If you’re anything like us, your first thoughts as you clicked this story were, “Return of the Cimarron.” Thankfully, General Motors has come a very long way since those days of platform sharing. The J-body Cavalier was a not a competent car. The D2XX based 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is, as we’ve come to find out.
The formula is old, but the car will be new. According to AutoGuide, Cadillac is reportedly working on a Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 rival based on the D2XX platform, which currently underpins the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. There are a few major talking points here.
With this news from AG, it’s likely that the oft-rumored sub-Cadillac ATS is dead, a stark departure from Cadillac’s comments at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. Brand leaders have stated its sedans are “known for being rear-wheel drive” when speaking of a smaller sedan than the ATS, suggesting the BMW 2-Series will likely remain alone in the segment. Likely, sales numbers played a role here.
The report indicates that Cadillac will instead utilize the D2XX platform, based on a program code that identifies it as such. AutoGuide continues to state that the small Cadillac sedan/hatch is rumored to arrive with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbo-four for even more premium flavors.
Lastly, AutoGuide’s sources claim that GM could make a $6,000 to $9,000 premium on the models sold. That’s a fair number, especially considering the profits on small cars are minuscule, and rely on great deals of volume. Everything is currently unofficial and yet to be confirmed, even if something that’s being pondered.
Comments
D2XX is a AWD platform, doesn’t it make it a RWD as well?
Greg,
D2XX does not support rear-wheel drive, only front- and all-wheel drive applications for compact vehicles. Alpha is the closest thing to a small, rear-wheel drive platform.
Cheers,
-Sean
I thought the ATS served these needs but I guess Cadillac thinks another more affordable luxury car is needed. No thank you, I’m not paying a premium for a similar car I can get cheaper under another brand.
Yes/no — would love to buy a Cruze with a 2.0 turbo too but it appears that Cadillac engine offerings will be another level of differentiation — over and above luxury features.
I hope that they take it to another level and do a wagon/sportback model to capitalize on the crossover/SUV direction of the market.
Ridiculous! Make a real Cadillac again. With proper marketing a rwd V8 body on frame Caddy could take off again. I like being able to easily fix something when it breaks and with fwd, its a total mess. My last caddy 2012 DTS was a horrible car. Engine was smooth and strong until about 60k when leaks and oil burning started then right at 108k blew the rear head gasket.
Oh no..please let this be a just rumor mongering.
Making the sub-ATS model FWD based will undermine what Cadillac has been trying to do to build a reputation of making top of the line performance luxury sedans.
It will be Cadillac Cimmaron all over again.
Exactly what I was thinking. It undermines everything they have been saying. Last article I read about something under the ATS, Cadillac said it would be RWD.
I don’t think it will be anywhere near the disaster the Cimarron was. I mean that car was literary a Cavalier with a different grill and leather interior. Even a person that was not a car industry guru could see that. But what I would worry more about is how Cadillac will get the top of the lineup filled out. Johann has said in the past that Cadillac needs to get the flagships and the top of the lineup introduced first, then work there way down to the lower end models. I wonder how all of that fits now.
Cadillac has a lot of holes to fill in it’s lineup but the bottom end is more important than the top right now. The growth areas are compact /subcompact crossovers and sub-ATS sized sedans.
Large luxury sedans and crossovers are not growing in volume right now.
I agree that large luxury sedans don’t exactly fly off the dealer lots, but they were never meant to. The six figure vehicles from MB, BMW, AUDI, and LEXUS,as well as JAGUAR have a more primary role. They exemplify the quality of the brand and what the brand is capable of. They give the E Class buyer a vehicle to aspire to. They are the “flagships” of the brand. None of the brands expect them to sell in record numbers because they are not produced in record numbers.
If you are going out to spend $50,000-$70,000 on a new car, would you choose a Cadillac, or a MB, BMW, Audi, or Lexus……why?
Brand Image is everything. It creates brand snobbery. Currently, Cadillac’s image is tarnished because of the junk they produced from the 90’s, the Cimarron, and other vehicles that were not worthy of the Cadillac name. The only thing, aside from building quality, reliable, vehicles, and standing behind them. to restore this image, this pride in ownership, if you will, to make a Cadillac as desirable to own as a MB, or one of the others, is to show what you are capable of building, with no shortcuts, or cheap materials. Cadillac MUST build those “flagships” for that reason.
