Lock & Load: CTS-V to go hunting in Europe after all

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by jasaero

That is partially because they price it as a competitor to the 5 and such over there.

Which just means that CTS needs to be able to compete with the 5 in all facets, not just some. That's where CTS falls flat on its face.

[Fastvet78]

grreaat news

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by zete

He and the rest of the Top Gear team loved the Sixteen. Let's hope the Sixteen queues go over well. The Top Gear team was quite excited about the Sixteen, too bad it's not available.

I predict that in the very near future it won't be punishing ride dynamics that win the day but comfort and if Cadillac can deliver the ULS so as to meet the need of those wanting power and comfort they'll do well to again reach for Standard of the World.

I also figure we'll know Top Gear's general slant towards the CTS once they've reviewed the regular CTS. (I haven't seen a review, yet). However, this recent post at least shows an interest in comparing the V to its proper competitors. At least they know what the CTS competes against in Europe, if our "media' here can't figure it out.

Number 1, our media sucks,

Number 2, I also noticed that the trench on your upper lip below your nose (avatar refers) is unusually deap.. is that a genetic trait or an edited picture?

[jasaero]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Which just means that CTS needs to be able to compete with the 5 in all facets, not just some. That's where CTS falls flat on its face.

It compete fine outside of not offering all the same content levels. But even content seems to match up better on the export CTS's as there are some features that make export models we never see here. Really they just aren't competing at every price point with the 5 series more than anything. They are competing with 90% of the 5 series sold I am sure though.

[eaton53]

I watched the Top Gear episode the other day where they compared the M3 with similar MB and Audi products.

They were fawning over the MB's engine and rear seat leg room and how "more horsepower and torque is good".

Well, those cars are weak stuff compared to the V. I'd be curious to see how important they think horsepower and torque are when the motherlode is in a Cadillac.

[eaton53]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Which just means that CTS needs to be able to compete with the 5 in all facets, not just some. That's where CTS falls flat on its face.

Well, the V kicks the M5's ass in looks, power, price and accessible technology. Thank god Cadillac saw fit to stay away from idiotic German interfaces.

My money's on the V's excellent Magnetic Ride Control as well. Ferrari uses it, 'nuff said.

[PocoToro]

Originally Posted by Slideways

It's not GM's fault some people drive on the wrong side of the road. Why would they condone such behavior?

After all there is a reason we call it "the right side" of the road

tong firmly in cheek

[Gm786]

This is great news! I'm glad GM cleared things up. I can't wait for Jeremy Clarkson to test the new Cadillac CTS-V in a comparison to either the BMW M5 or the M3 or an Audi RS R. I can't wait for Jeremy Clarkson to see how much more rubber the CTS-V burns off of an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. The new CTS-V RULES!!

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by jasaero

It compete fine outside of not offering all the same content levels. But even content seems to match up better on the export CTS's as there are some features that make export models we never see here. Really they just aren't competing at every price point with the 5 series more than anything. They are competing with 90% of the 5 series sold I am sure though.

Really? The CTS has 20-way power seats?



CTS slots well on most things. But it still doesn't quite match up to the 5-series -- especially on the higher end.
And we're still waiting for push button start, for crying out loud! There's no fathomable reason why we had to wait an extra 2 years for the damn thing, especially when it already is part of the Cadillac parts bin.

You have to understand, Cadillac is trying to establish/re-establish its name in Europe -- a marketplace that is fiercely nationalistic. In order for Cadillac to make a real impact, it not only has to be comparable to the Europeans, it's got to offer something the Europeans don't. Cadillac as a whole, just isn't there yet.

GM doesn't understand this market. They don't understand why Cadillac isn't doing well in Europe. But the answer is right in front of their face. Cadillac hasn't proven itself a competent vehicle. Nor does it offer the levels of attention to detail Europeans are accustomed to. Nor does it offer the technology, amenities, and luxury the Europeans are accustomed to. And Cadillac doesn't offer a true entry level... or a diesel... Or a competent, luxurious, standout dealership and service network. Cadillac's got problems.

BUT... the best way for Cadillac to make a solid impact in Europe... is the V-series. Power... performance... style... an a unique experience unlike anything European. Cadillac needs to play off its American-ness... but in doing so, prove that just because it's American, it isn't a hokey piece of ****.

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by RCDonner

As a next step they would need some more dealers in Europe so that you dont have to travel 200km to see a Cadillac in a showroom and the same distance to bring it to service...

Maybe GM could offer incentives to US Pontiac, Buick, and GMC dealers to move to Europe?!?

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

That's where CTS falls flat on its face.

Falls flat on its face? A LITTLE exaggerated perhaps?

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Really? The CTS has 20-way power seats?



CTS slots well on most things. But it still doesn't quite match up to the 5-series -- especially on the higher end.
And we're still waiting for push button start, for crying out loud! There's no fathomable reason why we had to wait an extra 2 years for the damn thing, especially when it already is part of the Cadillac parts bin.

