Nine New Cadillac Models Coming By 2022?
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The Crossover Craze Calamity is sweeping the automotive market by storm, and is rewarding brands with a strong portfolio of popular people movers. Yet Cadillac has been making do with just one crossover on the market – the XT5 – while Asian and European competitors offer a myriad of crossovers in different shapes and sizes. It should be no surprise then, that most of Cadillac’s near-term product planning resources are being funneled into expanding its vehicle lineup with future crossovers above and below the XT5. And Automobile Magazine is reporting that Cadillac will introduce four all-new crossovers and four new or revised passenger cars within the span of 5 years from now.
The article breaks down analytical predictions of these eight vehicles, which are listed as follows:
XT1 (or XT2): BMW X1-sized. Due in 2020.
XT3: BMW X3-sized, built using GM’s rear-drive long wheelbase Alpha architecture. Expected in 2018.
XT5: Second-generation model to be BMW X5-size and based on Omega hardware. Due in 2021.
XT7 (or XT8): BMW X7-size. Also Omega-based and expected in 2019.A similar pattern applies to the upcoming passenger cars:
CT1 (or CT2): BMW 1 Series-sized. Due in 2021.
CT3: A Mercedes CLA-Class competitor that will replace the ATS. Alpha-based and expected in 2018.
CT5: Long-wheelbase, Alpha-based replacement for the CTS due for 2019.
CT6: Already launched.
CT8: A new Omega-based flagship due in 2021.
Automobile also predicts that the Escala will make its way into the production fold as a new halo model, as well as right-hand-drive and several electrified vehicles… eventually.
Nothing against one of the most storied automotive publications of all time, but we have the right to remain skeptical to these outlined predictions. Though, based on USPTO filings, the names are likely genuine. But while we fully expect Cadillac to introduce multiple crossovers, we are not anticipating the article’s predictions. We’ll go line-by line, offering our counter-points about the future Cadillac lineup:
- Cadillac XT1 or Cadillac XT2: Agreeably, more than likely BMW X1-sized, but if there are no spy shots of such a vehicle within the next year, it’s likely beyond the 2020 timetable. We fully expect a vehicle of this nature to be on a front-wheel-drive based architecture.
- Cadillac XT3: More than likely, that’s the Cadillac XT4 we’ve seen spied. Unfortunately for enthusiasts, we don’t expect the dynamic Alpha architecture to underpin this product.
- Cadillac XT5: The XT5 has been on the market for a year now, and is outsold Cadillac’s entire sedan portfolio last month – which again points to the importance of crossover products these days. 2021 is an aggressive timetable for an all-new model, yet we wouldn’t expect the current-generation Omega architecture to be available in its current form. What will support a new XT5 is anybody’s guess.
- Cadillac XT7/Cadillac XT8: If indeed this vehicle will feature the Omega architecture, it will likely be Cadillac’s sole RWD crossover offering. It may also mean the postponement of an Omega flagship sedan, due to the current prioritization of a crossover over a passenger car. However, we believe that another crossover is in the works in the form of the Cadillac XT6, which will ride on the long wheelbase version of the C1 platform underpinning the XT5.
- Cadillac CT1/Cadillac CT2: We find it hard to believe that Cadillac can spare the development resources for this low volume segment in the near-term, even if it would do well in China and Europe. We’d flip a coin on this one.
- Cadillac CT3: Likely the replacement of the ATS, but not likely to compete with the Mercedes CLA. We don’t expect a departure from a RWD configuration, but we do expect a hypothetical CT3 to excel where the ATS didn’t. Which is to say that there’s likely to be massive interior material and packaging improvements.
- Cadillac CT5: Likely the replacement for the CTS, and we expect it to stick to formula.
- Cadillac CT6: There are major milestones ahead for the CT6, which include the introduction of a new V8 engine, Super Cruise, and likely a facelift along the way.
- Cadillac CT8: Sorry guys, this one’s stillborn. Why? Likely because of the prioritization for a crossover instead. We don’t expect a Cadillac flagship sedan by 2022.
- Not mentioned – Cadillac Escalade: The popular Escalade has been around in its current form since 2014. This bread-winning SUV will eventually need a new generation soon, and we can’t see Cadillac abandoning this segment. However, there will be strong headwinds coming in from new upmarket SUVs, including the Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, new Mercedes G-Class, Range Rover, and even a future Aston Martin SUV. If the new Escalade doesn’t move upmarket, it could lose out on pent-up demand from affluent buyers that seek large and luxurious transportation.
- Cadillac XTS (not renewed): The Cadillac continues to do well in the livery business, and for those seeking a plush ride over superior vehicle dynamics, but we doubt that the XTS will see another generation.
We understand that some of you may eyeroll at Cadillac’s crossover cadence. But without building vehicles that are popular, halo vehicles and fun cars will never see the light of day. Even if we would like to see a large flagship sedan over anything else, as there’s nothing more Cadillac than that, that large flagship may never come without the help of successful crossover SUVs.
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I think there was an article that had johan quotes and basically he said the new escalade would stay body on frame and may come with an independent rear suspension.
An xt7 that may be an Cadillac flagship but smaller then the escalade but pricier maybe with a V model.
Then the xt3/xt4 that we’ve seen spied last few weeks.