As long as gas remains cheap, and, by the way, have you noticed gas prices lately, I saw premium yesterday up to $3.25/gallon, and climbing. Anyway, CUV/SUV’s will sell well as long as gas is cheap, especially thwe AWD models. People will pay $50,000-$90,000 for an SUV, that they wouldn’t pay for an automobile. When gas eventually rises to $5+ a gallon, and it will, it’s only a matter of time, and disaster, like a refinery fire, then SUV sales will drop like a rock.
High end SUV’s sell better than anything. The fact that the Cadillac Escalade sells better than anything else from Cadillac makes the point.
This car is currently available, it’s called the Buick Verano. The current ATS is a perfect step up from the Verano and in reality the last thing Cadillac needs is……..more sedans!
I wish I could give more than one thumbs up!! Right on!!
So very true! The ATS should remain the only entry-level Cadillac in the lineup. Leave the premium Chevrolet-based vehicles to Buick! Cadillac should maintain their approach towards capitalizing on performance! If something is good enough to be a Chevy, shouldn’t mean it’s good enough to be a Cadillac!
Agree that there is a need for crossovers/SUVs in a big way but there is growth potential below ATS as the 1 Series , 2 Series, CLA, A3 and ILX are showing.
I came across this article from GM Inside News;
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f70/so-cadillac-mad-us-248617/
It suggests that although Cadillac is denying using the Cruze for a future sedan they are not denying using the C2XX platform for a future model.
Wasn’t the original plan to develop a new platform for the Cadillac subcompact that was rear wheel drive ?
True, except the Verano is soo boring looking, has pretty uninspiring handling, no awd and the interior is pretty budget looking with gross trim and horribly bolstered seats.
Very true.
Want a FWD luxury car? No problem, get a Buick. All sizes are covered.
What’d be the point of a FWD caddy? They tried that with BLS.
“What’d be the point of a FWD caddy? They tried that with BLS.”
And the DTS, XTS, SRX, XT5, ELR.
The point is that they are all Cadillacs.
I meant passenger cars, not crossovers, etc.
DTS is out-of-production. ELR is kind of an exception. XTS will probably retire too now that there is CT6. IMO, a proper luxury car should be RWD or AWD.
People keep forgetting what they think Caddy should be for all buyers isn’t working MB AUDI and BMW have realized this. They merely have taken FWD platform and reenvisioned it for a market that has plenty of income Gen Y. Which most don’t care what wheels drive it as long as it hits 3 points–style, tech, and fuel efficient. If Caddy were to create something with better packing than the ATS (rear legroom), they could create a far better entry model. Their model should be 2.0T/AWD only though to separate it further from the Verano and Cruze. This also allows them to move the LWB version of the ATS into direct pricing with 3, C, and A4 or undercut them slightly.
Agreed with LF -another bloody Verano!! This car is not needed and will not help Cadillac’s brand image. Focus on SUVs – develop models to compete with the BMW X6 and X4.
The ATS platform is a good as it gets – this should be competing with and destroying jokes like the A3 and CLA.
DON”T DO IT CADILLAC!!!
Still waiting for Cadillac to build a suitable alternative to a BMW 6-Series Convertible. That’s a Cadillac I’d buy!
Why stop there? I want Cadillac to aim at the S Class coupe,
God dammit. Not this again…so much progress has been made in repairing Cadillac’s image. So I guess we’re going to continue to rely on trickle-up technology, which worked so well for brand reputation in the past?
Bean counters are at it again. JdN often speaks boldly when defining Cadillac and its future direction, but sure does a lot of backtracking when the direction suddenly changes for the worst.
No TT V8 for the CT6.
No CT7/CT8/CT9 in the pipeline.
No RWD sub-ATS sedan or coupe.
“Dare Greatly” needs to be changed to “We’re not going to do nearly as much cool stuff as we promised, in fact we’re going to revert back to product lineup strategies from the 90s”.
All the news I’ve been hearing about Cadillac lately speaks to shared platforms and variants of existing architecture championed by Chevy, Buick, GMC, Opel, etc.
Disappointing. It makes it difficult to talk up Cadillac.
Well the TT V8 is coming in the CT6 for sure, we just have to wait a year or so. As far as the CT8/9. From the rumors I heard, the car or cars are still on track. It was not a coincidence that one day we heard Cadillac is working on a CT9 ultra flagship sedan and then the next day we hear the CT8 is cancelled. Even though I have no proof of any of this, from what I heard they morphed into one car that’s still on track in 4 or 5 years.
Why raise your blood pressure getting worked up over an unsubstantiated rumor?
It must be a slow day @ GM “Authority” today. . .
