Quick! If Cadillac could add a model to its current range − ready to hit dealers tomorrow − what would it be?
The all-new CTS-V with a stick? Elmiraj untouched? An ATS or CTS wagon?
Johan de Nysschen has another idea. If he could snap his fingers and, like magic, have an all-new model in Cadillac’s roster, what would it be? That’s the question posed by the New York Daily News earlier this week at the 2015 North American International Auto Show.
De Nysschen responded that he had “lots of fingers” to snap, but briefly mulled the question before responding with a surprise:
“I’d like a stunningly designed, high-performance crossover … positioned between the SRX and Escalade. [A vehicle] with performance that would make a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S blush.”
If that isn’t a tell to what will be Cadillac’s next draw from the holster, we don’t know what is. Now, we do expect that Cadillac will unveil an SRX replacement this year — possibly the 2015 LA Auto Show, as Cadillac has no plans for Chicago and the CT6 will reportedly take the New York stage. The SRX, likely called XT5, could resemble the proportions of the Porsche Cayenne. And for Cadillac to build a rival to the Porsche Cayenne that will not only compete, but humble the high-end Turbo S model, also means that the upcoming crossover will have a performance variant. We doubt Cadillac will disappoint.
Comments
That will be a major challenge for Cadillac to compete with the Cayenne since that vehicle sets the standard in cross-over performance.
I think handling could be similar between the two. Looks may be subjective but the XT6 could be a better looker of the two. However, I do believe that it could be done.
I’m all for a hi-po crossover! Cadillac has the platform (Alpha of course) to bring such a vehicle to the market. However, a more advanced power train is necessary to effectively match what the Cayenne is capable of.
Hell if they can just cut the weight a little it would be a great start as the Porsche is almost 7,000 pounds.
The truth is with the right amount of funding, development and time GM could do anything. Too often in the past they were lacking one to all three of these.
Also many doubted the Porsche would sell when we first saw it but it has done well.
The problem is that Cadillac has the image of a “tin-can” whilst Porsche has the image of a “steel can” The only negative on Porsche is it’s sky high price.
And 6500-7000 pounds.
Images can be changed and that is where Cadillac first needs to work with better and better product, better marketing and time.
You can make moonshine that will kick you ass in a day but good whiskey takes time to be created as does its image. Same for cars.
BMW was not always at the front of the class and they did not get there in a year.
As for Porsche they nearly lost their image in the 80’s with the volume cheaper car formula and it took about 5-10 years to gain back their full strength.
Beyond the price and weight of the excellent Cayenne, another negative for me is how awful the vehicle looks. I realize this is subjective, but I just had one tailgating me on the way home. When the car turned off onto a side street, I was reminded that I find the appearance quite hideous. But they are selling well, so evidently I’m in the minority.
I agree it is not the most dramatic styled car but sales prove Image and name can counter even odd styling.
I honestly though it would tank as who would buy a Porsche SUV? But the sales have proven me wrong and they are making a lot of money here. It really Is a SUV/CUV world anymore.
VAG! VAG GONSER is the magic word. about 2000 began to change and vag GONSER and became stronger and becomes today and expands. besides a good look at how the VAG works. VW is moving quickly up
As long as its a varient of the new SRX ( XT5 ) , sure go for it . He needs to keep focused though on the current compation coming from Lincoln and Lexus . GM is doing a great job of keeping this under wraps , which is a good thing .
Let it come to market with thatt WOW factor .
Hmmmmm, A mid size SUV with a ‘Vette motor. Sounds like the TrailBlazer SS we had a few years ago. Loved it!
I’ve been waiting for something like this to happen for a while now. Need to sit the SRT8 down. I miss the TBSS!
Patience; Do not go so fast and want to get too high; these things should go more slowly and well made.
There will be time in the future to fight with Porsche; Now you make cars that do and do good advertising to sell.
Regards from Spain
Caddy keeps raising its price point while Buick/GMC moves up market with more conventional styling. Net result? Buick/GMC keeps selling more vehicles and caddy doesn’t.
But yet Cadillac will make more profits per unit sold.
The more expensive you get the less volume you need to worry about. It is a good balance of volume with higher transaction price.
Cadillac is not competing with Lincoln anymore in the Luxury volume segment. Buick is.
de Nysshen spoke of this vehicle @ his first meeting… It will not be based on the SRX as this article suggests – particularly as that car will remain FWD/AWD. What he envisions is a larger XT vehicle that is RWD, dare I say similar to GEN1 SRX.