I think from the sedan side of things we’re going to see a new CTS ATS XTS within the next couple years
That’s 6 cadillac that I think are coming within the next 4 years
Cadillac has been quoted that from the xt3/xt4 intro in 2018 we will see a new Cadillac every 6 months
I’m amazed that the Escalade still has an agricultural pick-up based rear suspension. The only one in the industry for this type of vehicle. Ford has been there for over 15 years.
Still can’t figure out the naming strategy here. There doesn’t appear to be any “evens are sedans, odds are coupes” pattern with the car line up. It would make more sense to me for the CT6 to act as a larger 5 Series competitor, merge ATS and CTS to be a slightly larger 3 Series competitor called CT4, and then allow room below for a smaller CT2 and room above for a flagship CT8 if the market calls for such vehicles. Then there’s still all the odds for coupes.
As far as SUVs, do the same based around the current XT5. Move XT5 up to the X5, release the smaller SUV we have seen testing as XT3, and then there is still room about and below for XT1 and XT7. Unless the XT4 is a coupe-like SUV, I don’t understand the naming on this one.
Instead of trying to figure it out why not just have a little patience and let the whole thing play out!
would the CT8 be a CUV ??
If the CT8 is stillborn then Cadillac might as well be as well. The auto world and public will never take Cadillac seriously without a flagship sedan/coupe. Yes, CUVs are the big thing now and sure Cadillac could use a few more. But JDN says he wants Cadillac to be different, more prestigious and further upmarket then its been, he dose not want to see one in everyone’s garage or in Wal Mart parking lots. Well nothing screams bland, soccer mom, boring then a CUV no matter how expensive. So lets hope that’s not the upcoming flagship.
I agree with GMA that I don’t think this will all happen and the article sounds too much like what the original plan was in 2015. Its a shame that a brand that advertises how to “Dare Greatly” dose nothing of the sort and is just going through the motions. I hope we are all wrong and there is a flagship sedan in the works but I will remain sceptical. Automobile is a trusted source so it seems strange for them not to have more facts backing it up.
Why is everyone comparing Cadillac to MB and BMW when they should be going after Lexus and Lincoln? Lets face it, based on current sales trends, Cadillac will never compete with the Germans, not with vehicles, and not with clientele. If they play their cards right in terms of safety, reliability, and comfort, they could easily out sell the Asian and American brands, but in order for Cadillac to even come close to out selling the German brands, they would have to have the reputation, quality, and performance, which is almost a complete 180 degree turn compared to the current lineup. Does Cadillac have a diesel? How about a (mass market) V8? But do Lincoln and Lexus have either of those things… no.
Not only would Cadillac have to change their vehicle lineup, but they would need to (magically) change their customer base. How do they expect to compete with the German brands when their 2 German cars are are doing so poorly, yet the large “American” cars are flying off the lots. You can’t change your heritage, trust me sometimes I wish I could, but you can embrace it. Cadillac will never be the German brand that the current (lack of) leadership wants it to be, because of its past.
I should also point out that most of the German brands have their own platforms, something that Cadillac, Lincoln, or any of the Asian brands will never be able to accomplish, due to price. If Cadillac were to have 100% separate platforms, the prices would be through the roof and profits would be minimal….. Its just not a smart business move for GM.
The smartest thing for Cadillac to do at this point (IMO), is focus on comfort, quality, reliability and safety. I’m not saying go back to making rolling couches (although that would be nice), but expand on vehicles like the XTS; roomy and comfortable, yet can still get up and go. Cadillac has to realize, at this point the whole “imitate the Germans and they will come” moral is not working, and get back to doing what they do best.
Yes! Let Cadillac be Cadillac. If I wanted a German car I would have bought one. Hope the XTS continues. Next time I take my car to service I think I’ll try an XTS on.
Henry, brilliant comments, I agree 100%. However, GM made the decision many years ago to throw away their history and become a BMW-wannabe. The fact that imitating the Germans hasn’t worked for over 35 years (starting with the Cimarron, then the Catera, more recently with the ATS and CTS) is not stopping GM from doubling down on the German imitation. Even to the point of bringing in two foreign executives – Johan and Uwe – from German car companies to further imitate the Germans. They have this vision that doing the same thing that has failed over and over again will eventually work, despite that being an oft-quoted definition of insanity.
I agree that if Cadillac decided to return to being the bold American luxury brand it once was, a leader rather than a follower, they’d sell more cars and make more profit. The German sport-luxury thing is a fad that’s likely to decline, as people get older and more mature, and care more about comfort and elegant style than about having sporty little toys. Unfortunately GM/Cadillac no longer has the vision or confidence to be a leader. And the one area that has always needed improvement – reliability – Is still an afterthought for Cadillac. Cadillac still seems to think that having better times on the Nurburgring (as if that matters to the US daily driver) is the way to sell cars, even though it hasn’t ever worked for them.
And of course to complete the impression that Cadillac is a German-wannabe brand rather than a proud American one, they have to copy the meaningless “letters and numbers” scheme of the Germans. Next up will be renaming the entire brand “CMW” rather than “Cadillac”. But that won’t work either.
Drew, maybe I have a missing chromosome. The German car bug never bit me. Giulia Quadrifoglio has my attention in a big way. I’ve always enjoyed a Cadillac for my daily driver and am sad to see that end. It was a great run!
Aim high, land among the stars. Aim low, land in the mud.