CCC
Um the CT6 is getting a ttV8 but the motor is not ready yet . The CT8 is still coming and the subcompact is still rwd ! Don’t believe any of these rumors. None of them have been confirmed by Cadillac .
omg this better b an april fools joke. 27 days late. no one will buy this cruzeillac.
I also agree with LFX323HP. If they could bring a Verano GS to the states based off the Astra OPC like what was shown at the 2015 Guangzhou Auto Show except with the 2.0, that would be sweet.
So I guess this is where the Cruze SS will not happen?
I also hope that this isn’t anything but a bad rumor . A small FWD vehicle is not where Cadillac should be focusing their attention . How is this going to help Cadillac’s image . That is not what a Cadillac should be , Just because you slap a crest on the front grill isn’t going to help sell a car that they shouldn’t build anyway . And if they do build this it must be a car built somewhere other than the U.S.
Maybe this is nothing but the same type of news like the demise of the CT8 .
Cadillac sucks……Cadillac was once great…but now the Cadillac brand is better off dead….Cadillac had its great times and now there are just suck ass overlapping crap….I can’t believe Cadillac is still pulling this FWD shit…they said that the CT2, XT2-XT7 are going to be RWD…but now there are going be FWD and the CT8 is cancelled….Cadillac is nothing but lies and is just a big letdown….forget Cadillac.
First no reason to be upset unless you have already seen the car and know just what Cadillac is already doing. Otherwise you are just getting upset over nothing.
Here is the deal!
No this is not another Cimarron!
No this is not another Verano
While yes this may use the D2XX platform about 80% of it will be all new and all Cadillac. We have seen this already in the Alpha cars that are shared with the Camaro and CTS. Little is in common. Same with the Sonic and the Encore. Same platform but very different results. Same with the Cruze and the Envision same platform very different results.
Two this is a car that will get proper funding this time because Cadillac has money and is making money.
Three You need to understand that all all MFG even Luxury are in need to investigate smaller cars as they will need them in the future. Hell Aston Martin even rebodied a Toyota Micro car in an attempt to find a way to make a smaller car offering.
Four while these car may be advertised at $32K they will cost more as the options will add up fast as they do on the Audi and BMW or Benz already.
Five this is only a small part of the puzzle as we have many SUV and CUV models coming as well as some new car models also included in the mix. GM is just making sure they have everything covered to some degree as the others are making money in these segments too. At this price point you do not have to sell a ton of them to make a good profit.
Finally I can see some of you need to read up on just what Cadillac is doing. At this point we have yet to see any new product from the new management as they have only been in office for a year and a half. We will see starting next year some refreshed models and soon after their own new models.
The engines also were started and it takes time on them like the cars to get them done and done right. Would you want a totally new engine only done in a year and a half? You may have to let the customer do the R&D and that is never good as we already know.
The fact is there is a lot to be excited about Cadillac as they now have more autonomy, and they also finally are funded properly. These two things we know. Now the results of this we have not had enough time to let this transpire yet. Being we like what we have seen so far is good as it will only get better with less GM interference.
SO right now just take a deep breath and let this play out. We have not seen or been told 95% of the details they are doing so we need to let it happen and then judge them on their objective results. I know in the past they were predictable but this is not the same Cadillac anymore.
If Caddy would have just taken the ELR original concept and turned it into a 4 door entry level model like the CLA and A3, then it took off this would not even be a problem. People keep reverting to the Cimmaron, which about 3 generations of buyers aren’t even likely to remember or know what you’re talking about unless they Google it.
Cadillac can offer a FWD base level model then as an option borrow the AWD system found in the new XT5 as it starts as FWD until there’s wheel slippage and as much as 90-percent of torque and power can be switched to the rear wheels.
That’s perfect for Buick, not Cadillac.
Funny you mention the XT5. Cadillac has two world-class platforms that would’ve put the XT5 at the top of most comparisons with their German competitors. I hope the next generation Alpha platform is largely flexible so this compromise could be corrected.
The XT5 shouldn’t have happened the way it did.
Take a deep breath folks..
There has been no confirmation that this is even planned for a sedan.
JdN recently said their future vehicles are going to be RWD based.
Using the D2XX platform makes more sense for Cadillac as a crossover to slot below the XT5. The Mercedes and Audi small crossovers are based on FWD platforms so there is precedence in the segment.
Cadillac has already used a FWD platform shared with other divisions for the XT5.
Cadillac would not go back on their mandate to revitalize the brand by going back to FWD sedans.
“The Mercedes and Audi small crossovers are based on FWD platforms so there is precedence in the segment.”
