Is Cadillac on the road to oblivion?
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Joined: Mar 2005
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What if there is no money to develop that vision? What if there is no money to develop proper luxury cars and make a profit doing it? Should GM just cut back to Chevrolet and Opel/Holden/Buick? Should Ford drop Lincoln and just have the Ford brand?
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
I'll let Charlie weigh in on Lincoln. Maybe he has a good idea. I don't. Other than go back in time and change some key decisions on the LS. [ make it so it could take the 4.6 or at least give it the Jag 4.2, make a decent V6 for it 5 years sooner, don't kill it after 1 generation ] The LS needed a proper engine to make it go, instead of showing up near the bottom in every comparison. A second go at styling wouldn't have hurt either. I liked it, but it probably would have done better with something more aggressive.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
It's like going to MacDonald's and ordering a Big Mac and being informed that they only have enough money to sell me fries. It's a clear sign the end is near.
As far as Lincoln? Well, they are in a different position, I think. Lincoln has been starved and suppressed for years, to make way for PAG. And now that PAG is gone, it's starting to make it's way again. I agree with teal, they sure screwed up DEW98. Especially the part about not package protecting it for the Mod motor. Someone wasn't thinking. We'll see about Lincoln, but it doesn't have the global aspirations which Cadillac does (or rather, did).
Cadillac, has made massive progress in the past few years - mostly because of Sigma and the CTS and the Escalade as well. Years of progress, and brand cultivation - not to mention billions of dollars. What a waste of equity to simply flush that down the crapper.
As soon as the money spigot opens again, Cadillac needs to get rolling on Alpha, and continue refining Sigma 2.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
In other news:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/cadillac...e-concept.html
Cadillac News
Cadillac to debut dramatic E-Flex coupe concept at Detroit show
Cadillac division was readying a new hybrid for the Detroit Auto Show, and it appears as though those rumors were well founded. At next week’s NAIAS, Cadillac will unveil a new E-Flex based concept.
GM’s E-Flex system is the same that will power the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt range-extending electric vehicle, but don’t expect the Cadillac concept to be just some boring four-door. Cadillac gave its designers free range on the new concept, resulting in a highly stylized – and extremely fuel efficient –two-door coupe.
According to Businessweek, the Caddy concept will be smaller than the current CTS sedan and will have looks even “bolder” than the upcoming CTS coupe. One GM executive even told Businessweek the car’s styling will make “people want it regardless of the energy source.”
Although the concept promises to be lust worthy for its looks alone, its E-Flex powertrain will only strengthen its case. No word on what fuel will power the concept’s E-Flex system, but early indications suggest it will borrow the Volt’s system – running on gasoline rather than hydrogen. That means a 40 mile all-electric range with a 1.4L gas engine providing enough juice for another 300-400 miles.
Check back for the full scoop on the Cadillac E-Flex concept in just a few days.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/cadillac...e-concept.html
Cadillac News
Cadillac to debut dramatic E-Flex coupe concept at Detroit show
Cadillac division was readying a new hybrid for the Detroit Auto Show, and it appears as though those rumors were well founded. At next week’s NAIAS, Cadillac will unveil a new E-Flex based concept.
GM’s E-Flex system is the same that will power the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt range-extending electric vehicle, but don’t expect the Cadillac concept to be just some boring four-door. Cadillac gave its designers free range on the new concept, resulting in a highly stylized – and extremely fuel efficient –two-door coupe.
According to Businessweek, the Caddy concept will be smaller than the current CTS sedan and will have looks even “bolder” than the upcoming CTS coupe. One GM executive even told Businessweek the car’s styling will make “people want it regardless of the energy source.”
Although the concept promises to be lust worthy for its looks alone, its E-Flex powertrain will only strengthen its case. No word on what fuel will power the concept’s E-Flex system, but early indications suggest it will borrow the Volt’s system – running on gasoline rather than hydrogen. That means a 40 mile all-electric range with a 1.4L gas engine providing enough juice for another 300-400 miles.
Check back for the full scoop on the Cadillac E-Flex concept in just a few days.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
In other news:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/cadillac...e-concept.html
Cadillac News
Cadillac to debut dramatic E-Flex coupe concept at Detroit show
Cadillac division was readying a new hybrid for the Detroit Auto Show, and it appears as though those rumors were well founded. At next week’s NAIAS, Cadillac will unveil a new E-Flex based concept.
GM’s E-Flex system is the same that will power the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt range-extending electric vehicle, but don’t expect the Cadillac concept to be just some boring four-door. Cadillac gave its designers free range on the new concept, resulting in a highly stylized – and extremely fuel efficient –two-door coupe.
According to Businessweek, the Caddy concept will be smaller than the current CTS sedan and will have looks even “bolder” than the upcoming CTS coupe. One GM executive even told Businessweek the car’s styling will make “people want it regardless of the energy source.”
Although the concept promises to be lust worthy for its looks alone, its E-Flex powertrain will only strengthen its case. No word on what fuel will power the concept’s E-Flex system, but early indications suggest it will borrow the Volt’s system – running on gasoline rather than hydrogen. That means a 40 mile all-electric range with a 1.4L gas engine providing enough juice for another 300-400 miles.
