mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

2020 Cadillac CT5 Shows More Body In Latest Spy Shots (Update – It’s The CT4)

 

In the past, all of the 2020 Cadillac CT5 prototypes captured by our spy photographers have worn gobs of camouflage. Designers even went so far as to introduce dummy design elements such as a fake hood scoop, faux bodywork on the front doors, and phony taillamps in the form of a continuous ribbon to make us believe that we’re looking at a Dodge Charger prototype. But the tester our spy shooter caught up with today does away with (nearly) all that, revealing more than we have ever seen about Cadillac’s upcoming compact midsize tweener sedan.

Update: GM/Cadillac camo artists fooled us all, as the prototype vehicle seen here is not at all the 2020 Cadillac CT5. Instead, It’s the upcoming Cadillac CT4 – as we have just learned.

2020 Cadillac CT4 Sedan Spy Pictures - Exterior - August 2018 004

Notably, the front end of this particular model doesn’t appear to be wearing production lights or grille. We can understand not wanting to show the production-intent grille, but the headlights is a different matter – since a CT5 prototype we saw in June was equipped with production headlights.

Either way, we can still make out the general shape of the headlights as having both horizontal and vertical elements introduced in the Cadillac CT6 refresh as well as by the new Cadillac XT4.

2020 Cadillac CT4 Sedan Spy Pictures - Exterior - August 2018 008

The bigger news is that this prototype has done away with the faux body work on the front doors of prior models as well as the cladding around the C-pillar, revealing the sedan’s true silhouette. Note that the greenhouse trim ends at the junction of the rear door and the C-pillar, rather than extending into the C-pillar with a vanity window, like on the larger CT6.

This is the first time we have seen these twin five-spoke wheels on a 2020 Cadillac CT5 tester. The rims are wrapped in a set of sporty low-profile tires, with the combination filling out the wheel wells quite nicely.

2020 Cadillac CT4 Sedan Spy Pictures - Exterior - August 2018 009

As with prior prototypes, this CT5 tester’s camo around the taillamps tries to fool us into thinking that we’re looking at a Dodge Charger and its signature uninterrupted ribbon lights. But look at the outermost portions of the rear end, and you’ll see hints of Cadillac’s signature vertical taillights. Rather than the connected taillamp design seen on the prototype models, expect the CT5 to feature an iteration of the boomerang-shaped taillamps seen on the 2019 CT6.

What’s more, this 2020 Cadillac CT5 prototype features a never-before-seen quad exhaust treatment. By comparison, the exhaust treatment of prior testers was of the dual outlet nature, similar to that seen on the 2014-2016 Cadillac CT6.

2020 Cadillac CT4 Sedan Spy Pictures - Exterior - August 2018 012

About 2020 Cadillac CT5

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 is an upcoming Cadillac car range expected to replace both the ATS and CTS lines in Cadillac’s product portfolio. The vehicle will slot between the ATS and CTS lines in terms of packaging, pricing, and feature set. A CT5 Coupe variant is likely, as are high-performance CT5 V-Sport and CT5-V models. A CT5 convertible is possible later in the model’s lifecycle.

Exterior styling is expected to be heavily based on the Cadillac Escala concept, with horizontal and vertical lighting elements throughout. The cabin will feature an all-new horizontal layout for the center stack, similar to the one introduced by the 2019 Cadillac XT4. Cadillac’s new “Y” trim level strategy will be present and accounted for, offering different personas for various customers.

Cadillac Escala Concept live at 2016 LA Auto Show 001

The CT5 is expected to adopt the general design direction of the Cadillac Escala Concept, pictured

The 2020 Cadillac CT5 will ride on the GM Alpha 2 platform, an updated version of the highly-acclaimed GM Alpha platform introduced by the ATS and CTS, and subsequently used by the sixth-gen Chevy Camaro.

Expect a reveal in the next six months, and an on-sale date in the first half of the 2019 calendar year as a 2020 model.