Compete with Lexus? If you look at Cadillac’s current lineup, they ARE competing with Lexus.:
IS=ATS
RC=ATS Coupe
GS=CTS
ES=XTS
LS=CT6
NX=XT4 (upcoming)
RX=XT5
LX=Escalade
All that’s missing is a GX competitor (not really necessary), and a flagship grand tourer to compete with the LC and S Class Coupe (Cadillac really needs this).
Compete with Lincoln? The same Lincoln that Cadillac regularly beats in sales AND average transaction prices? So you’re saying Cadillac should go back to selling luxed-up re-bodied Malibus, Cruzes and other Chevrolets?
I agree that Cadillac should not have targeted BMW, but for different reasons. They should be targeting Mercedes-Benz. People treat every German luxury brand as if they’re on the same footing. They’re not. Mercedes-Benz is beating BMW in sales globally, with Audi coming last between the three.
Cadillac should be targeting Mercedes-Benz, not BMW, but to ask them to stop competing with the Germans is to ask them to stop being a competitive luxury brand, because let’s face it, the Germans CHANGED THE GAME and now OWN THE LUXURY CAR MARKET.
Yeah, but no. The price points don’t really match. LS is more expensive than the CT6 and the XTS is far more expensive than the ES. I don’t think you can purchase a $70k + ES as you can an XTS. Cadillac has “inbetweeners”. The only thing that really competes with Lexus, in my opinion, straight on is the XT5 and RX, I agree there. The rest, not really. Buick is a more accurate comparison, they just need to bring out a Park Avenue to take on the LS, Lacrosse is a direct competitor to the ES.
Your Lexus comparison is the most insightful comment on this entire thread. Aside from V-Series, Cadillac models are aimed squarely at Lexus. Only the marketing suggests that they rival German brands. The crossover market, especially.
Cadillac should be targeting Bentley. All of the alienating, volume-priority alphanumeric stuff should have been spun off into a new brand. See our April Fool’s story from 2016: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/04/cadillac-to-spin-off-escalade-brand-in-2017-to-focus-on-high-end-luxury-vehicles/
It’s great to see new product coming from Cadillac again, but I would still like to see GM push Cadillac further upmarket into a Rolls Royce and Bentley competitor. Apply what is working well with the Escalade to a line of big blingey in-your-face sedans, coupes, convertibles and SUVs, pushing everything upscale. Nothing should be less equipped than the Escalade Platinum currently is. Cadillac needs the types of vehicles that are an event to see, and make you wonder who is driving and what they must do for a living. This would leave Buick room to grow upwards as well to take on the mass market luxury brands of the world in two flavors: soft (Avenir), and performance (GS). Furthermore, Corvette could be split off from Chevrolet to give GM yet another premium brand (which is where the money is, afterall) of all out performance sports cars (including a four-door), and suvs to compete with Porsche and the AMG Mercedes, and M BMW’s. Cadillac shouldn’t need a diesel or anything to compete with a CLA or X1.
I have driven Cadillacs for a lot of years. My first was a 1987 Fleetwood d’Elegance (the smaller one but still nice sized). I loved my 1991 Sedan DeVille and my 2004 Sedan DeVille. Now I’ve got an aging 2009 DTS which I like a lot but it will need to be replaced in the next year. They quit making DTS in 2011 and there is nothing in the Cadillacs that are comparable to it so I don’t know what I’m going to buy. Ive Looked around at everything and don’t know what to get that will be close to the big Sedan that I like to drive. They do not seem to have a big luxury sedan with a big V8 to replace the DTS. I’m disgusted and never thought Cadillac would leave me without something to drive that I loved anyway. I guess I can always get a 2011 and hope to get by a couple years longer than I can now in hopes something will come out that I really like.
Does anyone have any good suggestions for me to look at? I appreciate any help but am not hopeful that I will find much. I think this is ridiculous and think Cadillac is blowing it big time. I can understand that they want to introduce new cars. That’s fine but at least keep a big luxury car around to keep your loyal customers happy and taken care of!!!
I hope they introduce one soon but not holding my breath!! Thanks.
Jeff, I agree that the DTS was the last of the true Cadillac sedans. I will not part with mine unless/until there’s something better, and right now there isn’t anything. (Maybe the Lincoln Continental eventually, but I see no need to change now). The DTS was in need of some refreshment, but they didn’t have to throw it out altogether.
I guess there was a feeling that the Northstar V8 was long in the tooth, and the 4-speed transmission was scoffed at by those who think more gears are always better. The reality is that the V8 (which was standard on EVERY DTS, take note Cadillac), was a great and reliable engine, with plenty of low RPM torque. And the 4-speed hydramatic was a marvelously smooth transmission, essentially flawless and incredibly durable.
For replacement, the XTS comes closest now, but it’s underpowered and doesn’t ride quite as smoothly, compared with the DTS. But the DTS was never loved by those who wanted to remake Cadillac as a German-wannabe, and the XTS is treated in similar stepchild fashion by current management.
Jeff, when Cadillac makes that big sedan that you desire I want the one that rolls off the line behind you!
Jeff, I’m with you.
In my twenties I was rolling Fleetwood Broughams. I loved my big old boats with a throaty, thirsty V-8. I appreciate that the younger customers want a different type of car and that’s cool. Don’t understand why Cad does not do a big luxury sedan for the rest of us. There is definitely a market for that car.
I would love to have at least one more real Cadillac.