Check back for the full scoop on the Cadillac E-Flex concept in just a few days.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/cadillac...e-concept.html
Cadillac News
Cadillac to debut dramatic E-Flex coupe concept at Detroit show
Cadillac division was readying a new hybrid for the Detroit Auto Show, and it appears as though those rumors were well founded. At next week’s NAIAS, Cadillac will unveil a new E-Flex based concept.
GM’s E-Flex system is the same that will power the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt range-extending electric vehicle, but don’t expect the Cadillac concept to be just some boring four-door. Cadillac gave its designers free range on the new concept, resulting in a highly stylized – and extremely fuel efficient –two-door coupe.
According to Businessweek, the Caddy concept will be smaller than the current CTS sedan and will have looks even “bolder” than the upcoming CTS coupe. One GM executive even told Businessweek the car’s styling will make “people want it regardless of the energy source.”
Although the concept promises to be lust worthy for its looks alone, its E-Flex powertrain will only strengthen its case. No word on what fuel will power the concept’s E-Flex system, but early indications suggest it will borrow the Volt’s system – running on gasoline rather than hydrogen. That means a 40 mile all-electric range with a 1.4L gas engine providing enough juice for another 300-400 miles.
Check back for the full scoop on the Cadillac E-Flex concept in just a few days.
Doesn't that sound interesting.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,502
I don't think Ford's strategy with Lincoln is going to work. There's not a big enough gap from Ford to Lincoln vehicles to justify the price points Lincoln is trying to sell at. Maybe they'll be able to do it with powertrains, but that will mean that Lincoln has to be better than all of the volume brands, not just better than Ford. And that will be difficult.
Take away the Town Car and how many new Lincolns do you see on the road?
Take away the Town Car and how many new Lincolns do you see on the road?
I see a fair number of MKX and MKZs around here -- never see a Town Car that doesn't have a serial number on the bumper.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
I'd bet Lincoln is more successful financially than Cadillac. There's something to be said for building a modern mid-luxury brand without pretending you're mercedes benz.
I see a fair number of MKX and MKZs around here -- never see a Town Car that doesn't have a serial number on the bumper.
I see a fair number of MKX and MKZs around here -- never see a Town Car that doesn't have a serial number on the bumper.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
GRWD is DEAD.
From AN:
Mustang will retain it's RWD architecture though.
From AN:
DETROIT -- With demand uncertain for big cars in the years ahead, Ford Motor Co. has dropped plans for new rear-wheel-drive sedans.
Ford design chief J Mays told Automotive News today that plans for rwd Ford and Lincoln sedans have been shelved. "It's out of the cycle plan," he said.
Gasoline prices that soared to more than $4 a gallon in mid-2008 undermined the expected industry demand for large rwd cars.
"We've got other priorities at the moment," Mays said. "We're going down a path right now that is all about fuel efficiency, and we've got a lot to do about that. So we're not talking about rear-wheel drive.
Ford design chief J Mays told Automotive News today that plans for rwd Ford and Lincoln sedans have been shelved. "It's out of the cycle plan," he said.
Gasoline prices that soared to more than $4 a gallon in mid-2008 undermined the expected industry demand for large rwd cars.
"We've got other priorities at the moment," Mays said. "We're going down a path right now that is all about fuel efficiency, and we've got a lot to do about that. So we're not talking about rear-wheel drive.
Mustang will retain it's RWD architecture though.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
We expected this.
I just hope the Northstar will be made competitive like Guy hinted it would. But what vehicles will use it? STS-V8 and what else? Maybe Caddy could finally offer a CTS-V8.
Though there's so little space between the CTS and STS now, it's not clear at all why both exist if you ignore the historical reasons.
I just hope the Northstar will be made competitive like Guy hinted it would. But what vehicles will use it? STS-V8 and what else? Maybe Caddy could finally offer a CTS-V8.
Though there's so little space between the CTS and STS now, it's not clear at all why both exist if you ignore the historical reasons.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
Really. Hmm. I don't see very many MK-Zs -- a few, and the prior Zephyr. I tend not to notice SUVs, but I can't say I've seen any MK-Xs. Both are vastly outnumbered by Acuras or BMWs and Lexus RXes, respectively. Of course, the MK-X is brand new. I agree that new Town Cars are all livery vehicles.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
We expected this.
I just hope the Northstar will be made competitive like Guy hinted it would. But what vehicles will use it? STS-V8 and what else? Maybe Caddy could finally offer a CTS-V8.
Though there's so little space between the CTS and STS now, it's not clear at all why both exist if you ignore the historical reasons.
I just hope the Northstar will be made competitive like Guy hinted it would. But what vehicles will use it? STS-V8 and what else? Maybe Caddy could finally offer a CTS-V8.
Though there's so little space between the CTS and STS now, it's not clear at all why both exist if you ignore the historical reasons.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
In that case, I don't see why GM would bother updating the Northstar, if only long-in-the tooth cars are using it. Might as well put a bullet in it instead of watching it suffer.