About 2020 Cadillac CT4

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 is an upcoming Cadillac car range that will slot in the subcompact “C segment”. It will in many ways be a spiritual successor to the Cadillac ATS, as the CT5 straddles the space between the ATS and CTS. A high-performance CT4-V variant is forthcoming, but it’s currently unclear whether the model will derive coupe and convertible variants.

The 2020 Cadillac CT4 will ride on the GM Alpha 2 platform, an updated version of the highly-acclaimed GM Alpha platform introduced by the ATS and CTS, and subsequently used by the sixth-gen Chevy Camaro.

Expect a reveal in the next ten months, and an on-sale date in the second half of the 2019 calendar year as a 2020 model.

[nggallery id=993] [nggallery id=959]

GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. I could be way off here but this car looks huge to battle the A4/3/C

    Reply
    1. Well it is under camo, and it is supposed to be misleading and difficult to determine the cars’ final form. There’s also the possibility that the front and rear fascias are deliberately larger than usual to make the car appear longer than it actually is.

      Reply
    2. From my understanding, the ct5 is going to be more along the size of a cts. So it will be a midsize sport sedan rather than a compact sport sedan. Ct3/4 will be the compact sport sedan fighter.

      Reply
      1. The CT5 is the next generation CTS.

        The CT4 is the next generation ATS.

        Reply
        1. Well… not quite.

          The CT5 will straddle the C and E segments and the CT4 will straddle the B and C segments.

          Meanwhile, the ATS was purely a C class car and the gen three CTS was purely an E class car.

          The differences will be most apparent in the pricing and feature set.

          The positioning pretty much works like this: the CT5 will be for those who want a C class car, only with the CT5 they will get more car for free. the CT5 will also be for those who want an E class car, only that they will get it at a better value/lower price and it may be slightly smaller than the “true” E segment offerings.

          Reply
          1. Wrong.
            ATS was small for the D-class, and CTS was small for the E-class. So they have removed them both and made a truly D-class car.

            Second gen Ct6 will be a truly E class car.

            Reply
            1. Wrong, CTS was a solid E Class vehicle and ATS was a D Class vehicle; there wasn’t any ambiguity in such. If anything rear seat room in the ATS was where it came up short. The previous generation CTS played the role of ‘tweener’ straddling D and E classes. Supposedly the upcoming CT5 will return as a tweener.

              Reply
              1. CTS’s space inside is not enough for the current E class even though it is an E class car.
                CT5 won’t be a tweener.

                Reply
          2. I have always hated this strategy. Just goes to show everyone that Cadillac is unwilling to compete with the Big Boys. How hard is it to make a proper 3/5/7 competitor.

            Reply
          3. As Alex indicates, there seems to be a specific marketing strategy in play here. It is my understanding that this car is intended to resurrect the tweener strategy previously used with the first and second generation CTS . So I would expect the CT5 to be smaller than the current third generation CTS and larger than the ATS, while being priced toward the ATS range — $35,000 – $55,000, with V-sport and V versions above that.

            Reply
            1. Yeah that strategy worked amazingly great then huh? The STS was flying out of the dealerships. There is a reason why BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Jaguar have the same formula, it’s because it has worked for many years. GM is just unwilling to afford Cadillac the proper funds to make this happen. If GM isn’t willing to go All In to properly place Cadillac as a top tier Luxury brand, why should we treat it as such? I am not happy with the direction GM has decided to take.

              Reply
              1. I love this place……no, not really,.

                When Cadillac is doing the exact same thing as BMW……it sucks.

                When Cadillac is NOT doing the exact same thing as BMW…..it sucks.

                You people are just amazing……not in any kind of good way…….

                I hope I can read about someones broke CUE again on this thread……..

                Reply
                1. Well put. If you say something reasonably intelligent, your comment gets held up for an eternity awaiting approval by the moderator.

                  Reply
                2. What part of it did you not agree with? The part that if you do in-between cars in segments you will never be considered a Top Tier Luxury Car maker? I am a GM fan and especially pulling for Cadillac but GM inst willing to put the time and effort to bring Cadillac back, so why should I have to keep making excuses for them?

