the deal some things at GM have changed in a major way in the last year and will take most GM divisions in much more radical directions than we have anticipated. No one has all the details but you can see how those who are wanting to really make real change at GM culture and product wise have been empowered. I know Mary and Mark both were wanting this but they could not have done it alone. I am taking it the board has said ok do what you need to do and they are now making these moves that 5 years ago would be unthinkable by a conservative GM.
Also the market that Cadillac is in has changed in the last couple years. The FWD is now seen as a acceptable car with the success that Bens is seeing. It is a way to remove mass but it was always seen as taboo in the luxury segment. That is proven changed.
The Electric luxury car was always thought of as a conflict in this segment. Tesla has proven If you make a decent car people will buy it in this segment. GM has the parts but just needs to put them into a quality sedan. I believe this one was already being worked out already and the ELR was just put out to garner that GM has the technology but they were not worried so much about volume there.
We have had mixed signals and changed at Cadillac almost yearly because they never had a strong leading force there that knew what to do with the division. Today they have a very strong proven voice in Johan de Nysschen and it appears people inside GM have been listening to him. Lets face it he has gotten the go ahead for more cars and their own engines two key things that no one else had the balls to ask for.
While here we have been hoping they could make things better and just compete GM has opened the doors for Cadillac like I have not seen in many decades to do the job they GM and Cadillac fully can do. This is a very historic moment I think many do not realize has taken place.
It is not just Cadillac as we are now seeing the fruits of a Mid Engine Corvette that is not going to be some parts bin car cobbled in a couple year to get it on the market. This will be a fully designed and sorted sports car we will see. GM also has big thing coming at Buick under that Camouflage that will shock many and really put some truth in is that really a Buick.
I have for year hoped things would slowly get around to being like they should be at GM. I had hopes Lutz would bring massive change and he did get the ball rolling. The Change was greater than he had time for but those he left in place are now carrying on this new Culture and new thinking at GM.
The way I see it GM has always been a company that could do about anything if it wanted to but there was no real want there to do it. For so long they were looking a the short term profits and failed to consider the long term investment that would bring greater profits. This culture I believe has seen it’s last breath.
I have been observing GM for 40 years and understand many things about their history and failures. What I am seeing here is by far the greatest shift to what they should be doing ever. For once the good guys I believe are winning inside GM. This should unleash and empower the kinds of people who did the ZR1, Z28 and CTS V sport to bring this kind of work and even more to the regular Malibu and other cars.
I have said for years Honda, Toyota and Ford never hurt GM as much as GM hurt GM. Now that I see that this appears to have changed I expect things greater than we have been expecting.
So at this point stop complaining about names, flagships and FWD and just let them bring to market what they are now working on and I think you will find they will exceed your expectations. The things you don’t know that is going on inside GM are going to shock you in the next 5 years.
It will be interesting if they come clean and tell what is going on inside GM. For once I am very excited as my expectations have gone from just getting better to being the best on the market.
I agree. But you can bet the board has been the ones who are approving all of this. To be honest i think the real super power behind the scenes is Mary’s boss Chairman Tim Solso. The man has a great reputation and will not sit quietly. This one reason as a shareholder i am happy to see both CEO and Chairman split. I think better decisions are better made with that corporate governance setup.
By all means Dan the board are in on this. Mary and Mark have been pressing to continue the Lutz culture change as well as Ed Wellborn and others. These are the people that Lutz call not a part of the problem.
I ponder the ignition deal may have given Mary the ability to press for more changes to repair the damaged culture. Many of the people and systems that were part of the problem lead to the ignition issues. I know the board has become more proactive but I was not sure to what extent.
The bottom line is someone got through to them finally I am not sure if it was Mary, Mark or even someone on the board but someone woke them up to the realities of change.
Who ever it was they had to get the board to go along with the spending they will have to do in making these changes. I never thought they would do it but it looks like someone has awaken the board and GM.
I was optimistic in a positive way before but I am excited now as I have raise my expectations to a level now that I never thought I would ever see.
I know a few people inside and I will have to see what they have to say or what they think. There is a lot we just don’t know that has happened.
I like the direction GM is moving and I always like GM products in the past but felt they could do better. I just hopes the new GM will be the new and improved GM for a long long long time in the future and beyond thru several management administration once we are long gone.
I don’t agree that Cadilllac should join the Germans in the race to the bottom of the luxury segment by building a CLA competitor, going FWD on some models and a smaller CUV vehicle. This is what GM has Buick for. Let Buick compete at this end of the luxury segment.
If they really want to build Cadillac’s image and have them become the image leader for GM then keep some exclusivity around the brand. Trying to cover everything from the lower luxury to upper luxury end of the segment makes no sense. It seems contradictory for them to be talking about developing exclusive engines for Cadillac then building a vehicle on the humble Chev Cruze platform.
