Edmunds: GM Has "Done Away" With Plans To Build A Cadillac CTS Convertible

[Perian]

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*

DETROIT — Don't look for the Cadillac CTS coupe convertible to hit showrooms any time soon. Despite the fact that the CTS Coupe Concept was a runaway hit at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, our sources say GM has already done away with plans to produce the sexy new coupe in convertible form.

If Cadillac is serious about the CTS coupe competing with the popular European and Japanese coupes, a drop-top Caddy seems to be a no-brainer. The BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 already offer convertibles, the Lexus IS has a convertible in the works, and top Nissan exec Carlos Ghosn confirmed this week that the G37 convertible is headed for production as well. While the CTS coupe's overall success isn't dependent on the availability of a convertible model, BMW enjoys a 10 percent boost from its 3 Series coupe convertible, and the A4 cabrio accounts for nearly 20 percent of the A4 mix.

The CTS coupe was rumored to be getting a retractable hardtop, an engineering accomplishment already offered on the 3 Series and Volvo C70, and Infiniti and Lexus have already settled on retractable hardtops for the G37 and IS as well.

Article continues at link.

[Perian]

The potential retail based combination of Saab/Cadillac and Hummer brands may have had something to do with this.

Would the Saab 9-3 and CTS convertible have both been successful when sold along side each other?

[CobaltSScrazy]

this must be false, why WASTE an opportunity like this. Additionally, didn't we already hear confirmation of the coupe and its production being all but greenlighted?

If true, this is another horrible wasted opportunity for Cadillac to reach out to younger buyers, especially on the coasts and south which have better weather than the heartland.

JMO

CobaltSS

[CamaroCrazy]

Originally Posted by Perian

The potential combination of Saab/Cadillac and Hummer brands may have had something to do with this.

Would the Saab 9-3 and CTS convertible have both been successful when sold along side each other?

Good point. Although after driving past my local Caddy dealership last night, I hope their decision has something to do with investing development dollars in something other than the CTS. If the STS/DTS replacement is as good as the CTS is, Cadillac will be in great shape in the future. Right now, I can't put the STS/DTS on the same level as a 5 series, A6, or an E-class. GM really needs to make a killer car with the next large Caddy. Spend money on that instead.

[member12]

Cadillac is to serious for an affordable convertible anyways.

I like Cadillac being the Darth Vader of cars. It goes with my vision for America really well.

[DarkKnight67]

DUMB! DUMB! DUMB! I hope this is not correct as there is so much more potential from a CTS convertible than an XLR - no offense, but most people don't associate Cadillac with $80k cars.

[b4z]

I don't get GM.

MB, BMW and Audi are able to do a million iterations of each series, but a company as large as GM can't?
GM would rather have a million divisions.

I feel GM is thinking, "we are going to sell X amount of CTSs each year, so why should we spend money on developing a drop top?"

I still think there should be a new SRX.

[ksr]

I agree that there should be a new SRX. The original was too good to let it die. Sales were always disappointing, but I don't think they should give up on it.

The convertible news - if true - is very disappointing.

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by DarkKnight67

DUMB! DUMB! DUMB! I hope this is not correct as there is so much more potential from a CTS convertible than an XLR - no offense, but most people don't associate Cadillac with $80k cars.

Not quite.....

I'm looking at it this way.....spending more and more money on CTS derivatives, Cadillac would be putting all their eggs in one basket. That car is good, damn good.....but it ain't an automotive godsend.

Maybe if Cadillac actually spent some time and money on the DTZ (DTS/STS replacement).....then people might begin to associate Cadillac with $80K cars. They sure as hell won't if the execs continue to cream over the CTS and build every variation under the sun......

[ksr]

Originally Posted by Perian

The potential retail based combination of Saab/Cadillac and Hummer brands may have had something to do with this.

Would the Saab 9-3 and CTS convertible have both been successful when sold along side each other?

I think you may have nailed the reason for this.

[sigma]

The convertible CTS has been languishing in limbo for a while now. This isn't really all that surprising especially since there isn't a 5 series or E-Klasse equivalent to compete against. Remember the CTS is significantly larger than the C-Klasse and 3-Series competition. Furthermore, it probably would have required significant re-engineering of the Simga II platform to provide the structural rigidity required for a convertible, much less a Cadillac convertible.

[Docray1]

Edmund's is reporting what we on this forum have known for over a year now. . . The CTS convertible is dead, but coupe and wagon versions are on the way. Look for a small Cadillac convertible based on the upcoming "alpha" platform. The sedan version is due in summer 2011, with coupe,wagon AND convertible versions to follow.

[SAngelo]

That is dumb, there should be a convertible CTS. They should also give the STS the SLS interior from China or better yet bring the SLS here and sell it alongside the STS. They should also give us the Provoq SUV and call that the new SRX. Then in 2010 give us the long awaited flagship, come on GM !!!!!

[FierySolstice]

I really don't think the CTS should have a convertible. Why does everyone keep comparing the CTS to the 3, A4, and IS???? It is to be compared with the 5, A6, amd ES! Those do not have convertibles. The new smaller Caddy should come in sedan/coupe/convertible form, not the CTS.

[SUPERBADD75]

Originally Posted by EldoFan

Not quite.....

I'm looking at it this way.....spending more and more money on CTS derivatives, Cadillac would be putting all their eggs in one basket. That car is good, damn good.....but it ain't an automotive godsend.

Maybe if Cadillac actually spent some time and money on the DTZ (DTS/STS replacement).....then people might begin to associate Cadillac with $80K cars. They sure as hell won't if the execs continue to cream over the CTS and build every variation under the sun......

i agree with this to a point, but the major development of the CTS has already been done and is on the road. they'd have to design the retractable roof and build the structure up to support the roof chop. they can still develop other things along with the CTS, but to compete with the other full range models from the Euros (and soon to be Japanese as well) they must make a convertible. 3 series offers wagon/sedan/coupe/convertible, and so does A4. CTS needs the same options IMO. Cadillac needs to be on the fast track, and the CTS is volume. the others are not.

on another note, the 9-3 and CTS convertibles are different types of cars to appeal to different people. they may cannibalize each other a little if sold on the same lots, but not necessarily. for one thing, the CTS would be in a higher price bracket. not to mention FWD vs. RWD, Euro vs. American design, and so on. i think they appeal to different drivers.