                  Reply
                  1. Well, seems like the reason why Cadillac is going back to the tweener strategy for the sedans is lack of the positive image for ATS and CTS competing full time in each respective segment, although in their first generation efforts that costs roughly the same like the German competition. Also, the 1st. and 2nd. gen CTS was very successful for Cadillac sales-wise. The strategy does not have anything to do with being 2nd or 1st. tier. The strategy is what works best for Cadillac for the reason they are going back to it.

                    Also, keep in mind that the Escala could be a tweener battling the S Class and Mercedes-Maybach S Class.

                    Reply
                3. Just for you MrR I can’t believe Cadillac doesn’t fix All the faulty CUE screens. I cant believe Cadillac doesn’t fix ALL known Faulty design issues. I’m glad your always happy with every Cadillac decision, they have all worked out so well thus far. I could care less if Cadillac copies anyone. I like the tweener though. But unlike you I have owned 5 Cadillacs and can tell you which were great and which were not. Why are you here. have you bought a Cadillac yet. I have a great 2014 ATS I can sell you, brand new CUE screen. If you cant handle the truth don’t read it.

                  Reply
                  1. Just for your information, not every Cadillac produced has a faulty CUE screen. Yes Rapid temperature change can cause failure, just like any other part on a vehicle can fail given the right circumstances. This is why Cadillac provides you with a 4 year 50,000 mile warranty. As I remember you posting that you purchased a SALVAGE title car, that was your first mistake. Any manufacture would not touch that with a ten foot pole. Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Toyota or even Honda, they do not warranty Salvage vehicles. Yes it sucks that you had to experience it, but move on, cause frankly everyone here is tired of reading your posts about it.

                    Reply
                    1. Cadman222, I was done with that but when MrR wanted to here more I couldn’t let him down. Are you sure “not every Cadillac produced with a certain lot number in the same environmental condition has a faulty screen. I DONT THINK SO. when ours delaminated this summer we went to the Cadillac dealer and CUE screens were breaking on the lot so they had to get the vehicle off the lot.
                      Are you sure any other manufacture would not touch that with a ten foot pole. I DONT THINK SO. The answer is yes they do, and so does GM, on certain things. And not only a GOV mandated RECALL..
                      Im sorry that it is my opinion I want ALL automotive manufactures to fix or correct ALL engineering or supplier defects. You know like a two cent ignition spring, an air bag that blows parts at you, a shift lever that won’t stay in park, a computer that tells the car to run away, an engine block that the head bolts pull out of, 2 piece spark plugs you cant remove, leaky rear end seals, steering racks that wear and you can’t turn, timing chains at 70,000 miles, and yes delaminated CUE screens. And so many more.
                      The warranty should only pick out the lower failures of the failure curve, it is not the life of the automobile. When an engineer designs a product they should design it for a certain life cycle. Real world testing tries to match it to the engineering calculations. Some failures are early (warranty), most are the average failure and some are later (the lucky ones. Bell shaped curve. The failure curve has nothing to do with a poor design or a faulty supplier part.
                      Also they don’t make most of those Faulty designed products so its not only me, they were poorly engineered. No more Northstar, 6.0 diesel, ATS, CUE, 2.0T with 6 speed, 3.6 with 6 speed, and so on. I was and am done with the Faulty designed CUE screen. You will not here any more about it out of me. And I hope the best for Cadillac on the next products. Our last Cadillac was a 2004 CTS 3.6 ran it from 400 to 140,000+ miles and still own it. Replaced 1 coil pack at 118,0000, and never to the dealer once.

                      Reply
            2. That’s a stretch if they can do it the current CTS only gains interior space in rear seat leg room and 5 cf more trunk space because it is based on the L platform which has been available to ATS buyers in China. In my opinion more interior space, better driver seats and less harsh ride are the keys to larger market acceptance they should differentiate Sport and Luxury models MB used to do this with their C class, not familiar with their current models when I bought my ATS 4 years ago as an entry level car I felt the MBs were too expensive for maintenance for long term ownership [ S class shop prices]

              Reply
              1. So bigger and a more cushy ride? Why not just buy a Buick road barge?

