Completely disagree. The CTS is too *insert-favorte-expletive* big! The current one is slightly longer than an E-class, and the new one is supposed to be a couple inches wider than the current one.

The success of the A4/C-class/3-series/IS-series/G35 proves that there is a large market for a smaller-than-CTS luxury car. What better way for Cadillac to prove that it doesn't just make boats than to come out with a truly premium small car?

Don't sell it for $20K. Sell it for $27K. Make a 4cyl NA standard, but have a V6 or turbo option. Make it a nice 4cyl. DI, smooth, no resonances, etc. Maybe a 190hp 2.4l. If done right, this car could be a big success for Cadillac, especially in Europe.

 

I agree for Cadillac. Just ask Jaguar about a FWD/AWD 3-series competitor. Audi and Acura can get away with it. Cadillac can't. On the other hand, Saab probably could. So if, for some reason, GM decides not to do a small RWD chassis, they should leave the segment to Saab. IMHO

 

The 3 is absolutely the smallest I would want to see Cadillac go in the North American market. The I6 comes standard in the 3, does it not?

4 Cylinder != luxury.

 

I agree with much of the above, I would rather see Saab or Opel target anything smaller than the three.

Spend Cadillacs money on a competent 3series competitor for the world.

 

Here it does. In Europe you can get a 3 series with an I4 or diesel.

 

Then a 4 cylinder Cadillac can stay in Europe. Seriously, if MB and BMW understand what "luxury" means to Americans, and what the minimum requirements are, then surely Cadillac could.....

 

Maybe so. Whatever the final form is of this new architecture is, I can tell you that it is specifically going to be designed around an Ecotec and it's variants.
At this point, I doubt it will accept a larger engine.

 

but, does GM have any small V8's in development?

I doubt it, just throwing it out there...

 

5.3 DOD LSx V8. One of the dimensionally smallest V8s produced. Or they could bring back the Buick 215 modernized.

 

In the context of this discussion, forget a V8 and most probably a V6.

 

a V6 would be a smart idea. a 300hp one would make a good V

 

What about the turbo Ecotec that's already making 260hp? How hard would it be to just crank up the boost, and not have to worry about tearing up the engine?

As a side, would there be any tranny besides the 5spd available to put on it? Could you jurry rig a 6 spd in there?

 

a V6 won't have the turbo lag plus a HF V6 would have a nicer sound.

 

Why are you making any assumptions at all on transmissions. This platform doesn't even exist yet.

 

Charlie's right, nightwave!

Geez, the car isn't even in final development, let alone production and you are already talking about jurryrigging stuff into it!