Big Ed Instructs Cadillac to Build a RWD Flagship
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,505
From: Charleston, WV
Big Ed Instructs Cadillac to Build a RWD Flagship
Cadillac fans will be thrilled to hear that Ed Whitacre himself has instructed the brand to build a true, full-size flagship above both the CTS and the upcoming XTS. The car has not been clearly defined yet. The Zeta platform (Holden Commodore, Chevrolet Camaro, etc.) is heavy and dated, and therefore the flagship is more likely be built on a stretched version of the CTS’s Sigma platform. On the other side of the brand’s spectrum, the BMW 3-series–fighting ATS, based on a shortened Sigma platform called Alpha, is almost certain to come. If its styling is innovative and daring enough, it could become a real alternative to the well-established competition.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,165
From: Sterling Heights, MI
The Zeta platform (Holden Commodore, Chevrolet Camaro, etc.) is heavy and dated
We all figured that Cadillac would get a large RWD flagship at some point,the question was just when.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,165
From: Sterling Heights, MI
Don't get me wrong, Zeta is just fine for the applications it was originally intended for - large, high-powered sedans. Hell, it could probably even work for a Cadillac flagship.
Just don't tell me it makes the ideal pony car.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
There may be other reasons to put it on Sigma, but not because Sigma is lighter or newer than Zeta.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
Like the LS3 has roots in the 1955 smallblock?
I think the Zeta chassis didn't take much from the VZ (wasn't it called V-body at one point?).
In reality, I think Motor Trend just wanted to come up with a reason for not basing it on Zeta and that was the best they could do.
Sharing components with cars that will be its contemporaries is a much more compelling reason, I think.