You have to understand, Cadillac is trying to establish/re-establish its name in Europe -- a marketplace that is fiercely nationalistic. In order for Cadillac to make a real impact, it not only has to be comparable to the Europeans, it's got to offer something the Europeans don't. Cadillac as a whole, just isn't there yet.

GM doesn't understand this market. They don't understand why Cadillac isn't doing well in Europe. But the answer is right in front of their face. Cadillac hasn't proven itself a competent vehicle. Nor does it offer the levels of attention to detail Europeans are accustomed to. Nor does it offer the technology, amenities, and luxury the Europeans are accustomed to. And Cadillac doesn't offer a true entry level... or a diesel... Or a competent, luxurious, standout dealership and service network. Cadillac's got problems.

BUT... the best way for Cadillac to make a solid impact in Europe... is the V-series. Power... performance... style... an a unique experience unlike anything European. Cadillac needs to play off its American-ness... but in doing so, prove that just because it's American, it isn't a hokey piece of ****.

Those seats MGe look old school
Then again, why is Lexus not doing well in Europe or Jaguar? Perhaps it is becouse you cannot get $20,000.00 Jaguars, Lexus or Cadillac, but can get Mercedes and BMW and Audi competing with the likes of Opel, and high end Chevy's?

[Xenon]

Originally Posted by ATPeele

I'm dying to hear what Clarkson has to say about the new and improved CTS.

He gave the old one a positive review, which was pretty surprising because every auto mag seemed to bitch about the ridiculous amount of wheel hop the car got.

[eaton53]

CTS slots well on most things. But it still doesn't quite match up to the 5-series -- especially on the higher end.

Dude, that interior looks like shyte. Score another win for the CTS.

[jasaero]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Really? The CTS has 20-way power seats?



CTS slots well on most things. But it still doesn't quite match up to the 5-series -- especially on the higher end.
And we're still waiting for push button start, for crying out loud! There's no fathomable reason why we had to wait an extra 2 years for the damn thing, especially when it already is part of the Cadillac parts bin.

You have to understand, Cadillac is trying to establish/re-establish its name in Europe -- a marketplace that is fiercely nationalistic. In order for Cadillac to make a real impact, it not only has to be comparable to the Europeans, it's got to offer something the Europeans don't. Cadillac as a whole, just isn't there yet.

GM doesn't understand this market. They don't understand why Cadillac isn't doing well in Europe. But the answer is right in front of their face. Cadillac hasn't proven itself a competent vehicle. Nor does it offer the levels of attention to detail Europeans are accustomed to. Nor does it offer the technology, amenities, and luxury the Europeans are accustomed to. And Cadillac doesn't offer a true entry level... or a diesel... Or a competent, luxurious, standout dealership and service network. Cadillac's got problems.

BUT... the best way for Cadillac to make a solid impact in Europe... is the V-series. Power... performance... style... an a unique experience unlike anything European. Cadillac needs to play off its American-ness... but in doing so, prove that just because it's American, it isn't a hokey piece of ****.

On the seats, I find the new CTS seats more comfortable than a 7 series or 5 series. May not have 20 way adjustment, but I have riden shot gun for well over 500 miles in my uncles 7 series and still haven't found a comfortable setting on those for myself and I tweak them the whole ride everytime I visit him and ride around in that car. With little to no adjustment in the new CTS I am plenty comfortable. 20 way adjustable seats just add uneeded weight. What high end sofas or reclining chairs bother with multi adjustment and sell anywhere near the quantity of simple sofas and reclining chairs that just offer high grade foams and structures to support them rather than multi adjustment?? Cadillac is just taking a different approach on the seats and are probably saving weight in doing so. Not a huge fan of the thin back design of the new car, but they ended up comfortable for me anyhow.

On the push button start. That is PURELY a gimmick and doesn't sell more than a handful of cars. Anyone that knows the REAL advantage of keyless go will be 100% satisfied with the new CTS approach. Only SciFi fanatic mindset sorts are going to get anything extra out of a button.

The only reasonable point you made talking about Cadillac in europe was the point about the dealership network and that isn't something you can grow overnight when you start from near nothing. Unless you are OK with them being sold along side Opels. And on the true entry level points, they only offer somewhat higher price points with Caddy because they HAVE OPEL to deal with entry level non-leather 4 German cars and such. You of all people should understand there is something to be said of not offering the lowest price points when striving to be a high end brand. In my opinion they shouldn't have even bothered with the BLS until they could offer a more competitive product.

Cadillac has it's work cut out for it, but your assessment of their faults comparing the new CTS to the 5 series are very opinionated and not what I would expect the average cross shopper to conclude. Just because you are a picky buyer that likes all the most expensive and gizmoed out way of designing a car doesn't mean some people aren't more interested in a more streamlined and simple yet effective approach to solving the same issues. Comfortable seats don't need ANY adjustments if proper foams and structrure are used and keyless go does not need a button to be a natural way to get rid of the hassle of fumbling around with keys. I actually hope Cadillic sticks with the keyless column dial all the way up the line and make it a trademark of the Cadillac way of going keyless just if for no reason other than being unique and annoying people like you that want love Cadillacs but can't get past such pointless differences in approach to solving a problem.