Got to the discussion late and didn't have a chance to read many posts - but I take this idea isn't too popular thus far on GMI?!?
I can see only two reasons GM would do this - CAFE and/or cost.
If it's CAFE, there is no reason to believe that GM couldn't make up for the CAFE loss it would experience on the DTS's replacement on other, more fuel efficient products. Chances are that they would sell only 30,000 to 40,000 flagship units per year - so why couldn't selling a few more Cruzes, Aveos, or Astras per year to make up for it?
If it is a matter of cost in light of model reshuffling, then there is no reason to think that GM couldn't postpone the program for a year or so.
Failing that, then why not reuse what GM already has available for the basis of the DTS/STS replacement? We know from the Chinese market SLS that the Sigma platform can be stretched and widened to accomodate a larger product than the US market STS. Why not take that basic platform and create a DTS/STS replacement based on it? Any mechanical updates can be taken from the new CTS and GM's design studio could do a complete redo inside and out to make it appear like an all new product --- just as the CTS has been redone.
Assuming GM may be halting a Caddy Zeta car due to cost, then reusing the Sigma platform may be the best solution. Since the Sigma platform is already up and running, it wouldn't cost GM anything extra to produce it in Michigan alongside the CTS (and the SRX for a bit longer). Afterall, it isn't as if the Sigma platform is an outdated architecture; just a bit pricey to produce.
Chinese market Cadillac SLS
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ultra Magnus
If this is in fact true and Cadillac has no world class flagship, Cadillac has proven that the CTS was a one hit wonder.
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Quite true - what is BMW without the 7-Series or Benz without the S-Class to showcase their technology?