Just for a second, we’ll dispense with any sort of journalistic integrity and admit that we’re big fans of Cadillac’s all-new 2016 CTS-V. It’s fast and powerful, we know it will handle like a dream while still being luxurious, and it looks awesome. But we’ve thought of a way to make it look even better, which brings us to our suggestion:
Cadillac should offer an optional black-out appearance package on the new CTS-V.
Before we go any further, we should note that we realize full well that the blacked-out look we’re suggesting here isn’t for everyone. But the popularity of the blacked-out look on luxury vehicles has been growing over the last few years, with BMW and Audi both offering the appearance package on their vehicles.
For instance, the 2015 BMW M5 does away with chrome trim elements almost entirely, and puts black pieces in their place. And BMW also offers the (non-M) 5 Series in regular and Luxury “Lines”; the latter is a $2,000 option that adds more shiny chrome bits all around the vehicle, while the standard model has most of those pieces blacked out. Audi also offers an optional trim level on its vehicles that it sometimes refers to as “Black Optics”, blacking out all the chrome pieces on the vehicle’s exterior.
Thinking along those lines, we think Cadillac should offer a black-out package that would turn those shiny chrome (or body color) bits into black pieces of ominous goodness, including:
Front
- Grille surround
- Mirror caps
Side
- Green house surround
- Wheels (optional)
Back
- Decorative trunk lid trim
- Exhaust tips
Mind you, we’re not advocating replacing high-quality chrome parts with cheap plastic that’s prone to weather quickly. Instead, Caddy can take the existing parts and treat it in a way that darkens the chrome.
2016 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan “Black Trim Line” and black wheels
All in all, a blackout package would offer more choice and variety to potential customers who are obviously interested in the look (see BMW and Audi), thereby giving Cadillac competitive parity when it comes to vehicle packaging/options. Couple that with the mighty performance and already-great looks of the new CTS-V, and Caddy has another winner on its hands.
[nggallery id=699]
Comments
Better idea: Cadillac offers its own “Individual” colour and trim options. For a sizable fee, you get your Cadillac in whatever colour you can imagine, inside and out.
I’d call it a complementary idea. Not a better idea.
Just like Audi had black optics package and Audi exclusive options, the latter being what you’re describing:
http://motrolix.com/2014/12/audi-debuts-new-limited-edition-rs5-coupe-sport-u-s-market/
No, it’s a better idea than what was put forth in the article:
“But we’ve thought of a way to make it look even better, which brings us to our suggestion:
Cadillac should offer an optional black-out appearance package on the new CTS-V.”
I know the customized paint option is offered by the Germans. I can’t see why Cadillac can’t offer precisely the same, circumventing all these needless ‘colour and trim packages’ for something that’s exactly what the consumer wanted.
It’s about getting what you want, not what you expect.
Are you going to try to defend your qualitative statement of your idea being “better”? Probably not, because it’s indefensible.
Your idea is not better. It’s just different.
Now more to the point: paint customization options are not cheap or inexpensive, and run into the several thousand dollars. They’re ordered by a select few each and every year. It’s a great option and is needed from Cadillac. Good call. But what’s being suggested in the article is completely different.
It’s about offering a “checkbox” customization option that’s inexpensive and simple. It doesn’t take months to get to you, compared to all of the customization plans from the Germans, which take months to be delivered.
Want vs. expect? Fine. But for totally different buyers.
At the end of the day, both need to happen. Neither is “better” or “worse”.
I don’t think it’s worth it these days there’s so much aftermarket stuff sold carid will have all of this as an option from e&g classics.. also alot of car shops will plastidip or wrap
That doesn’t really matter for 2 reasons:
1. Aftermarket is something that’s not in the vernacular of most luxury buyers. Cadillac needs to offer this as a convenient package the way that BMW and Audi do.
2. Even if it were, who cares? Cadillac can do it better (quality) from the factory and make a profit on it.
Bottom line, Cadillac needs to remain competitive here. And “leaving it to the aftermarket” is not a good answer when the competition is offering from the factory.
Can call it the black diamond package like from the previous gen, can apply it to the ATS too.
Looks cool and modern. It would be a great idea. I guess the only question is whether it should come from GM or the aftermarket.
Cadillac should be offering customization to customers. They will not have any problems paying extra just for a special look for their cars. This will enhance the image of Cadillac. So therefore, go for it.
It is what the US car takes to be most competitive
More engines, and more customizable equipments.