                Reply
                1. That will not help Cadillac meet its lofty sales goals, I have talked to a number of sales people in Cadillac dealerships and a big percentage of ATS buyers in the initial year of excellent sales were not happy with the product and did not consider the ATS again. The biggest percentage of buyers did not buy for its “sports sedan” performance they liked the entry level pricing and good looks of the car. JMO

                  Reply
                  1. Did they tell you WHY buyers were unhappy?

                    Reply
                    1. I am 2014 ATS unhappy buyer. It shifts terrible if you are doing 30mph or so and want to go it simply doesn’t know what to do. It leaks out rear end. We hit a heave in the road it bent one front wheel broke the other and took car out of alignment. We have had other troubles but I told Cadman222 I wouldn’t mention it. We bought it with 2000 miles. Love the looks of the ATS. Its a little small to get into, our parents will not ride in it, to hard to get in and out. The AWD is great, but it binds up terrible on dry pavement, not smooth like the AWD Audi A4. Drives great, handles great. We really liked our 2004 CTS best car we ever owned 140,000. Why did we buy the ATS. It had nothing to do with money. My wife said the 2014 CTS was bigger than she wanted after her 2004 CTS so we went with the ATS.

                      Reply
                    2. If the AWD was binding while the car was under warranty then your dealer should have fixed it. The rear end differential leak could also be to blame.

                      Sounds like you got a lemon. I’d sure be pissed if I had all those problems!

                      Reply
  2. I like the purposeful look of the exhaust — even though it copies AMG

    Reply
    1. Purposeful for that 2.0T 9 speed standard engine. I am still hoping for great things for this car. However I am more able to handle disappointment after the XT4. I here there starting in China first with that one. Probably a good decision. I can hardly wait 5 years to get a new Cadillac, should have the reliability worked out by then.

      Reply
  3. I honestly can’t wait to see this car.

    A lot of people have very high expectations for this one. Hopefully they corrected the weird styling of the CTS.

    Reply
    1. The CTS had weird styling? I think it’s the best-looking vehicle in its segment by a long shot.

      And if you do not subscribe to that point of view, then it’s definitely the most expressive and noticeable.

      Reply
  4. Looks very promising. Love the rear and the exhaust. Most intresting will start from this models…

    Reply
  5. This will be a D-class car. That’s 100 percent.

    Reply
  6. so will the ct5/4 be the first models with JDN’s fingerprints all over them?

    Reply
  7. Looking at the taillights says ” Cadillac Charger!!!”…. Maybe it’s an Alpha sedan for (hopeful) another brand besides Caddy being tested.

    Reply
    1. Read the article, my guy

      Reply
  8. This one wil be an ATS sedan replacement because there is no ATS sedan for 2019.

    Reply
  9. If it’s the CT5 why did they relocate the rear plate and re-do the exhausts? It also looks smaller. This is the CT4 probably.

    Reply
    1. This being a CT5 and not a CT4 could be speculation.

      Aren’t they both on the same chassis and both scheduled for release in the next 18 months?

      Reply
      1. Reply
        1. Wow. That’s really subtle…

          But doesn’t this seem too big for the CT4?

          Reply
    2. That actually makes sense to bring the ATS replacement out before the CTS replacement. The ATS is the older design btw the two.

      The ATS was a very solid first effort on the driving dynamics and performance front. It fell short of the 3 series on interior space, interior quality, value, and styling.

      The CT4 and CT5 both need to retain the driving dynamics of their predecessors but with added interior space, better interior quality, and the Escala design. Both will also need coupe, Plug In Hybrid, and V series versions within the next couple of years as well.

      Reply
  10. I wonder if how long before the variants appear. Would love to see the coupe version.

