GM shows Cadillac 3 series-fighting ATS, all-new XTS, 2012 Malibu
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They're doing it right.
4 year production run, put a bullet in it and build an all-new one.
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From: oshawa,ontario,canada
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From: USA
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From: The Golden State
Ford is going to restyle or replace it's cars every 2 years.
Malibu is 2 years old already, and will be at least 4 by 2012.
This is HARDLY throwing in any towel... it's called STAYING COMPETITIVE!
..... and you don't have people viewing Toyota as out of touch either.
While not bad, 2 years is still a little far out to be viewing a future car (Camaro was 3).
IMHO, Chrysler (back in the 90s) used to do it right. In the prior December at LA or in January at Detroit, Chrysler used to show new cars they had coming that following summer or fall. Only big news or far fetched cars (ie: the Viper) were brought out 2 to 3 years in advance. Even the PT Cruiser 1st came on the scene less than a year before Job 1.
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From: Columbus, OH
ATS= Alpha Touring Sedan probably.
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And two new midsizers in 8 years ... that's twice as fast as GM used to operate.
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From: Charleston, WV
The XTS is supposed to look a lot like the sixteen concept...
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/c...eries-fighter/
This morning at the media preview hosted by General Motors in its design dome, VP of Design Ed Welburn showed off full-size styling bucks of the next two models from Cadillac. Rounding out the lineup for GM's luxury brand will be the XTS and ATS. The ATS is a smaller car than the CTS and will take direct aim at the heart of the 3-Series. The model shown was a two-door coupe with a roof-line closer in shape to the CTS sedan rather than the extreme fastback profile of the CTS coupe. The overall design is an evolution of the current CTS with headlights that stretch back across the top of the fender line. Although no one would confirm the platform underneath, they did say it would be rear- and all-wheel drive, just like a 3. Earlier in the morning, new Cadillac general manager Brian Nesbitt said the next generation CTS is already under development and would be new from the ground up. It seems reasonable to assume that it is being developed to allow for a shorter version for the ATS.
The XTS, on the other hand, is huge and carries a lot of the design first seen on the celebrated Sixteen concept (seen above and in high-res gallery below), which means it's stunning in person. Given that a V16 is out of the question, the hood is obviously much shorter than the concept's. The flanks have more curvature than the current DTS and a character line with an undercut lies just below the belt-line.
Welburn declined to give specific timing except to say that both cars were coming soon. We already know that DTS is ending production soon to make way for the Volt at the Detroit Hamtramck plant. There was also no indication of powertrains, although the ATS is likely to be powered by four- and six-cylinder engines. The XTS may use the next generation small block V8 that debuts next year.
The XTS, on the other hand, is huge and carries a lot of the design first seen on the celebrated Sixteen concept (seen above and in high-res gallery below), which means it's stunning in person. Given that a V16 is out of the question, the hood is obviously much shorter than the concept's. The flanks have more curvature than the current DTS and a character line with an undercut lies just below the belt-line.
Welburn declined to give specific timing except to say that both cars were coming soon. We already know that DTS is ending production soon to make way for the Volt at the Detroit Hamtramck plant. There was also no indication of powertrains, although the ATS is likely to be powered by four- and six-cylinder engines. The XTS may use the next generation small block V8 that debuts next year.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/c...eries-fighter/
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I think the ATS is going to be the most important car out of the bunch - but sadly the concept shown will not be on alpha proper. The chassis is still several years out and will probably change a lil bit from a styling point of view.
We're expecting the C7 in the 2012/2013 timeframe along with alpha. This means the F5 Camaro would run roughly a 4 to 5 year run, which is acceptable.
The C7 will also finally showcase the GenV V8. If both Alpha and C7 came out the same year, will we see the "old GM" habit of giving the C7 a new engine before everyone else, or will we see Alpha & C7 ride in with GenV's together?
Food for thought.
We're expecting the C7 in the 2012/2013 timeframe along with alpha. This means the F5 Camaro would run roughly a 4 to 5 year run, which is acceptable.
The C7 will also finally showcase the GenV V8. If both Alpha and C7 came out the same year, will we see the "old GM" habit of giving the C7 a new engine before everyone else, or will we see Alpha & C7 ride in with GenV's together?
Food for thought.