“Don’t understand why Cad does not do a big luxury sedan for the rest of us”
You’ve not heard of the CT6?
I’m sure it’s a nice car that some people will like. I really don’t want a rear wheel drive 2.0 L four banger. And if I wanted an all-wheel-drive, I’d buy an SUV. I will say that it looks like a nice car but it’s not really what I want. I’d rather have something more like I have. I’m 6’4″ tall and I feel more comfortable in a larger vehicle. I’m thinking lately that I will probably have to go with the Escalade just so I can have the extra room and comfort…
Right on Jeffrey. The push for RWD is part of the whole German/sport fad, that hopefully will soon fade away. You could add to that the ride-ruining low-profile tire fad. I’m 6’3 myself, and I appreciate the extra legroom that comes with large FWD sedans. Also I like being able to drive a FWD car in snow and slippery conditions, without having to change tires back and forth at least twice per year.
I wonder how many people with RWD cars actually get a tangible benefit due to their driving habits or perception of handling? To my mind it’s just another gimmick/fad, something that someone thinks will impress their neighbor, when really no one else cares whether you have RWD or FWD. And when I see a neighbor with low-profile tires, I’m not at all impressed, I just think “what a sucker” to have to put up with those hard-riding, maintenance-nightmare wheels that supposedly “look cool” (though not to me).
I never understood the idea of wanting a car that drives well in the snow! That’s what trucks and truck based vehicle’s are for! Large FWD need to go away! If a person wants FWD car then go find a small car.
Large RWD cars are funner to drive and can be driven in bad weather if the person behind the wheel knows what they are doing.
FWD cars have a place just not in the larger car market.
Large FWD does has a place, and that place is for someone that prioritizes comfort and space (no huge drivetrain hump) over “funner to drive”, as you say. The reality is that nobody (well maybe a very, very select few) besides the automotive press is pushing their CT6, S-Class, 7-Series etc. to the extremes where they are benefiting from the RWD setup. I have driven a CTS and a Chrysler 300, and didn’t notice any benefit over a DTS, Lucerne, Lacrosse or Impala. All I noticed (especially on the CTS) was that the footwell was confining for my 6′-2″ frame. Better winter traction, just happens to be a benefit of this setup for those of us that don’t want a truck vehicle or small car. Sure, rwd can be driven in the snow if you want to be bothered with snow tires, sand bags and the like, but I sure don’t. Also, by your comments, I’m assuming that you live somewhere flat. With the hills and back roads that my 17 mile commute takes me on, there are spots where RWD just won’t make it through. It’s not the sliding or fishtailing that is the greatest concern, it’s getting stuck on a hill and not being able to get going again.
Excellent post, Big Black Buick. I was going to respond to Mr. “funner to drive” but you’ve covered it all, thanks. It’s amazing that when some people don’t personally like a certain type of car, they argue that the car should be removed from existence entirely.
Don’t let other people speak for you it shows a clear weakness! I think the people who want a roomy car don’t think of fwd car, rwd cars are the biggest cars on the planet! As for being able to drive in bad weather, you can go anywhere a fwd car can go in a rwd car! People today have been conditioned to think fwd are better at this!
Brian, do you know anything about automobile engineering? Ever hear of the drive shaft that is required for a front engine, RWD car? All other dimensions being equal, a FWD will have more legroom than a RWD car, that’s indisputable.
Believe me, I’ve driven plenty of RWD cars, and they aren’t “funner” to me. In fact I have never noticed a difference in RWD and FWD on dry pavement. Then again, I don’t drive like a maniac or a NASCAR-wannabe. I don’t treat a car like it’s a toy; when I want recreation I have found that there are much more enjoyable things in life than driving a car at top speeds around a winding road, or weaving in and out of commuter traffic like a jerk. Perhaps you haven’t discovered those “even funner” things in life yet.
I’m a very good driver, yet I’ve also unintentionally done a 720* spin (that’s two complete revolutions) on an interstate highway with snow coming down, in a RWD Torino. I’ve also done a 180* spin just on wet leaves, in a Mustang. I guess to some people those unexpected thrill turns would be among the “funner” moments in their lives, but frankly I’d rather be in one piece to enjoy what mature people consider to be fun. I will never buy another RWD car, I don’t car about alleged “traction control” or whatever, it still does not handle well in slippery conditions.
Speaking of conditions, you’ve apparently been conditioned to think that RWD is “funner to drive”, probably by the professional auto writers, who live for test tracks like the Nurburgring. I on the other hand have made my choices via personal experience. Same for BB Buick. There are many of us who prefer big roomy, smooth-riding sedans (as mentioned I am 6’3), and also prefer FWD. You don’t have much of a mind for business if you think all products should be built to your personal preferences, rather than building to the market itself. Personally I would never buy a motorcycle, but I realize that there’s a market for them. I wouldn’t say that motorcycle producers should stop making them, simply because I wouldn’t buy one.
Based on the information you have provided me, you are the last person that should be designing cars.
It’s funny you think my preferences about cars are wrong but your ideas of cars is spot on.
There’s a reason auto manufacturers get destroyed when they build a large fwd car for the luxury market. I wonder why that is!
You talk about fun to drive, name the last performance fwd car that everybody wanted? Currently I can’t think of one!
Lastly please don’t try and to match mechanical wits with me! And no I didn’t read about it in a magazine! My knuckles look like they do for a reason!
As for being able to drive your experience shows you shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. You loose control of your cars in a way that says I not sure what I am doing!
You keep telling yourself your a good driver and I’ll keep watching rain man!
So the largest Audi sedan is I believe the A8? And the largest Volvo sedan is the S90? Both are FWD platforms. Imagine that.
Brian, I never said that FWD cars made the best “performance” vehicles. If you want to drive like the “fast and furious” then by all means buy RWD, I just hope you are nowhere near me, since you seem to take driving as a recreational event – and I don’t want you careening into me. But most buyers of large cars do not treat them as recreational toys. They don’t need the type of “fast n furious performance” that is apparently essential to your existence.
There IS a market for FWD large cars. Just because that market doesn’t include you, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist and therefore such cars shouldn’t be produced. As far as engineering, I was talking about the legroom-robbing drive shaft necessary for front-engine, RWD cars (apparently this was beyond your comprehension when you said the roomiest cars are RWD). However, I do believe that your knuckles accurately represent your wits, as you’ve suggested.
“I never understood the idea of wanting a car that drives well in the snow!”
That’s because you live in Scotsdale AZ. You also once scoffed at snow tires thinking they were a gimmick. Because you’re ignorant and have never once driven in snow, you’ll never understand how important it is to have a competent car for winter driving.
Where I live has little to do with where I have driven in my life! If you need a fwd to drive in bad weather then that mean your not a very good driver! Driving threw bad weather with a rwd car is no big deal if you know what your doing!
This argument will never end because people who can drive will continue with rwd cars, people who can’t will ask the car companies to help them stay on the road! Don’t even get me start on awd cars!
Jeff, when Cadillac makes that big sedan that you desire I want the one that rolls off the line behind you!
Sounds good Susan! I still have hopes that they will do this but we shall see I guess. BTW, you are right on about the CUE navigation needed for vents. Ridiculous in my opinion. SMH.
Competent drivers need rear vision cameras, rear cross traffic alerts, lane keep assist, parking assist, forward collision alert, seat shakers/chimes etc?
When I first saw all the foolishness on my CTS my thought was the driver who requires all that would be better served in a dual controlled vehicle with a driving instructor riding shotgun.
The push for RWD is NOT a Fad … You want Cadillac to return to their roots? Will guess what? Cadillac has been building RWDs even before BMW was a thing. Its part of their identity. ALL Cadillacs before 1980 with the exception of the Eldorado (model 67 & onwards) were Rear Wheel Drive. There’s a reason why they call the 80s the Dark Ages of Cadillac.
You are criticizing them for trying to compete with the Germans. The Germans picked up the slack when Cadillac stumbled & wrote the next chapter of defining luxury for the following 37 years. They defined what luxury is today & what to expect from a luxury car. & until Cadillac shakes the GM mentality, They’ll always come up short.
Large RWD cars and trucks make huge profits. Always have always will. I never hear of drivers spinning in a rwd Benz or bmw! If you can’t control your car then give the keys to the person in the passenger seat cuz you don’t need to be driving.
I am 44 driven all kind of cars truck and I have never lost control on a road regardless of the road conditions!
Some people just don’t know how to drive even if they are being safe or they think they are!
“Large RWD cars and trucks make huge profits. Always have always will.”
Brian again you show your ignorance of automobile economics. RWD cars actually require more investment than FWD cars. As to which makes more profit, that depends on many factors such as the initial costs of engineering, design, testing, and factory tooling, along with advertising/marketing costs, the cost of goods and labor for each unit sold, and the number of units sold. It’s not so simple as RWD makes huge profits, always has and always will. There are plenty of RWD designs that have lost money, just as there are plenty of FWD designs that have lost money. If all RWD designs made huge profits, of course everyone should make them. Heck I’ll start making them in my garage – HUGE profits! Unfortunately it’s not that simple.
As far as losing control on the road, good for you if you’ve never slipped in a RWD car. But again, the car market is not all about you. Most people fare significantly better in slippery conditions with a FWD car than a RWD car. They are not going to stop driving just because they don’t like driving RWD cars in snow. They are simply going to get FWD cars, much to your chagrin. Rant all you want at people who “don’t know how to drive”, and while you are at it yell at those kids to get off your lawn. They are still going to drive, whether you like it or not. And they are going to choose vehicles that minimize slippage, not to mention the ones that maximize legroom – for those who care about such things. Luckily there is still a free market, rather than one dictated by you.
Hello IceDree, thanks for reading my posts – but you are misunderstanding my meaning. When I (and others) say I want Cadillac to be Cadillac, or that I want Cadillac to appreciate its own history, I don’t mean that I think they should build exact replicas of their former cars. What I mean is that I believe a true Cadillac should be a roomy, smooth-riding, elegant and boldly styled, strongly powered, with high tech conveniences and a luxury interior. What I believe they should not do is offer cheap and decontented base models, such as the current base ATS and CTS with vinyl seats and halogen (rather than HID or LED) headlights) cheap stereos, etc. There should be minimum standards for a Cadillac.
The RWD vs. FWD is a separate issue. Yes RWD is more traditional if you want to go back to the 1950’s and earlier. But so are carburetors, and I’m not saying Cadillac should go back to old technology carburetors rather than new technology computer controlled fuel injection, etc. When I say Cadillac should be Cadillac, I mean in the sense described in the first paragraph, I do not mean that they should go back to old technology. They should make modern Cadillacs with true Cadillac values.
As to RWD vs. FWD specifically, each have their own merits. FWD is less expensive to create and results in better gas milage, as well as better traction in slippery conditions. RWD is more durable (more able to survive bumps and jolts) and appeals to the small percent of drivers who like to “push” their cars in turns like race-car drivers. The first part of that makes RWD more appealing to taxi drivers, the last part to those who seek sporty “performance”. However, it’s the push for “performance” as part of a “luxury” auto that is the recent fad, thus RWD is a recent fad for “luxury” cars.
“Performance” and “luxury” are incongruous, as a move toward one means a reduction in the other. Since when does “more luxury” mean a harder, stiffer, bumpier ride? It doesn’t, except in the minds of those who are actually performance seekers. RWD is something that is being pushed on people by the performance oriented auto press. Now true “performance” cars will always be around, the Porsches and Ferraris, etc. But “luxury performance” is an incompatible fad. That was my point regarding RWD, which is being pushed to the exclusion of FWD. If someone truly wants a large RWD car, so be it, let them have that. But don’t assume (as “Brian” does) that there is no market for large FWD cars.
As far as your claim that the Germans picked up the slack when Cadillac stumbled 37 years ago, you couldn’t be more wrong. Cadillac stumbled 37 years ago BECAUSE they were trying to imitate the Germans, when Cadillac already ruled the luxury segment of the USA. The Cimarron was Cadillac’s attempt to make a little car like the BMW 3 series. Later the Catera was an all out German car, Cadillac in name only. Both were terrible cars that hurt the brand. Yet if Cadillac had never attempted to be more German-like, they wouldn’t have had those stumbles. Same think with the V8-6-4 engine, Cadillac’s attempt to be more fuel efficient, like the Germans. Not ready for prime time. Hurt the brand.
Cadillac ruled the US luxury market for many decades, through 1998 (when the Catera started to truly kill Cadillac’s reputation). Then Lincoln briefly took that honor for one year, followed by 11 straight years of Lexus being the number one luxury seller in the US. It’s only been in the past 5 or 6 years that German brands have been the top selling luxury sedans in the USA, and part of that may be due to a switch to SUVs. The rest is simply fad, just like low-profile tires are currently a fad, soon to go. German cars have not ruled for 37 years. If they go more than 10 years, I’ll be astonished.
Cadillac should not be trying to chase the current leader, they should try to become the leader. Or in Wayne Gretzky terms, Cadillac should not skate to where the puck is, they should skate to where it’s going to be. Cadillac needs to return to being a leader, not a German wannabe. German cars make sense in Germany, on the Autobahn, they don’t make sense in the USA.
Drew in this thread tearing it up. +1 on all your points, sir.
EDIT:
Hopefully they learned from their mistake, and I can’t wait to see the next generation of Escala-Inspired Cadillacs.
My first few Cadillacs were RWD. Trunks were adequate size for two 50 pound sacks of kitty litter for weight, a full size spare tire and a week supply of groceries. Oh, how I wish!
Getting up my driveway in winter could be challenging unless I threw it in reverse, gunned it and into the garage she went.
No comparison with today’s RWD Cads.
Indeed I have. CT6 has a beautiful body style. Real Cadillacs are more than skin deep.
So what exactly is a ‘real Cadillac’? What makes the CT6 less of a ‘real Cadillac’?
Hopefully it’s not some empty appeal to the past.
One characteristic of a real Cadillac is the ability to adjust the vents without navigating endless submenus of a bassakwards, braindead CUE. Not such a good idea when driving.
Why cant you operate the cue system? I don’t have any problems with it
No problen operating CUE. Navigating endless submenus while driving is not the best idea. I’m old school. Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel.
CT6 requires CUE navigation to adjust HVAC vents. Silly, just silly. Abuse of technology.
Thank you Susan. I totally agree with you.
Cadillac Flagship is still on, there working on it. There will be a flagship called CT8 on omega chassis, these XTS will not be around that much longer, there is on replacement for it. CT3, CT5 replacements for these ats and cts will be on next gen alpha chassis, there will be crossovers on these alpha and omega chassis, (XT3,XT8, next gen XT5), CT1 or CT2 small sedan or so, on alpha chassis next gen. Focus on PHEV and Fully electric batteries vehicles on dedicated chassis. These XT5, XT4, XT6 on E2xx chassis, new escalade SUV on new lighter chassis, new body, new IRS with air-shocks, new TT diesel engines, new TT four cylinder engine.
No EV vehicles from Cadillac? In a couple of years, Tesla will be cranking out 500k sexy EVs that beat the German ICE cars in performance and technology not to mention radically less maintenance and fuel savings. If Cadillac can’t mount a sexy viable EV vehicle in the next few years, their future viability is in question. The EV revolution is rapidly underway. I made the jump from a 2008 CTS to a 2016 Tesla Model S. I’m never going back to an ICE vehicle.
CT6 PEV coming out as we speak, my local dealer has several on the truck. This is in line with German rival PEV’s. Full EV luxury vehicles are not viable for GM at this time, as they require valuable, dedicated, assembly line space. CT6 is very light so it doesn’t drive like a full-sized car, GM MagnaRide keeps it planted and nothing sounds like the CT6 Bose Panaray system. CT6 is a highly under-rated high-end luxury car.
they said …we won’t expect a flagship by 2022.
Cadillac long term focus planning is on full batteries plug in all electric vehicles on a dedicated chassis, there working on it right now. Mid 2018 thru 2021 is went you will see these models, starting in 2018-2019 there will be 5 mode lines with in two years.
Cadillac’s CT6 marked a new level in design architecture and allowed the CT6 to be 400-600 lbs lighter than it’s competitors; but one has to wonder whether Cadillac will go the next step and replace the aluminum stamping with possibly composite subframes which design can be changed faster to keep up with design evolution and to continue dropping weight without the lost of structural integrity (imagine the entry CT6 with LTG weighing just 3,450-3,550 lbs instead of the current 3,831).
Yes you will see it in these future, CFRP subframes.
I am seeing new Cadillac ads that feature the escala. The ct6 does have a plugin model getting good reviews. That escala will be Cadillacs next real flagship. It will not need to make apologies to anyone. I don’t want tesla to fail. They are not profitable. Quality is not befitting a car in that price range. I find it hard to believe that Cadillac has as many quality control problems as tesla. People are loyal to that brand because of what it is. They put up with the challenges of owning that car. And their next flagship escala based car will blow away any tesla. Teslas do not have styling as elegant as Cadillacs show cars.
I never liked the Audi A7 exterior profile.
Well Autombile knows as much on this as we all know about the C8. That means not much in detail.
At the auto show the Cadillac rep on the stage claimed the XT7 was a 3 row XT5?
Like stated above let this play out so you can have informed B&[email protected] at that time. Right now clueless remarks over unknown product is so unproductive.
I love my 2008 Cadillac CTS with the 3.6 six cylinder engine and all wheel drive–but hoping that Cadillac will give the upcoming CT3 a little more interior room so I can downsize to a car that’s easier to maneuver on Seattle’s congested streets.
Even though some of us have differing opinion of FWD vs RWD, I think we can all agree that Cadillac needs to stop being German. Personally I think that Fwd is better because you have more legroom up front and greater efficiency, but I have only ever owned AWD or 4WD because there is a lot of wintertime ice in PA.
I am a big guy also and I zero issues fitting in any of these cars that are being mentioned. I think the real problem is people think manufacturers are supposed to build cars just for them and nobody else.
GM has the task of building the same car that fits me a big guy and a little old lady. There’s no way one car is going to fit both of us perfect. So we as consumers have to not be as critical about these things unless you want a car made just for you that’s going to cost much much more!
Bit of a monologue: I just got an A4 and didn’t appreciate how polished and refined a car could be until I took it home. To turn on the lights in the ceiling you simply touch them! 19 speaker system! 3-zone climate control. 7 speed dual clutch with imperceptible shifts. Folding motorized heated and tinted mirrors. Kick sensor to open trunk. Turning on the forward LED headlights is like a performance with movement and everything. Half the controls are buttons AND touch-sensitive. And none of these things were options! I simply ordered a mid tier model. And getting it in red cost the same as any other color. Not 2x. Motortrend clocked the A4 2.0T at a 0-60 of 5.0s! Not to mention that it shares a few parts and colors with its halo car brother the R8. I honestly don’t see how Caddy can compete at this point. They’re so far behind.
So why are you explaining this on a GM! If I wanted to know what it’s like to own a A4 I would visit a Audi site.
The point is as a Cadillac fan I could care less what the competition has in their cars. If you want a A4 then go buy one just stop telling us about it!
Reread your post: This is precisely why cadillac is failing. GM doesn’t operate in a vacuum.
Cadillac is struggling right now because people like you are not willing to give the process time to be completed! All of the models you complain about will be redesigned over the next few years. And the segments they currently don’t have a model in will have one.
But I assume that when that day comes you and the rest of the nasayers will go over every new car and truck and find one thing you don’t like about it and then call the car a failure! If you don’t like cadillac that’s fine it just leaves people like me with more Cadillacs to choose from if and when I decide to buy one.
Megatron, congrats on getting a nice car. Sounds like Cadillac could learn a lot from that model in terms of not being cheap (decontenting) on lower trim levels. A quick look indicates that all models (from what I can tell) have real leather seats, xenon headlights, etc. That’s ahead of the ATS base model right there. I also like that the A4 has 2″ more rear legroom (though still not a lot) than the ATS.
Funny how Cadillac has been hell-bent on copying BMW, yet the Audi has what some would object to in the “new” Cadillac, FWD and sharing a platform with the VW Passat. Personally I have no problem with either, I actually prefer FWD and I don’t care if “my” car shares a platform with some other brand, as long as I like mine. But it’s interesting that Audi gets a pass for things that some would criticize Cadillac for doing.
I’ve never understood the Cadillac/GM thing to charge more for colors such as red or even white. It just seems like an extra way to ding the customer. Funny how about 50% of the cars in car commercials are red, yet only 10-11% of those on the road are red, maybe because GM charges more? Ok, partly because red cars look better in commercials, but most people love their boring gray/silver cars for ownership.
As to the touch controls, when Cadillac came out with the CUE system, I wasn’t sure if they were being modern or cheap. Having both does sound nice, extra expense, but nice and seems proper for a luxury car.
I’m not sure I’d want a car with dual-clutch transimission (DCT) or stop-start, but maybe VW/Audi has perfected those by now. DCT on paper sounds great, in practice many Americans don’t like the way Ford implemented it, but that was a while ago. Today we have better computer controls to make things go more smoothly. Personally I love the 4-speed hydramatic on the DTS, but I guess that’s too old-fashioned for young tech-savvy drivers. I don’t care about the extra fuel savings or performance of DCT, but others might, so congrats to Audi on that. I’m not sure GM plans to go that route any time soon, however.
Cadillac should still be Cadillac and not trying to outright copy anyone just for the sake of copying. On the other hand, they can learn from other brands, pick and choose things they might want to utilize to compete, or to simply offer their buyers a better experience.
Thanks, dude!
Totally agree with you RE Cadillac reviving their heritage of a living room on wheels. It really pained me to buy a non-american car again, but there just isn’t much out there in terms of a sports sedan. There’s the ATS and basically nothing else in the “affordable” luxury bracket from US manufacturers.
BTW- the auto start/stop is moderately annoying but can be turned off and doesn’t engage when you’re pushing the car sportily. The DCT is absolute killer. Imperceptible shifts, and, with no torque converter in the way, the paddle shifters act instantaneously. I saw vids where the new Camaro’s 8 speed can take 1 full second to engage a manual shift via paddles (same tranny across the GM fleet). I think all sports cars will trend to DCTs. The new ford GT has a 7 speed DCT and I think the C8 mid-engine will have one as well. Also, yes, red is mega rare. Had to custom order.
Megatron, interesting stuff, and I’m glad you are enjoying your new car. BTW I love red as a car color. There should be more of them on the road.
Note the Cadillac ATS commercial featuring comedic actor Stephen Merchant titled “Irresistible” (especially the 60 second version, found on the internet). Humorous and well-made ad, with a terrific looking red ATS coupe. Yet to actually buy the ATS coupe in red, you have to pay a $1k premium! Same for white. Bad move! If Cadillac wants to put cars on the road that grab your attention, don’t be cheap about the eye-catching colors.
I have no problem with premium colors costing more! People who buy Cadillacs shouldn’t be worried about a up charge like that.
It’s like when the H2 Hummer was being sold and people complain about the gas MPGS. People who can afford a Hummer is not worried about a up charge for something they want!
Drew, my Cadillacs have been red for over thirty years. I don’t mind the extra cost. Years ago I loved the Firemist paints. Cadillac could offer a few more standard colors to appeal to more customers.
Susan, that’s great you’ve always gotten red Cadillacs. I love that color for cars, I’d like to see more of them on the roads. Car colors have gotten so boring over the years.
I read that the red color sometimes costs more to put on a car (extra protective coats or something), so I can understand charging a bit more, but $1k seems excessive. And I also understand that a Cadillac is going to be expensive anyway, but once they have a price, seems to me they shouldn’t be cheap on the details. That’s one reason I don’t like the de-contented base models they are doing now with some of the cheaper Cadillacs.
By the way, I also have read that Mazda decided to only feature red cars in their advertising. And that seems to be a factor in the color choice for their customers. From what I can tell, Mazda sells about 16% red vs. about 11% for other brands. At least today if you have a red car, it does stand out more. Easier to find in a parking lot as well.
Drew, easy to locate in the parking lot is a big plus. The young SA who signed my car in to service was amused by that and shared with his co-workers. He’s young enough not to remember the days when cars had distinct lines and could be identified by them.
A few weeks after buying my current car I walked up to an Impala realizing it was not mine ween I saw the interior color.
I agree that Cadillac could stop nickel and dimeing customers on pricy cars.
Comparing your little dressed-up 4 banger on a FWD Passat chassis, which you say shares parts and colours with the R8, is a bit of a joke. . Or are you delusional? The reality is that it shares most of it’s parts with lower end VW vehicles. You must be really insecure to write this nonsense on a GM web site.
Actually that’s my mistake that the current Audi A4 shares a platform with the current VW Passat, it does not. The A4 does share the platform with several larger Audis, a couple VWs, a Bentley, etc. The current Audi A4 has a longitudinally mounted FWD (or AWD) engine, the current VW Passat has a traverse mounted FWD (or AWD) engine. Audi does not seem to see a stigma against FWD.
Just wanted to stir the pot a bit! 😉
Not sure what you mean by “insecure”… I see you’re from Canada, eh! Could be the parts and colors for R8s differ there, but in the US they do share some parts and colors. Much like my old malibu had a C6 steering wheel (thanks Bob Lutz!!). Also, my ‘bu could not have been mistaken for a C6 🙁
BTW, the B9 A4 is not a Passat. It does appear to share the MLB platform (“for shared modular construction of its longitudinal, front-engined automobiles”) with Bentley, Lambo and Porsche however. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Group_MLB_platform
Please google things before you rush to flame someone!
Anyhoo, I’d been searching for a sports sedan for quite some time and the ATS and Q50 were top of my list for a long time, but I’m just listing things to exemplify how far caddy is behind. No halo car and none of these cool luxury features. Caddy does have that screen in the mirror feature which is nice, but the rest seems quite chevy/stock-GM.
Anyhoo, Caddy folks who peruse these blogs, please go to a competitor’s luxury car dealership and see what the competition is offering. Or you could just keep rebranding FWD GMC trucks as Caddy crossovers, whatever brings in the $.