Cadillac plans a compact sport sedan to debut in '11

[davidlane]

Cadillac will introduce a compact rear-wheel drive sport sedan in 2011 to compete with the size and performance of cars like the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-class.

The car may offer a high-powered four-cylinder engine. However, it's been engineered to match the top sports sedans' performance, unlike the regrettable Cadillac Cimarron, the last four-cylinder model car the brand sold in the United States. The front-wheel drive Cimarron debuted in 1981 to give Cadillac a fuel-efficient small car. Its performance and quality never came close to Cadillac standards and the brand's prestige suffered.

"There are mistakes we've made twice, but that won't be one of them," Cadillac spokesman Kevin Smith said.

GM is still debating whether to offer the car with both V6 and high-output four-cylinder engines. No production site has been announced, but North American assembly is likely.

If a four-cylinder model gets the green light, look for the engine to produce more power than the 260-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder GM now uses in cars like the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Chevrolet HHR SS.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...014/BUSINESS01

[newdude]

Cadillac confirms RWD four-cylinder compact sedan

[fp115]

Originally Posted by newdude

Cadillac confirms RWD four-cylinder compact sedan

Not at all, this is a totally new article.

[jkennedy293]

If GM can sell it in the mid-$20's or low-$30's, I would definitely get one.

[newdude]

Originally Posted by fp115

Not at all, this is a totally new article.

I do realize that but it still has been talked about before.

[Hitman1970]

Originally Posted by jkennedy293

If GM can sell it in the mid-$20's or low-$30's, I would definitely get one.

I think they will be shooting for Acura TSX price range. Upper $28K may be as low as it gets.

[JVal14]

This is the Alpha right? I don't see how they could not offer a turbo four, considering the hubub of gas prices and the fact that they already have an outstanding one to build from. I would love to get a small affordable Cadillac with 4-banger mileage.

[1931Chevy]

the Cimarron , the Cimarron wheres my Cimarron

[johnstarnes]

I think a low 20's Cadillac would hurt the brand....this is supposedly GM's LUXURY division.

[jkr2106]

Originally Posted by johnstarnes

I think a low 20's Cadillac would hurt the brand....this is supposedly GM's LUXURY division.

(Let me preface my response by saying that I am clearly in denial about the future of Pontiac and refuse to believe that GM won't replace the G6 on alpha.)

BTS should start at $39K. $39K is where the 335i starts and there needs to be room for the an alpha pontiac in the low 30s as a bargin BMW--one without the luxury but all the performance.

I also say it should start so high because Cadillac should be more exclusive than BMW/Mercedes considering GM has more than one brand able to take this RWD performance market.

[Slideways]

How is it relevant to bring up the Cimarron? It was 20 years ago!

[johnstarnes]

Originally Posted by Slideways

How is it relevant to bring up the Cimarron? It was 20 years ago!

I think it is relevant because the Cimarron's successor, the Catera, was the immediate predecessor to the CTS.....it even provided the name and the basis for the new lame naming system......Catera Touring Sedan. The G3 and G5 are potent reminders that GM will even today fall back on cheesy rebadging instead of being dedicated to creating and sustaining a progressive, leading edge portfolio of truly desirable cars.

[mgescuro]

WHy do I get the feeling that Cadillac will be targetting the Acura TSX as a competitor instead of the 335i??

[fp115]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

WHy do I get the feeling that Cadillac will be targetting the Acura TSX as a competitor instead of the 335i??

Because coming up with anything positive to say about GM or Cadillac is impossible.

[davidlane]

Originally Posted by fp115

Because coming up with anything positive to say about GM or Cadillac is impossible.

Only for those who perpetually:

1. see the glass as half, or less, full

2. will only be satisfied (?) when Cadillac builds cars as unattractive as BMW and reduces their quality to match BMW's in the most recent J.D. Powers IQS.

3. consider most products and services produced in the US to be inferior to foreign (particularly German) products. Just my opinion from here in flyover country.