Consumer Report's Blog Entry On CTS

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by T-Type

And you're in Europe, the alleged hotbed of 'flashing to pass'.

Yeah, I mean I didn't know about it, but I assumed it was because I was a fat, stupid mid-westerner.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Translation:

Some people are snobs, they will never buy a Cadillac anyway, so don't bother catering to them.

It's not about snobbery.
It's about GM having pride in the Cadillac name -- the once leader and standard in luxury. Cadillacs used to have everything.

Now they're just barely keeping pace with the Germans and Japanese.

Which doesn't answer the question, "Why is GM seemingly holding back on Cadillac?" CTS is a damn fine car, but why is it lacking the fine details that should be expected in a car of this caliber??

[ronald mcretard]

Originally Posted by atomicshark

I agree, but it seems like GM has done this a few times. Look how the have omitted an Aux-in port on the new Astra. This is feature that is practically standard on most new GM cars today and a must for the young buyers GM is trying to attract to the Astra. Staying on that subject, I can't believe that GM could not give the G6 an updated stereo system by now, while the Aura, new Malibu and even the low end G5 have it.

I know that it was said the G6 is built on an older platform that is wired differently (like the last gen Malibu), but that is an excuse that a consumer does not need to or care to know.

I agree... The aux input on the Astra is a huge omission. The lack of "flash to pass" on the CTS is insignificant, at least in the U.S. where the bulk of its sales will be. I can't personally speak for Europeans, but I doubt it would be a dealbreaker.

BTW, is it possible the CTS DOES have flash to pass and this guy is just a dumbass and couldn't figure out how to use it?

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

It's not about snobbery.
It's about GM having pride in the Cadillac name -- the once leader and standard in luxury. Cadillacs used to have everything.

Now they're just barely keeping pace with the Germans and Japanese.

Which doesn't answer the question, "Why is GM seemingly holding back on Cadillac?" CTS is a damn fine car, but why is it lacking the fine details that should be expected in a car of this caliber??

Maybe I was a bit harsh, but the consensus here seems to be "I don't use this feature"

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by JBsZ06

I could have sworn I flashed the lights on my CTS the other day.

Maybe I just flashed the high beams? I don't know but I didn't have a problem with it.

CR of course is ridiculous but thanks for the heads up.

JB

From the description in the blog, it sounded like the headlights needed to be on in order for flash-to-pass to work.
Turn off your headlights... and then try to flash-to-pass... Do they work then?

[ANT]

Originally Posted by Ach

Frankly, I think the omission of a dipstick and a temp gauge on a 3-series is a much bigger deal than this.

OH SNAP... NO U DIDN'T!!!

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by T-Type

And you're in Europe, the alleged hotbed of 'flashing to pass'.

And I can honestly say I have (in two years here) NEVER seen anyone do this. Like never ever. Ever.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Maybe I was a bit harsh, but the consensus here seems to be "I don't use this feature"

Just because one doesn't use the feature, doesn't mean you omit it.
That's the problem with GM's corporate thinking. It doesn't work.

"The majority of the people prefer a key." So lets give them a key.... But the market is moving away from them to buttons.

"The majority of people don't use bluetooth." So lets not pre-wire our car for bluetooth.... yet every single phone out there is going bluetooth, and it's the fastest growing option.

"People don't need HID. Halogens are fine." But all the imports are adding them, making GM cars look dated.

GM is perpetuating this "inside the box thinking" that got them in trouble in the first place.

[ANT]

Originally Posted by paul8488

And I can honestly say I have (in two years here) NEVER seen anyone do this. Like never ever. Ever.

i cant believe that i really thought that was like THE THING in europe... wow, learn something new everyday

[ANT]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Just because one doesn't use the feature, doesn't mean you omit it.
That's the problem with GM's corporate thinking. It doesn't work.

"The majority of the people prefer a key." So lets give them a key.... But the market is moving away from them to buttons.