Here in Europe the cars have interior offer almost “piece by piece” and that makes them very attractive to buyers.
Regards From Spain
We all know that there are GM Marketing people that read these blogs. So when do we see an Option Code for a “Black-Out” Package???
Have an ATS; had a CTS; have a C7…..I’m one who dislikes the un-brightening of the world’s cars. Hope Caddie does not think that a blacked-out CTS-V will go faster! Ask Johnnie O’Connell. And, don’t emulate the German and Japanese exterior designers (eg. …ugly Lexus mouths)….who cares about them. Viva GM.
Perhaps it doesn’t make it faster. But it sells more cars because that what people want. Maybe you don’t want it, and that’s fine. You don’t have to buy it. That’s why it should be an options package. Don’t want it? Don’t buy it and you still have your blingy, shiny chrome.
PS: who cares about Lexus? Sales are up 15% this year mostly thanks to the new IS. So obviously, luxury buyers care. Luxury buyers whom Cadillac wants bad. Hence, Cadillac should care. And so should you if you care about Cadillac’s short- and long-term success.
One bad thing about it is that the models are old rivals, and they will soon be completely new. an entirely new mb e class of must immediately.automotive world is very tough. It’s difficult to keep up with the top, and if They’re one step off the ice, or would you be auto market failure. gm one big flaw is that he is late. GM has a better track to persist and lead to the schedule itself.
automotive world is very tough.
gm likes old school staff you no. this car would have to be sold for at least a year or two ago. GM thinks that the auto market is and what competitors are doing, or what. the more the better it will be offered the opportunity for one car. the greater the opportunity to shape the car is ordered according to those desires better. such a thing should not even ask. and automobile manufacturers need to think about themselves in interesting solutions. already it is a shame that the automaker will ask whether to make such a thing as the second-largest carmaker. strong and successful carmaker is thinking and doing things themselves out. such things as openly ask a shame. cadillac owners also want to be happy like BMW owners ahhaaa
US and the EU is just so different from everything that really does not make sense to compare at all. GM will make American cars, and Americans love them and so. What makes Europe and the Europeans love these cars. simple notions, ideas and visions are very different. They can not be compared. just do not understand each other and do not understand. There is nothing wrong, and it makes perfect sense. I do not think it is a bad time. This is a good thing. otherwise it might be boring. One bad thing is that GM has begun some way to work globally and this is a bad thing. GM global job does not work somehow it just does not work. Gm global business is not going to work.
How about a white out edition.
Before you get too far with this GM will offer variations and special editions with paint and trim each year to keep things fresh between model changed. So let them introduce the car and get with it before we get too far out.
Also I would look for Cadillac to move to a more specialized trim offerings in the future where you will go in and pick the colors and materials that will make up your new car. This is a growing trend for most of these companies and people are willing to pay more for their own one off car.
These things will be part of the transition of making Cadillac a car company more so than just another GM division.
Note what I said Cadillac will be treated as a Car Company and no a GM division, this is key.
I don’t think it is a bad idea . Better to offer it as a factory option than after market parts from different suppliers . I do like the aero pkg, minus the rear wing on the deck lid . It just looks cheap to me . In addition to all black i would like to see an option for no chrome at all but body color , like crystal red or white diamond or even a dark mettallic blue ( which is not offered at all as a paint choice ) . All with black and chrome wheels though . Not a fan of all black wheels . JMO
Factory and dealer options are money.
Case in point just the edition of the Denali option to the GMC line brings in so much money it is crazy. The true extra content of the cars is very little when you add it up but the higher prices paid are pure profit.
I would not be surprised to see Chevy follow in some way with a special package for their truck and SUV lines as they are losing money by not offering this.
Options = Money and not everyone is in tune with the aftermarket. Trust me I know I am in the aftermarket.
No, let the aftermarket handle that ugly look. Besides, black wheels turn brown from brake dust. Offer a vastly more important option, the TR6070 for enthusiasts.
There are reasons that BMW and Audi DO NOT leave something like this to the aftermarket:
1. OEM quality
2. Convenience
3. Lineup variety (adds substance to lineup)
4. Potential profit area in shipped-to-dealer vehicles
5. Potential profit area in accessory sales
So, clearly an area that Cadillac should not leave for the aftermarket.
Whether good or bad, it is to each their own opinion. Just reminds me a bit of back in the ’80s when blacking out the trim was considered European, ie. the Chevy Celebrity Eurosport and others.
Forget about the blackout on the CTS-V, make a CTS-V coupe!!
I can get with that!