In the halls of the Tubular Nation (GM's Ren Center in Detroit), Cadillac's new styling direction which debuted with the Cadillac Sixteen is being called "Art & Bob". Sorry Darth....looks like it's here to stay..

 

Ya, this makes me question something from Cadillac for the first time in a while.

I mean, it's like taking the Arts & Sciences, and watering it down... and blanding it out.

CTS, SRX, XLR, Cien... these are excellent. Now , I know you can't play the same theme out forever... but I think it would be idiotic to water it down so soon when such success has been had with it so far.

 

I actually like the Sixteen alot...I think it is especilly strong in the dead on front view where the CTS and XLR are akaward.

 

I don't think Sixteen is awful, really... I just don't think it is as 'strong' as CTS, XLR, and the others.

Cien is still my favorite concept car in the last 10 years... possibly ever!

 

I think the big missing piece from the production cars is the thin headlamps. The concept cars always have these nice thin, elegent lap treatments, but the production cars have these huge honking bezels.

Thats whats making the strait on look so awkward.

 

The lines on the XLR, Escalade, and Cien are nice, and on some of the models, even gorgeous. However, the CTS comes out looking weird with the same makeover like it's missing something. I really can't explain. Initially, the CTS even came out as "ugly" to me. Like the Escalade, I've warmed up to it's styling though.

I'd say the new styling over at Cadillac is a love it or hate it type of feeling. Some love it, other hate it. For the most part, i like it.

 

That's how I feel.

Cadillac has a winning (though controversial) design, that's not only representative of Cadillac's turn around, it's attracting the same young (and "young feeling old") crowd that in the 80s and 90s were loyal BMW buyers.

Cadillac, as you said, has a "strong" design. As the sales are showing, "strong" is good.

 

Quite frankly I think Bob needs to realize that what Bob likes/dislikes isn't what everyone else likes/dislikes. Sure he's there to provide his influence on product and design but he's ultimately there to ensure the product sells. So what's wrong with Cadillac's direction Bob?

 

The problem with the Sixteen is that it's difficult to reconcile that long hood and low, wide features with the whole Art & Science theme. Hence, they had to modify it a bit by rounding off some surfaces. I think they did a good job of executing the showcar, but my gut feeling is that applying it to the current product would only serve to water things down.

 

BMW and Mercedes did not get thier base market with "like it or not" styling.

The Sixteen IMO is most successful from the front view.

Also did anyone notice that the XV16 is rated up to 7000RPM's aided by VVT?

Thats alot for a big pushrod motor Wonder if the new ^.0L will share that ability?

 

I agree completely. Cadillac's new direction is spot-on and doesn't need dumbing down. If the new GP and Malibu are indicative of Lutz's personal taste, then someone needs to temper it.

 

 

My exact feelings, also.

If you start watering down the Caddy line you'll end up with what was around in the mid 90s, only on Sigma.

"General Motors: good at ruining a great thing."

 

I don't see the Sixteen as watered down...more liek refined.

 

I don't think anyone's saying the Sixteen isn't a beauutiful car, far from it. It's just that "beautiful" isn't "daring" or "exciting", which no doubt, the CTS, XLR, and their new SUV is.

Cadillac's current look is distinctive IMHO. There is no doubt in anyone's mind what you are looking at. But looking at the Sixteen, though it is an exceptional looking car, it's one of those designs that would look just as acceptable as a Lincoln concept (pre-RR themed grill age), or even a Chrysler concept (60s era) as much (or even more) as it does a Cadillac. I think that's what's meant by "watered down": less distinctive.