Incorrect. Mercedes-Benz has NO FWD-based crossovers other than the GLA. Likewise, Audi has no FWD crossovers other than the Q3. Mercedes-Benz core models and their derivatives have ALWAYS been RWD/4WD. Audi’s CUVs have Quattro permanent 4WD, which is widely considered world-class.
So in other words, De Nysschen gave up? So not only is Cadillac not moving further upmarket, they’re moving DOWNMARKET?
So, what we have now:
-Cadillac’s CUV lineup will be FWD, and shared with other GM brands
-The true S Class fighter is canceled
-The Cimarron lives again
Looks like the boys better run on back to Detroit. Momma Barra says they’re not allowed out after dark.
How can you bitch about what you really don’t know.
Let the damn guy bring out the cars and if they are bad then call it but if they do it right then give them credit. You can not condemn what you don’t know.
What some of us do know there is a lot more going you than what has been spoken of publicly and we are giving them time to show us what they have before we condemn them.
Is this all going to work? Don’t know but we are willing to give them a chance and odds are good they will get most of it right. Just looking at most of the new GM products they are getting about 90% of it right and what they do miss on they are working to fix.
FYI show me a real wide range luxury brand that is not in FWD or is not working to add a small FWD car to their line up. Only brands on the high level and very low volume and model are not in this segment.
As for platform sharing what do you not get. Is the Camaro not a better car because Cadillac developed it.
Have you ever considers that the new Cruze is as solid and quiet as it is even as a Chevy because of the things Cadillac may have invested int the platform for their own versions?
Also while you and I may not be FWD fans the most dominate platforms out there are FWD. Some people are convinced they can not go anywhere below freezing with out it and many just like it because it is all they have known. Their freaking money is as green as anyone elses so why not take it too?
Time to look out side the little world some of you folks are in and realize you do not represent the solid main segment of the market anymore. I too am a relic because I too wish we had everything RWD but I also understand you need to build the cars people will buy not just the ones they want.
Most of you complainers are complaining about cars you will never buy anyways.
Sorry if I mashed any toes as I am not picking on any one in particular but it had to be said.
It comes down to this. development cost are so high anymore companies like BMW will be working with others like Toyota to try to remain independent. Others like VW tried to buy up every viable company for income and platform sharing like Audi, Porsche, Lambo and VW do now.
This means using ever tool you have in your tool box that includes platforms that today are so flexible that many of you could not tell what it was unless you are told. We even see it here that so few understand a Sonic and Encore are the same platform.
GM has for the last few years shown they can do it and do it right given the time and money to do it. That is what Cadillac has been given and to make it in this segment for image building it takes time.
But what we do know now even at the volume levels they have now they are making a marked impact on the profit line of GM. Making profits is what it is all about.
So expect no stone unturned and every market segment to be explored and the most profitable ones pursued. You may not like all that they do but odds are good it will make more money than the ones you think up as the Web CEO of GM.
So it seems even GM Authority throws backhanded remarks about Cadillac. Cimarron? Really? Cadillac has been removed from that for so long! SMH
Front drive/AWD works well in many global markets having harsh winter weather and higher fuel expenses. A Front drive Caddy, if done with quality and good design will cover certain customer needs.
Cadillac has a successful front-wheel-drive sedan with the XTS; thus, there’s no reason why the same approach can’t be done in a smaller platform especially if it allows Cadillac to have an affordable entry level vehicle with a price of just over $20K because the current most affordable Cadillac is the $33K ATS base car. One also has to assume Cadillac will pursue introducing a CUV very similar to Buick’s Encore as either the XT3 or XT2.
If this abomination does happen then do not expect the starting price under $25K especially since a fully loaded Cruze is around $28K.
OMEGATALON, please consider the key words in the center of your comment.
Cadillac…affordable entry level vehicle.
I don’t think it is Cadillac’s mission to provide an affordable entry level vehicle. An affordable entry level vehicle is not something affluent people aspire to, and last time I checked, affluent people are the target market for Cadillac.
FWD just isn’t for cadillac….FWD is just a cheap out.
Why this entry level, FWD, Cadillac is a bad idea.
MB initiated this entry level, fwd, “cheap” (base $29,990 in 2014) because it knew it had the “Badge snobbery” to produce a cheap, entry level vehicle, on par with Camary, Altima, and Civic, in price, and people would buy it. Hell, everyone wants a MB, and now, people on welfare, can buy one.
