A Proper Comparo: Cadillac CTS vs Jaguar XF

[jasaero]

Winding Road with a proper comparo! It's a good read also. Pretty fair write up between the two. They couldn't even pick one over the other. There are also some nice pictures of two very beautiful cars.

[mgescuro]

Thank goodness!! They even said it in the article that the 335i comparisons are incorrect.
But they also said that "Americans" (media and consumers, I'm assuming), should "situate Cadillac in its rightful premium spot on the snob podium." And that is correct. Also, it is something Cadillac needs to take note of, as they still haven't gotten it through their thick, stubborn skulls yet.

Funny that they too mention the lack of push button start.
They also mention the lack of refinement from the engine.

Overall, it's very fair, I thoguht.

[goblue]

I agree, its a fair review, but with all these comparisons Cadillac's lack of a true midlevel engine becomes apparent. The DI engine ought to be standard - and I want to see a 375hp engine from Caddy right quick, don't really care how they make the 375 - but in contrast to others, I'd prefer the fuel efficiency of a DI turbo. I also hope to see an Aero X style AWD system soon hooked to that 375hp engine.

Overall, if Cadillac can model all of its products in the theme of the CTS - Caddy is back - but not until. And so far, CTS is the only one.

[Sinner]

Originally Posted by goblue

I agree, its a fair review, but with all these comparisons Cadillac's lack of a true midlevel engine becomes apparent. The DI engine ought to be standard - and I want to see a 375hp engine from Caddy right quick, don't really care how they make the 375 - but in contrast to others, I'd prefer the fuel efficiency of a DI turbo. I also hope to see an Aero X style AWD system soon hooked to that 375hp engine.

Overall, if Cadillac can model all of its products in the theme of the CTS - Caddy is back - but not until. And so far, CTS is the only one.

Boggles my mind why they don't offer a 85 octane DI3.6 and a 91 octane DI3.6. Pretty cheap power bump and I'm the engine would take to the increased octane like a fish to water.

[goblue]

Originally Posted by Sinner

Boggles my mind why they don't offer a 85 octane DI3.6 and a 91 octane DI3.6. Pretty cheap power bump and I'm the engine would take to the increased octane like a fish to water.

Why not just have the same engine take both with respective power?

[dav305z]

Yes, they do need a more powerful midlevel. That would be easily resolved if GM could use one one of the excellent small blocks in its repertoire. What if they stuck the LS3 at 430 horsepower in there? Would it get slammed as being unsophisticated? I've never really seen reviewers take points away from the CTS-V for its use of the Corvette engine, but it might hurt in foreign markets.

[atomicshark]

This comparo is a breath of fresh air. It goes to show that some auto journalists do understand where the CTS is positioned in market and what its competitors are.

I enjoyed the article and the little video they put together.

I always look forward to digital issues of Winding Road.

[Olds88]

Originally Posted by dav305z

Yes, they do need a more powerful midlevel. That would be easily resolved if GM could use one one of the excellent small blocks in its repertoire. What if they stuck the LS3 at 430 horsepower in there? Would it get slammed as being unsophisticated? I've never really seen reviewers take points away from the CTS-V for its use of the Corvette engine, but it might hurt in foreign markets.

I don't think it would. Even Jeremy Clarkson loves the Vauxhaul VXR (G8 GT w/LS2). That and what praytell is unsophisticated about the LS3? If you take a look at history overhead valve design is newer than overhead camshaft.

[mgescuro]

The 3.6L DI is really a "midlevel" engine parading around as a top end engine.
In fact, isn't the 2.8L still standard for markets outside the US?

THe problem is that the CTS tops out where the midlevel begins on every single one of its competitors begins. Then there's this huge gap from top end CTS to performance.

[DuSpinnst]

The MCE will have some sort of engine upgrade. Probably an LS3 or 4.0L V6 or Turbo 3.6L.

With the death of Ultra I can see them using the LS3.

[mrbig]

I hope that GM never puts a push button start in anything with four doors. It just looks dumb. Now, I would like to see that knob gear selector though, that's hot.

[mgescuro]

RUmors are the top-end CTS engine will be a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 @ 420HP.
Sounds pretty interesting, but it's no V8.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by mrbig

I hope that GM never puts a push button start in anything with four doors. It just looks dumb. Now, I would like to see that knob gear selector though, that's hot.

STS already has Push Button.

Chrysler is making a big push on it to starting in 2009.

Hell GM is looking into it for all cars by 2012 in some form (can't say how I know this....)

[Hoosier Red]

I still can't get over how striking that CTS is. It's so distinct and beautiful that I love looking at it. The Jaguar honestly is hard to identify as such. They spoke to it some in the article. I glance at the front end and almost see Subaru styling themes. Yikes......not what I want in my Jag.

[dav305z]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

RUmors are the top-end CTS engine will be a 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 @ 420HP.
Sounds pretty interesting, but it's no V8.

You always strike me as someone very particular as to what goes into a luxury car. So my question for you is, would you prefer a smallblock V8 to a twin turbo V6? I know I would, and I bet it's a much cheaper option to boot. But I honestly don't know how it would be perceived.