    Reply
  11. Meh on the Lincoln tail light effect, hope that’s part of the camo!

    Reply
    1. Of course it’s part of the camo! Can’t anyone read anymore?

      Reply
      1. Not always, ; ) quick view/comment.
        On second glimpse “But the tester our spy shooter caught up with today does away with (nearly) all that”!!!

        The wife has a ’10 MKX, so I see it every day, I don’t care for the huge tail lights, PAT!

        Reply
        1. Well….we know who won that argument…….

          Reply
          1. MrR, do you have anything automotive related to add. Have you bought a Cadillac yet. O yeah don’t buy one with a Faulty CUE screen it will delaminate when it sits outside in the summer and Cadillac will not fix it for you.

            Reply
        2. fastyle – that’s why that “nearly” is there… because then there’s this:

          this CT5 tester’s camo around the taillamps tries to fool us into thinking that we’re looking at a Dodge Charger and its signature uninterrupted ribbon lights. But look at the outermost portions of the rear end, and you’ll see hints of Cadillac’s signature vertical taillights. Rather than the connected taillamp design seen on the prototype models, expect the CT5 to feature an iteration of the boomerang-shaped taillamps seen on the 2019 CT6.

          Reply
  12. Is it just me or does the profile look a lot like the ATS? I hope it turns out to look more like the Escala and less like the current Cadillac sedans.

    Reply
  13. Chunky styling and the window treatment at the C pillar is standard Generic Motors pap. Regarding styling, this is the sedan equivalent of the XT4.

    The powertrain options are what interests me. Hopefully MRC is finally combined with AWD, and there is an AWD V-Sport to compete with BMW’s lower M X-Drive models. It will be sad to see the high revving LGX V6 die, but maybe GM will surprise us with a killer 2.5T replacement, or even better, maybe they’ll drop in the LGW 3.0TT V6 as an upgrade option from the 2.0T. 😛

    This would be awesome:
    2.0T I4: base
    3.0TT V6: Replaces LGX V6 as the standard upgrade engine.
    3.6TT V6: V-Sport
    4.2TT V8: V

    Reply
    1. I hope they’re planning AWD across the entire line this time. Unless the goal is laying down rubber or drifting (unlikely for a luxury car), AWD has become the standard for weather, performance, handling & safety.

      Reply
      1. Exactly. AWD also makes a car substantially cheaper for those of us who live in the snow belt. I drive an ATS4 Coupe, but an ATS-V would be a prohibitively expensive car for me because it would necessitate an extra winter car and an extra garage bay. Also, if I’m going to have a winter garage queen, then why not just make it a Camaro or a Corvette?

        An AWD CT3-V may not lap the Nürburgring as fast as a RWD CT3-V, but it would be the ultimate daily driver for this Michigander!

        Reply
        1. That’s the thing… I have a RWD ATS and I live in an area where it snows. An extra set of winter wheels and tires was $2,000 (OEM wheels with Blizzacks). It can be much less expensive if you don’t get OEM wheels. That does not make the car prohibitively more expensive. I drive mine year-round with no issues whatsoever.

          That said, there is no question that the general populous would not subscribe to that mindset… so offering AWD seems to be a must to satisfy the market demand.

          Reply
          1. Yep we are in South Dakota and when we drove our 2004 CTS we had a AWD SRX for the winter. Alex we started with the extra wheels and Blizzarks. NOPE so went both 2004 CTS and the 2005 SRX AWD NorthStar route. Now we have a 2014 ATS AWD 2.0T handles great in summer and winter. However the car shifts horrible, leaks fluid out rear end, replaced CUE screen. It is the worst Cadillac out of 5 and we still have our 2004 CTS in the garage because it is still the best car we have ever owned.

            Reply
          2. I have an ’09 CTS-V that I used to drive year round, now sitting in the garage waiting for sunny days. I used to go through the whole winter wheel & tire swap twice a year -always a pain- and I would still get white knuckle moments going up and down hills in NE during the winter. 550+ hp, 6sp manual, RWD and snowy hills are not something I’ll ever miss. My small SUV sits on all-seasons and is 10X better in the snow.