"The majority of people don't use bluetooth." So lets not pre-wire our car for bluetooth.... yet every single phone out there is going bluetooth, and it's the fastest growing option.

"People don't need HID. Halogens are fine." But all the imports are adding them, making GM cars look dated.

GM is perpetuating this "inside the box thinking" that got them in trouble in the first place.

IDK mgescuro, all those things you just listen yes ur right... but flash to pass,? the guys just being a douche and i doubt the cts doesnt have it but my mothers new tahoe does...

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Just because one doesn't use the feature, doesn't mean you omit it.
That's the problem with GM's corporate thinking. It doesn't work.

"The majority of the people prefer a key." So lets give them a key.... But the market is moving away from them to buttons.

"The majority of people don't use bluetooth." So lets not pre-wire our car for bluetooth.... yet every single phone out there is going bluetooth, and it's the fastest growing option.

"People don't need HID. Halogens are fine." But all the imports are adding them, making GM cars look dated.

GM is perpetuating this "inside the box thinking" that got them in trouble in the first place.

Look, I'm not saying GM should make lazy, half ass Cadillacs, because I agree with a lot of your gripes about the brand. But flash to pass doesn't compare to the things you mentioned. This was a cheap shot at an excellent car, the guy just had to find something to justify his unhealthy super-preference for BMWs.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by ANT

IDK mgescuro, all those things you just listen yes ur right... but flash to pass,? the guys just being a douche and i doubt the cts doesnt have it but my mothers new tahoe does...

Yes, I agree. It's very very very small. And very nitpicky -- even for me.
But the ability still needs to be there.
You know, if this was an Aveo, it wouldn't be a problem.
But this is a luxury sedan. It shouldn't be skimped on. Or details shouldn't be "forgotten" or "ignored."

It's not proper.

At this level, it's very inappropriate for a car to be missing small things like this. Makes me want to go test drive another CTS just to make sure.

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Look, I'm not saying GM should make lazy, half ass Cadillacs, because I agree with a lot of your gripes about the brand. But flash to pass doesn't compare to the things you mentioned. This was a cheap shot at an excellent car, the guy just had to find something to justify his unhealthy super-preference for BMWs.

Yes. It does seem like a cheap shot. But at this level of car, you should expect all the bells and whistles to be there. And you expect them to work.

It just seems inconceivable that GM would miss this on purpose.
And if they did... shame on them!!

[ANT]

Are we even deffinatley sure that it is not on the CTS? my moms tahoe has it and my gf cobalt too

[paul8488]

Actually, I think it's irresponsible of automakers to offer this. People don't know what it means... they aren't trained to use or understand 'flash-to-pass'... what if someone in their BMW pulls up behind you and flashes... you might assume they're saying "Hey, it's okay, you stay ahead of me" or "Excuse me, your gas filler door is open".

I think this flash to pass thing is actually going to cause more accidents than it will avoid... if I see soneone flash I assume it means they want me to go faster... I'll speed up just as they pull out to pass... and *CRASH* they get creamed by the semi coming in the other direction. All because they flashed to pass me. They should be concentrating on driving, as should I... not playing with silly morse-code flash signals that no one knows.

I was going to buy a 3 series, but not now! I might accidentally use flash to pass and cause or get into an accident. No thanks, I'll have to find a vehicle without this feature of death.

[zete]

I've always thought "flash to pass" was hitting your brights for a second. You do this by pulling back on the stalk and then letting go. My Enclave, with HIDs, has this as did my prior CTS, also with HIDs. This makes me wonder as Shenhar even states: "Subsequently, we discovered that our Buick Enclave lacks flash-to-pass as well." Uh. I have a fully loaded Enclave and it has flash to pass. I JUST checked.

I also wonder if it's something that works with the DRL (daytime running lights) on. I know they're mandatory here, so maybe it works with the DRLs but not when DRL is off. As it's settable folks with a CTS and HIDs should try and let us know.