BMW, and Audi, had no choice , they had to stay competitive, so they followed suit. If your brand has built a reputation, and it sells, then you can getaway with it. Remember these buyers don’t really care about the cars, and what they DON’T have, after all they are buying a “Benz”, a BMW, an Audi. They have arrived.
Keep in mind that just about everything on these cars is optional. That MB CLA base price is now at $32,500+. It has grown $2500 in 2 years. Leather seats, heated seats, power seats, 18″ wheels, and most of the electronic equipment is optional. When you finish building one you want, your looking at close to $50,000. The last time I was at a MB dealer, the cheapest one I could find was $45,000+, and they sell. MB has pulled this off for one reason, the 3 pointed star, the badge snobbery, the image.
It is for these same reasons this car would fail for Cadillac. Look at the ATS sales, a disaster, The ATS is the best chassis in the segment , the design is good, the car looks good, they offer a Coupe, and a Sedan, and both in a “V” model, and yet they don’t sell,…..why!
Cadillac has no brand snobbery. People, the buyers, would simply rather have a BMW 3 Series, or a C Class……brand image sells. This fwd Cadillac CT2, are you going to price it at $30,000 and make everything optional. Will it steal sales from the competition in the segment, or the upcoming CT3? Will you have a CT2 that is priced higher than a base CT3? Who will buy it? What customer base are you shooting for? The Camary buyer?
MB gets away with it for the very reasons Cadillac will not be able to. The only way a Cadillac CT2 could outsell a CLA, or even sell for that matter, would be for it to be A BETTER CAR! It should be RWD/AWD, offer more standard equipment , and features, more interior/ exterior color choices and packages, a better warranty, offer all maintanence service for 4 yrs./60,000 miles free, and, a free loaner car. Some suggestions, but it will still be a tough sell. Cadillac does not need another vehicle that doesn’t sell.
There are other segments where Cadillac needs a vehicle, a large Coupe, Sport Wagon, more SUV/CUV’s, and, a convertible, and definitely a “flagship” vehicle.Even with the CT6, there is not a competitive vehicle from Cadillac for the S Class, BMW 7 Series, A8, hell, even Hyundai is coming with the new Genisis, and Lexus with a new LS. This void at Cadillac has got to be filled!
You nailed it
GM Inside News have done a rendering of what a ” potential ” Cadillac on the Delta platform might look like . It was a bit strange looking but some renderings are just someones vision . Cadillac is lazer focused on bringing out their version of the Traxx and Encore . It’s a market they want to be a part of ASAP .
Until we hear this straight from Cadillac it’s nothing but a rumor . The source says he had seen the code for it , but this could just be an exercise for the design team to show the top brass what they could do with the platform . We don’t realize just how many vehicles are scrapped because there isn’t a justification to put the money into a program that won’t return the investment that would need to be made .
Let us focus on the real world of watching Cadillac bring to market the third generation of the SRX / XT5 and the return of the big Cadillac ( CT6 ) and see how they are received by the marketplace .
AutolineTV was in Beijing China with Dean Sciole, the Brand Director of Cadillac China who said the demographics of Cadillac buyers in the US is in their mid-50s compared with Chinese buyers who are under 32; thus, Cadillac could be developing a front-wheel drive car for the Chinese market although sales figures for Cadillac’s XTS which is front wheel drive is better than either rear-wheel drive ATS and/or CTS suggesting the car may be accepted in the US if Cadillac builds a front-drive car that is capable of beating segment leaders like the Mercedes CLA or Audi A3.
Not impossible to build a better car but does Cadillac really want to do that an undermine some of the street cred that they have built up?
Good! The CLA is a transformative vehicle; Cadillac needs a similar offering. My only wish is that GM would build a proper Verano offering more for less in a highly competitive and profitable segment. The two brands are GMs ying and yang of luxury and need to be better exploited
Most on this website seems to think that the American public is unwilling to even entertain the thought of buying a Cadillac with front-wheel drive and Cadillac should NOT consider adopting Audi’s A3 approach by building a small entry model that features front-wheel drive or AWD; but this premise is in error and as the old adage goes.. numbers never lie as one of Cadillac’s best selling cars isn’t the Rear-Wheel-Drive ATS or CTS, it’s the Front-Wheel-Drive with optional All-Wheel-Drive Cadillac XTS meaning American buyers are willing to accept a Cadillac with Front-Wheel-Drive as long as the CT2 looks and drives like a Cadillac and not a Cruze wth leather.
I’m still on the fence with the smaller than ATS, the Cadillac Snuze AWD. It’s going to be appealing to females because of the size.