            If I had my druthers, I’d move to an exciting AWD daily driver (V or V-sport flavored AWD sedan or SUV) and a mid-engine Corvette as the garage queen. Don’t get me wrong, the CTS-V is cool and becoming rare, but it doesn’t quite have the aura of a sports car…

            Reply
          3. In my experience, it’s the summer only tires on the high performance models that is the real issue. My ’14 CTS-V coupe was useless in winter weather unless the tires are switched out. As other comments indicate, that is both expensive and inconvenient, In addition to the cost, it requires hauling a set back and forth in a pick-up to have them switched, and then storing the set that is not in use. I would really like to see a performance model, (at least the V-sport if not the V), available with AWD and the option to choose all season tires. The all season tires also last three times as long. My everyday driver is a ’17 ATS V6 AWD coupe in premium luxury trim which comes with all season tires, and it is plenty athletic. I only wish it had the twin-turbo.

            Reply
          4. $2000 is nothing compared to the cost of a second car for the winter and an extra garage bay for the winter garage queen.

            I’ve no doubt winter tires are enough for urban and suburban localities with dependable snow removal. I’m 20 miles from any suburbs so I’m wary of depending on snow tires to save a RWD car in the snow. Maybe it would work but I sure don’t see any other RWD cars out here in the winter.

            Reply
      2. The current ATS and CTS have AWD except for the V and V-Sport models.

        That said, not offering AWD on the high-performance models might actually be a competitive advantage given that the Germans have gone full-bore on AWD, and that remains a topic of contention among those who buy those cars. That said, I would not be surprised to see AWD at least as an option on V-Sport models.

        Reply
        1. My view is that the CT4/CT5 will both need a V-Sport model, and it will need optional AWD to compete with the likes of the BMW M240i X Drive. This makes a high performance Cadillac accessible to those who want a single car for all-season daily driving duty.

          Agreed that the track performance model to be RWD-only.

          Reply
    2. Personally I would like to see the lgx v6 go away. Good engine but it has its quirks. I would like to see this kind of engine line up.

      Base-2.0t
      Premium-2.7t (new in the Silverado)
      Platinum-3.0tt
      V sport-3.6tt
      Full V- 4.2tt

      I know they have the new Y engine/trim strategy, I’m just putting the engines I would like to see in. I myself would probably go with either the 2.7t or the 3.0tt if they are the options.

      Reply
      1. The 2.7T is a truck engine but it’s a good bet we’ll see it’s Cadillac analogue in the CT3/4.

        Now that Cadillac have the 4.2TT V8, I’d really like to see them introduce an exclusive 3.0TT V6. No more one-off modifications of the corporate High Feature V6, make an NVH optimized Cadillac V6 TT.

        Reply
  14. Looks like a seam in the camo where a hatch would open on the left side of the back window. Just wondering.

    Reply
  15. Too much Camo to tell much yet other than size and profile of the roof. For the detractors let them uncover it as many of you also hated the Blazer before it was uncovered too.

    I anticipate a really decent car here as they will finally right size it and give the 6 some more room.

    Now also keep in mind that even if this car is perfect it is not going to run away with the segment 6 month post intro. It will take time to earn the trust of the customers as many are not unhappy with the cars they have. They will have to be show that this is finally the car they were promised and will not leave them wanting for more or with poor resale.

    Cadillac can regain the image but it will take repeated good new products and time. GM controls the one as for time it just has to happen.

    Reply
  16. I can’t say with 100% certainty what this is, (CT4 maybe?) but I can say with absolute 100% certainty that this is not the same car as pictured in earlier spy shots and on this page’s 2020 Cadillac CT5 gallery. 100%. I can’t take credit for noticing, but I won’t give credit to just how I noticed either.

    Please don’t try and rip me a new one before you closely compare the photos, either. I am not wrong.

