The big question is whether GM is going too far with "platform sharing" and badge-engineering. Currently we have the "Saab-aru" 9-2X, the "Saab-lazer" 9-7X, the "Chevre-woo" Aveo and a whole slate of Korean-built "Suzuki-woos." Even Cadillac has sinned by offering reworked Chevy's like the "Escal-ahoe", the "Escala-burban ESV" and the "Escal-anche EXT." Did I leave out the "Caddi-vette XLR?"

Still, the Cadillac BLS is a particularly depressing sign of things-to-come for three reasons:

1. The appearance of the Epsilon-based BLS is pretty much an admission that the Cadillac CTS isn't a viable 3-series competitor. The CTS too big for Europe and it's too expensive compared to 3-series challengers like the Infiniti G35. It's now apparent that the upcoming second generation CTS will become larger and even closer to the STS in size and price.

2. The BLS is also a break with Zarella's largely successful turn-around plan for Cadillac. The concept of a Sigma-exclusive line of Cadillac sedans and crossover SUVs is dead.

3. Instead of getting a badge with a T in the middle - which stands for "Touring" in the Cadillac lexicon, the littlest Caddy gets an L for "luxury." The Cadillac BLS looks like a repeat of the formula that made Jaguar's X-type a flop. A mass market FWD-platform is the starting point for a successful BMW 3-series competitor. Perhaps a company like Peugeot can pull it off, but not GM or Ford. You would have thought that all of those Opel-based Saabs would have proven that to GM's upper-level management?

In any case, let's avoid comparisons between the 1982 Cadillac Cimmaron and the 2006 Cadillac BLS.

 

You forgot to put an actual poll in your "Poll:" thread.

 

Nah, I typed in the poll but it didn't post.

 

I vote for the option that says:
"Anything that redzed posts is total garbage"

 

I fail to see the problem here. Some people see the CTS as bigger and want something smaller. As the CTS increases in size, getting something smaller is a bad idea why?

Again, why? The average consumer has no clue what a chassis is, and more then that hearing "f-car" "sigma" "zeta" or anything else means nothing. If the sigma chassis is used widespread and no longer exclusive, that might be a good thing. It could allow the cadillacs to reduce costs and improve quality in the issues they have, as well as increasing quality across the entire Sigma chassis line. There is nothing wrong with that... You of all people have no knowledge of what's going on, so stop acting like you do.

Where in gods name do you come up with this? The 3 series is a VERY potent car, and there is NOTHING that any FWD car can do that will compare. Espicially when you hit the M series. The 3 series heritage back to the "Batmobile" and beyond is something you cannot face unless you fight hardcore fire with fire. Going head to head with a direct 3 series match will be a long and hard uphill battle. Again, you have no idea what you're talking about.

What else is new?

EDIT:

Oh, and Redzed - do us all a favor before you post your un-verified and poorly backed rants about whatever you think you know and dont - read the forums. Cause you will see there is a post already on the BLS in the forums. Looks like this is a repost too...

 

Ya, it was obviously a software failure, and not a user failure....

There's nothing even in your post that relates to anything to have a poll about... you are just GM bashing as usual.

 

Not only that but all the stuff you he mentioned is rampant among all domestic and many foreign auto makers and has been for quite some time. This is nothing new, and a poll, or "non-poll" on it is useless because GM and everyone else is giong to keep doing what they do.

 

1) platform sharing and badge-engineering are NOT the same thing.

2) platform sharing only really matters on paper if done right (exp. SSR/TrailBlazer, VWbug/Golf/TT, H2/Silverado) lack of platform sharing is what killed the Camaro.

3) next CTS will be a little smaller

4) Cars like the Pontiac G8 and possible Kappa Sedan will compete in the under $30K RWD sedan niche. Real lux cars don't cost under $30K

5) BMW 3 series is an 800lbs. Gorilla, I don't see it being knock off its thrown in Europe by a non-german car or FWD

 

You talk about the reskinned Escalade, then complain about reskins, then praise Zarella's successful Cadillac turn-around, which was fueled by the reskinned Escalade.

*edit - all that said, I agree with (what I believe to be) the premise of your Cadillac argument. I would love to see a rwd car which looks like that on a kappa/beta platform.

 

So is an Escalade a "badge-engineered" Cadillac or an example of "platform sharing.?" It's all in the eye of the beholder - and GM be holdin' some big per unit profits.


The SSR is heavy and expensive, the H2 is heavy and expensive....

Actually, the next CTS will be a bit bigger and will be pitched directly against the BMW 5-series. Expect yet another price increase.

a) I'm really wondering about the future of the so-called Kappa sedan (AKA: Beta). The appearance of the Epsilon-based BLS indicates that it's either been cancelled or won't appear for a very, very long time.

b) I don't think that the status of "real lux cars" have anything to do with a specific pricepoint. You're talking like a guy that drives a $80K Mercedes S-class.

Actually, the upcoming Lexus IS350 might just take a swing.

 

The problem is that Epsilon-based BLS is going to be Caddy's direct competitor for the 3-series (the same role the CTS had when it premiered) while the CTS will shift towards the 5-series. The theory is called "Less Car for the Money."




Actually, plans to make the Sigma "more widespread" foundered on issues of excessive cost and inflexibility. The whole point of this post is that the same platform the underpins the Malibu and G6 is getting "promoted" upmarket - not that Sigma is getting "demoted."




1. I think I said that no GM or Ford FWD platform can take on a 3-series. However, there are Peugeots.....

2. I also think it's more useful to look at the Cadillac BLS in the context of badge-engineering than as an individual product. That's why I started this thread.

 

Should I have typed:

...Or maybe?

All I know is that Ford doesn't have the audacity to attempt to sell the Mazda 6-based Lincoln Zephyr in Europe.

 

Actually 1) whoo really cares . This is a car that will not be sold in the US .

aaaaand , number 2

Let us not forget , to add to your GM list , a more idustry wide sampling of platform sharing aaand badge engineering....mmmmmmmk

lincord Expinator
lexyota pathfindtheRX430
lexyota ESamry300
chyseep Grand Chrerango
Hondcura Accortsx
Hondcura RSivic
lincord marquienentalowncar

The only reason GM gets the brunt is they simply have more high volume divisions than Ford , Toyota , Honda ect. ect. ect.

 

 

I'd say that one is right on the edge, it has enough of it's own content to not be a badge jobbed Tahoe


They are both niche trucks aimed at a those with money. what does that have to do with badge-engineered or platform sharing?

Every thing I have read said the CTS was going a little smaller, if that changed where did you get your info from? can anyone else back this up? Bigger/smaller/same?


The Kappa plant has the capacity for 200,000+ but is only going to be making 50K-60K cars. Sounds like something is planned, hopfully more clues will be avalible by Solstice release.

US Gov't defines a lux car as one that cost over $40K. To me a luxury car is one that isn't mainstream cost more than the avg sedan, and offers features not found on everyday $20K-$30K sedans. How is a TSX better than a loaded Accord???? A FWD $28K-35K car is near-lux


Everyone is going to be taking swings at the 3 series, but its a moving target with the all new 2006 out soon.