Cadillac sales are up 38 percent this year (a record high since 1978) — making it the fastest-growing major automotive brand in the U.S. — and we’d like to assume that the newfound strength and variety of the Cadillac brand and product line (along with our articles here at GMA) contribute to that.
Even in enemy territory (the San Fran Bay area), where people worship the German Three in a big, big way, Cadillac‘s sales are up 54 percent. All of this with the striking all-new 2014 CTS, first-ever ELR, next-generation 2015 Escalade, and the expectations of more ATS variants on the way, all of which will be available by what’s expected to be next year.
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Any word on the v series yet? Im waiting for that one, it should be a beast!
Can’t we just enjoy the regular cts now? It’s not even on the streets yet!
It is a given the sales at Cadillac would increase as they have been slowing with older models. Anytime you add new cars you will get a bump. In this case with two new cars like the ATS and CTS the bumps should be more.
As for the investment it is not just the Cadillac that is responsible but the Alpha platform it and several other new cars will be on that will make for greater needs at the Lansing plant.
We already know the Camaro is coming and I fully expect a couple Buicks/Opels and possibly the next SS which is closer than many realize.
Who knows GM may even build and export a Holden from there.
Lansing will be the capital for GM RWD cars.
I am anticipating the CTS test drive. I want to see what GM learned and changed on the ATS and improved on the CTS. GM has had a good track record of improving the platforms with each and every model. Just look at the improvements refinement in the new Impala from the first Lacrosse.
I expect the CTS not only to be a better car because of the class but I expect GM will have what they learned applied. By the time the Camaro hits the refinement should continue to filter on to the next model.
From 2nd LaCrosse?
What does everyone think about the recent MT comparo of the ATS?
It was bullshit ! Who the hell are they going to call it the best driving car which is the reason for these cars being built….and then give it fourth place……even with reasons such as CUE…..they even said at the beginning of idrive everyone hated it but know it is “the best in the busy”……..it is like they don’t want this car to win or somthing…..they complain at how the ATS copjed the germans but when a CUE is distinctive and original it gets slammed…..please the ATS is better the bmw and audi……it should have won period
Since MT claims that was more of a “consumer focused” comparison, I guess it really wasn’t so bad. They did give Cadillac credit for making the best driving car in the segment-actually dethroning the mighty 3-Series. But it’s typical they would lampoon the CUE system (as most reviews do), which is pretty much why it placed low. (And in this test they actually pointed out the lack of rear seat space). I suddenly have a bad feeling the new CTS will suffer from the same points of weakness.
Back on topic. I’m pleasantly surprised to hear of Cadillac’s growth in a German/Japanese dominant region of the country. And with this new CTS, they should conquer the region. Please hurry with the flagship!!!!
MT goofed. For one, saying that the ATS4 had magnetic ride control isn’t even true, as only the RWD 2.0T and 3.6 models can be equipped with the system. Not sure what happened there, but that comparison is getting hounded by the Internet community. Still, the numbers — braking, acceleration, fuel economony — are the numbers. Note that the RWD ATS models performed much better in MT comparison tests.
We have our own opinions on CUE, which can be read here: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/02/the-gm-authority-review-of-cadillac-cue/
Yes, sport luxury cars should be about driving. Sadly, these days, most buyers in that market are too soft, or have no idea what “sport” is even supposed to mean. The sales reflect that. Though if Cadillac continues to demonstrate superior driving dynamics, it’s only a matter of time before the Eurosport dedicates convert on principle.
I also hated it. They would excuse everything in a BMW but in a Cadillac it becomes a major weakness. To me ATS has one main area for improvement. It needs 8 speed transmission. That would improve fuel economy and 0-60 time. CUE is far from perfect but neither are its competitors. It suffers from lack of familiarity and laziness of journalists, who don’t want to be bothered to learn the system.
As an ATS Performance Edition 3.6 owner – I agree it needs the 8 speed transmission. 1st is particularly too deep, as is 2nd in the current 6 speed. I immediately dumped the base 17″ clearcoated wheels and Michelin Primacy ZP’s. I replaced with a set of MB plated 17″ wheels AND Michelin Pilot Super Sport 225/45-17’s. Now that Michelin’s introduced the Pilot Sport A/S3’s I see no need for those Primacy ZP tires. The Michelin Primacy simply is NOT enough tire on the Performance Edition. I’ve not experienced a flat tire issue in at least 10 years – yes 10 years. I strongly recommend the Lloyd 48oz custom mats, they fit perfectly and are vastly easily to maintain. When a high quality custom exhaust system becomes available I will upgrade – the stock system just doesn’t have a quality sound.
I’ve no issue with CUE – it’s a genuine learning experience for someone as myself without any prior experience with such a system. I don’t particulary need or require a Navigation system – I know where I’m going. I miss a multi-disc cd changer – I don’t use my iPhone for music and have no immediate plans to do so. Backseat size? Who cares? The ATS is not a “family transportation” intended model. A Coupe edition for the ATS makes complete sense – get it in production ASAP. And most definitely the ATS-V edition. With end of production of the CTS-V coupe and sport wagon – get the ATS-V versions in production.
In West Texas, Mercedes AMG series models, BMW M series are dime-a-dozen. The XTS Vsport Twin Turbo will sell, very well indeed (if the local dealer knows how to market it).
Dealer inventories seem biased toward the 2.0T versions w/6 speed automatic, next the base 2.5 versions with modest equipment and lastly the 3.6 editions.
I read the story an the key is that Cadillac is right there. In the past they would not even consider it for a comparo.
The key here is Cadillac is right there with the others but to take the title it is like a prize fight and they will have to have a convincing KO.
Now that is what I expect we will see as the Germans have grown stagnate and Cadillac has yet to peek. With each model and each platform the level will be raised. To change minds Cadillac can not just be as good or a little better but they will have to be clearly better. We will see that soon.
Note GM has gone and addressed issues fast anymore so many of the issues names either have or will be fixed soon. This is not the old GM anymore.
I still don’t understand why people complain about rear seat space when buying a car! If I’m buying the car then that means I will never be riding back there! Please explain someone
Good analogy. I only want a back seat for the once a year back seat occupant. If I buy an ATS, I will not be planning on having a whole lot of passengers, just enough when needed. You want a big back seat for the family and friends, then one should purchase an Impala.
Also why did Motor Trend not include the C Class in the comparo? I thought the Motor Trend all-wheel drive sport sedan comparo…. was BS also.
I think the Cadillac CTS “franchise” is incredibly successful! I still like the first AND second generations of the car! The quality must not be as bad as a traditional POS Cadillac because I still see a lot of first gen ones on the road in CA. It says A LOT about good styling when I would be happy to drive every generation of the car (assuming you fix the design flaws of the first gen with aftermarket parts: replace cheap horrid battleship-gray plastic grille and rear license plate area). The 2014 looks real sweet. I expect Cad sales to climb, hopefully they won’t shoot themselves in the foot with poor quality.
C class is junk
Lg
I find it funny when you see and hear people talk about how a company needs to be in a certain segment or build a car for a number of years and generations before people or the industry takes it seriously! What a joke, if the car or truck is great then it should sell at the top or be rated at the top!
I think when people do this they try to find something to knock they car or truck when there is nothing nuts and bolts to attach it to!
When are people going to stop this process?
I just LOVE my ATS…I see BMW and C class about all the time; mine is much sharper without doubt…..I get looks from those euro owners!!!!!!