    Reply
    1. I have to agree. This is closer to the original CTS in size. I think this is the CT4.

      There is a similar, but larger car with the same camo and the same proportions running around. I think THAT is the CT5.

      The car in this article is a smaller size from the car in older CT5 spy photos.

      Reply
      1. Reggie – you’re on to something. Stay tuned 🙂

        Reply
        1. Why I get ripped when I said it’s another non-Caddy Alpha sedan being tested?.

          Reply
  17. The size seems too close to the previous CT5 spy shots, to be a supposed ATS size or smaller.
    This may simply be a bunch of changes, either by plans or new design changes that weren’t ready earlier.

    The early photos had 3rd gen CTS shaped side mirrors. The new photos have ATS shaped side mirrors.

    If the 2021 ATS replacement will be the size of ATS, a bit bigger or smaller, CT3 makes more sense than CT4 for the name,
    unless Cadillac has plans for a lot more small car sizes, which I doubt is a good idea.

    Reply
  18. Looks like a direct copy of the ancient Audi A7, minus the build quality plus an enormous amount of cheap plastic.
    Can it beat the XT4 in amounts of cheap plastic?

    Reply
  19. I see Cadillac is clenching down on the staid ‘me too’ euro, copy cat styling. Hmmm, was really hoping the Escala Concept was little more than a dolled up next CT5. Looks like it’s just more of the same from GM.

    Tease us with an excellent real world styled show car for Cadillac. Then give us the box it came in and wonder why the Escalade and wanna-be CUVs remain the sales leaders of the brand.

    We all know these try hard Euro sedans aren’t cutting it for Cadillac. I don’t get why they don’t push forward with real world versions of the last three concepts – Elmirage, Escala, and Ciel.

    Those three cars set the automotive world on fire. Those cars had styling that immediately evoked traditional American luxury, yet were instantly modern, sophisticated. and desirable.

    Most importantly; THEY LOOKED LIKE F’n CADILLACS!

    It’s cool that they make their cars RWD, and handle, and fast, and better built. But they are missing the most important part, they aint making Cadillacs.

    Right now the Escalade is the only ‘true Cadillac’ GM offers.

    Reply
    1. I think you are missing the point.

      Just about every Cadillac that is out currently is a Cadillac. They are not old school traditional Cadillac by any means but they are Cadillacs either way.

      All of a sudden if Cadillac competes w/ the German brands, it is a carbon copy of a German car. Absolute ridiculousness.

      Reply
    2. I think the reason Cadillac isn’t outselling BMW, in any class, is that their industrial design isn’t quite as good, they’re overpriced, and their reputation sucks. Probably more of the latter than the former two.

      My ATS4 3.6 Coupe cost as much as a BMW M240i X-Drive, and the M240i has a far superior powertrain (turbo I6 + 8 speed ZF), one that is about as good as that of the ATS-V, yet unlike the V it comes with X-Drive and MRC. I chose the ATS because I have extended family who work in the American auto industry and I like to support American companies, but there aren’t enough buyers are like me to keep the ATS profitable.

      The reality is that Cadillac could build a product superior to BMW by every metric, yet they would still need to sell at a lower price because their reputation stinks. They sold total garbage for decades and it’s going to take at least a generation for Cadillac to rehabilitate their image.

      I’ve seen the reaction of car guys when I say I drive an ATS: “WTF? Aren’t you too young to drive one of those? I thought you liked sports cars?”

      Until I get a different reaction when I say I drive a Cadillac, their reputation isn’t done with rehab.

      Oh, and Cadillac? Lose the cursive name plates. You build modern sports sedans/SUVs, not old-timey horse & buggy replicas.

      Reply
      1. Yep, and I can’t figure out why Cadillac doesn’t at least stop the bleeding by helping all those people who bought that garbage. The returns from helping loyal customers is endless.

        Reply
      2. Edit: of course the V comes with MRC, what I meant to say is that BMW offer AWD and MRC together. Cadillac can’t offer them both together on the ATS.

        Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel