The latest episode of Autoline focused on the 2018 Buick Enclave, but General Motors’ chief crossover engineer, Rick Spina, also faced questions surrounding future products.
A handful of times, viewers wrote in to ask what’s in the pipeline on the crossover side of things, and while Spina did his best to dodge new-product inquiries, the panel ultimately persuaded Spina to once again confirm the Cadillac XT4 is coming very soon. In fact, he even seemed in fair agreement that a Cadillac XT3 is on the table, too, without confirming or denying the vehicle. We recently argued Cadillac absolutely needs a sub-compact crossover as the segment continues to grow at a quickening pace.
He added the XT4 is coming and it will be “an exciting product.” We’d add it’s a much-needed product within Cadillac’s portfolio, which rests on just a single crossover, the 2018 XT5, and the Escalade as its main draws.
The XT4 will debut some time this year, likely as a 2019 model, as Cadillac gears up to launch a new vehicle every six months in the coming two years. The XT4 will bear heavy weight; it will be the first all-new Cadillac under President Johan de Nysschen’s watch. Skip to 29:00 to hear the XT4 discussion in the video above.
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Possibly one of the worst kept secrets as almost everyone knew that Cadillac will be playing catch up in the CUV market and the only way to do this would be something smaller than the XT5; but what will be interesting is whether Cadillac develops something larger than the XT5 and almost as large as Cadillac’s Escalade.
Building a full-size CUV is nothing new but I’ve never seen or heard of anyone making a CUV bigger than a full-size CUV.
I say if people want something bigger than a full-size CUV, they go with the Cadillac Escalade, a full-size SUV.
a full size CUV (3 row) like the traverse or enclave will definitely bring in lots of profit and some good sales. The escalade will more than likely be the bigger more capable SUV with top of the line everything including a twin turbo v8 especially if its really getting an IRS which it needs. There will be too much of a gap between the escalade which is expected to move up market and the XT5. Cadillac would be foolish to not fill that gap.
Subcompact crossover: Absolute necessity. Once upon a time I bought a VW Tiguan, that had enough space, performance and luxury for all but the most narcissistic of rich people. Cadillac’s effort I hope will be a notch or two up, but not so costly that practical users will hesitate to carry mulch, dog food, or gritty field gear in it. Good luck to Cadillac!
I have a Chevy Equinox and I expect the new Cadillac XT4 to be just as big inside with more features. When it arrives, I might trade up the Equinox for the XT4 the next day after it arrives at my dealer.
Even though some have claimed that Cadillacs engineers are working on nothing but Cadillacs and nothing else , this just shows that the move to New York to get away from any influence from GM / Detroit isn’t totally true .
Anything Crossover related still has to get the green light from Detroit / Rick Spina , GM Chief Crossover Engineer .
Not quit as autonomous as some would believe .
The fact that these sub-compact crossovers are the hottest in sales depends on who is doing the talking . Some journalists would argue that it’s the 3-row segment that is the hottest and that’s why vehicles like the new Acadia aren’t selling as well as the first generation because of the space that was lost behind that 3rd row .
The Chevy Trax is being hammered in the press right now and even the Buick Encore has lost some of it’s shine .
All would agree that Cadillac is late to the party , but are they looking down the wrong road in their forecasts even wanting a XT3 . The biggest hole in the portfolio is the space between the Escalade and XT5 that is where they should focus on after the XT4 comes on line . IMO they should scrap the XT3 , Cadillac is a big car company or is it because they feel the need to copy another brand .
Why don’t GM utilize the Alpha and Omega platforms more effectively. Firstly, the XT5 should have been a rear drive base vehicle, with the XT4 to follow in the same vein. Also, the new Escalade should be design to accommodate all the modern essentials such independent rear suspension similar to the new Lincoln Navigator.
Apart from the suggestive platforms, Cadillac needs to introduce a wide range of turbo engines ranging from 4 to 8-cylinder force fed powertrains. Hence, this would enable Cadillac compete on more even terms with its competitors. Note that Cadillac also needs transmissions that are world class as well, in order to further its credibility cause.
Lastly, Cadillac needs to market all its products more effectively. After all, Cadillac stop marketing the ATS and CTS and look at their dismal sales even though those cars are in much need of an upgrade.
By stating the XT4 will be an exciting product, I hope he means it’ll be at least ten times better than the Equinox, Terrain and Envision!
Those models are all class competitive so the onus is to create a significant change of impression and market position.
Imagine if Cadillac’s XT4 featured a front drive/all-wheel drive using a pair of electric motors for a combined power output of 250-300 horsepower to allow for brisk performance and a range of 200 miles.
Does anyone know if the cadillac xt4 will be build in the lansing delta plant???