The reason some people are losing respect for the German brands is because they have lost this exclusivity. A top of the range Mazda 3 now sells for more than a bottom of the range Merc A Class in some markets.
Again use Buick to create this gap. Focus Cadillac on exclusive medium-upper luxury RWD or RWD based AWD vehicles, develop the CT8/9 as an image leader as well as some proper luxury sports cars etc.
Mike here is the deal I think they are looking at.
Cadillac is a global brand and if they want to be the Standard of the World they have to meet and beat the best global brands on all levels.
As for Buick it has it’s own mission. Satisfy China #1, Make a profit in NA and work with Opel and Holden to offset cost for both to make them profitable.
When you think of Cadillac building and moving forward they have to do the thing in other markets the others are doing and do it better. I see GM the one who has much more FWD experience able to dominate this lower class in Europe. Even then we may not even see some of these models here as they could sell them their or if demand continues here they could be very fruitful here.
The truth is we have one going on two generations that many have never owned a RWD car and could care less for them. The brands are finding there is a market for them and it will help them moving forward to offset some mass for even more efficient cars. They in no way will abandon RWD and will only expand it but they will always seek ways to expand markets and income.
The key is luxury brands are the most profitable car on the market and are very important. This is why Ford has no axed Lincoln yet but they will need to put forth an effort like Cadillac to make them relevant but I do not see them doing that as they are not fully paid off on their loans yet that kept them from the bail outs.
If the FWD do not pan out it will not be a big loss for GM as they will use the investment in the other models on this platform.
While it may be on a D2XX do not call it a Cruze as these platforms are much more flexible than any in their history. They can provide economy cars to luxury cars with some simple changes and investment. These will also provide CUV models too. This is not the old Delta platform you are dealing with and the engineers that are in now are some of the most empowered and talented engineers GM has had in years, Keying on the empowered as their hands are no longer ties as they once were.
Idk about a bmw 1 series fighter. Anytime I see someone in one of those bmw go carts which I rarely see ever down here I just stare at them and wonder did they buy that little turd just because it says bmw… I don’t see a Cadillac that small selling
Forget about the 1 Series. It’s not well-positioned and isn’t the car to beat in the segment. Think Audi A3 (the entire range) and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Those are the up-and-comers in the class that will probably own it from a sales standpoint over the next few years.
Cadillac CT8 / 9? yes, but I like rear-or all-wheel drive as an option.
A new SRX crossover above? yes, it is well
A new car under the ATS? I do not, does not seem right
A fully electric car? have the ELR, wonderful car, turn down the price a bit less
Cadillac needs more engines for its cars, the ATS in example; would sell more if it had a base 150 hp engine, 272 hp is plenty of power for a base car.
The Germans sell much because they offer a lot of engine power range and for all; all needs and consumption ranges
Cadillac should go there, my range of Cadillac cars Ideally: ATS, ATS Coupe, ATS-V, CTS, CTS-V, SRX, another crossover step above the SRX, a car XLR roadster style; CT6 sedan; Escalade; Escalade ESV; CT8 / 9 and CT8 / 9 Coupés.
The base engine naturally aspirated 150 hp 2.5, convenient, and low consumption, for the ATS and CTS
Regards from Spain
I think Buick should not get a rwd Omega platform….instead Buick should have a rang-topping Electra or a Roadmaster on a full-size high-end AWD only E2XX platform that would price $50.000–70.000 dollars….maybe X2XX OR F2XX ??? as a higher end verson of the E2XX.
What I’m hearing is, Cadillac wants to compete “dollar-wise”, with the German brands. First, they need to compete “quality-wise”. If you look back for the last 20-30 yrs, Cadillac’s values at resale has never held up very well. I know. I have purchased 4 of them. The German brands always seem to hold much better resale. I am thinking Cadillac’s lack of comparable quality has a lot to do with it. Second, if and when Cadillac gets serious about comparable quality to the German standards, then they will need to chop the price by $10k to compete in the American market. That is the only way I see them getting far with their vision. To summarize, Cadillac is, first and foremost, chasing the money. This is great logic, but they definitely need to offer quality first and then, if they wish to truly compete, they will have to chop the pricing by $10k. Even that may not be enough given the issues of the past.
Have you been around, sat in, or driven a new Cadillac lately? The quality is on part with Benz and BMW. It might still lag Audi a bit, but that’s subjective.
I have been a Cadillac guy since 1980, when I bought a brand new Coupe DeVille, since then I have bought or leased 13 additional Cadillacs including a 1988 Allante. I currently have a 2012 SRX Performance Edition and a 2014 CTS Luxury Sedan. I have loved every one of my Cadillacs and the buying experience has always has always been excellent. The service experience…not so much. Cadillac can build great cars, but if their service departments treat customers like Chevy owners and don’t respect the owners investment in a luxury brand, they will never have the same perceived value as a Mercedes, BMW, Audi or even Lexus. The ownership experience will determine the customers perceived value.