Cadillac’s New Naming Scheme Could Result In A New Designation For All-Wheel Drive Vehicles: Opinion
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Given that GM is on our minds on a daily hourly minutely secondly basis here at GM Authority, we wanted to share a not-so-random thought: Cadillac’s new naming scheme will likely necessitate a new way to refer to vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD).
Currently, Cadillac differentiates all-wheel drive models by appending the number 4 to the name of the model — ATS4, CTS4, XTS4, and SRX4. While that works well with the current nomenclature, we just don’t see it working on the new CT# and XT# naming structure. For instance, CT34 or XT54 just doesn’t sound good.
As such, we have to wonder how Cadillac will call its all-wheel drive vehicles in light of the new naming scheme, something we’re sure to find out in the very near future as the brand launches the Cadillac CT6 and Cadillac XT5, both of which will offer all-wheel drive as an option. To note, the CT6 on display at several auto shows has had the AWD badge, though we’re not certain whether or not that will remain. So until we find out for sure, how would you like to see Cadillac refer to its AWD vehicles? Sound off in the comments.
More on Cadillac’s new naming scheme and upcoming vehicles:
Sedans, Coupes, Wagons
Crossovers/CUVs, SUVs
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Because English is the new Latin and the global language, Germans automakers needed alpha-numeric naming. The German language isn’t exactly sexy, so Merc and BMW developed naming scemes.
Cadillac need not copy German naming systems. At this rate,Cadillac will bounce from one mistake to another until the looses become too much to rationalize. Cadillac should take a page from Buick/Opel in terms of how these brands are beginning to outpace Lexus as evidenced by Consumer Reports rating Regal ahead of Caddy,Merc and Beemer.
In addition to changing names, Caddy needs to drop the Bling and focus on modern styling.
What is “bling”? why do people keep saying that about Cadillac?
The biggest problem with the 4 is that most don’t know what it means. I’ve seen countless shoppers ask what the tiny 4 is for.
Buyers expect the letters AWD. And, since only one Cadillac comes close to a true 4WD system (Escalade) – it should change anyways. AWD and 4WD are not the same, not that Alpha or Epsilon have poor AWD systems – it’s just not accurate.
I just found out that the 4 meant AWD, I thought it was for a trim level.
The CT6 examples on display show a AWD badge on the lower left side of the truck lid. While it’s better than a 4, it’s still doesn’t have the send the same high end feel as names like 4Matic, Quatro, and xDrive. Cadillac needs a proper name for its AWD system.
They do, indeed, show an AWD badge. I, however, wonder how official that nomenclature is.
They could write it out as F O U R which at least is the translation of Quatro.
VDrive? Anyone?
I have a 2014 Cadillac ATS with all wheel drive and a 3.6 engine. I think the small 4 next to the ATS badge would lead many to think it is a 4 cylinder engine.
I would prefer AWD (or something other than the small 4 ) to designate all wheel drive.
From the pictures I’ve seen of the CT6, on one car there is the Cadillac crest on the left front fender and on another that crest isn’t there . And on the photo of the XT5 it has the crest on the fender . I thought having that badge on the fender designated the car (suv) to be an AWD version !? Thus eliminating the small 4 on the decklid .
A head-scratcher for sure .
The 4 was adequate at best but really just looked tagged on.
They look to be going with AWD. This is not rocket science just keep it clear but simple
all these letters and numbers make my eyes hurt.. i have a feelings once I get a newer Cadillac I may remove the decals anyway and only leave the Cadillac logo… of course the V if its a V
One ill advised naming scheme to another. They should have just stayed put.
I think the solution is very simple just add the letters A W D to the model like CT6-AWD. This will eliminate any confusion !
Why not go back to giving the car a name like they used to? To me its ridiculous when I see a bunch of letters and numbers on a car, pretty soon the whole trunk lid will be covered in numbers and letters. To me that is just lazy, it works for german cars not for Cadillac.
It worked for Cadillac before WW2. Series 35, Series 70, etc.
Model names are dumb. The only name that matters in the brand name, ‘Cadillac’.
Then don’t give it any name or letters or numbers it will just be a Cadillac, because that’s all that matters right?
Pretty much. The pride of ownership will come in proclaiming what it is you drive.
“I drive a Cadillac.”
Automatically, there’s no ambiguity, and the driver’s status is instantaneous recognized as you know what kind social set the driver runs with.
Apple and Mercedes rocks the same kind of cult status. Nobody cares about the finer differences, they want that badge to do the talking for the owner.
It is badge snobbery, but it sells soooo damn hard.
Just add an “A” – just like the “V” is added for the high performance models. If an all wheel drive performance version is ever offered sometime down the road, it could be “AV”. Simple, easy to say, and easy to identify. To take it step further, a diesel AWD performance version could be a DAV. And finally, to take it to absurd level, a Diesel AWD high performance version with an electric hybrid system would be the DAVE. 😉 (For the record, the A and AV are serious suggestions with the DAV and DAVE options being a poor attempt at humor.)
I hope there is no 4 cylinder in the CT8….if so that would be lame
I think the CT7 should be a grand coupe with 4 doors…like on the Mazda XR8…and be priced starting around $90.000……..CT6 starts at 70K……CT7 90K…….CT8 120K.
I think the CT8 should climb much further up the latter from the CT6…so the CT7 coupe would slot between the CT6 and CT8…..in size…..the CT6 at 204 inches long……….CT7.. 208 inches…………CT8… 212 inches.
the 2nd generation CT6 should be a 4-door coupe.