Only@GMI: Cadillac Zeta Car Rumored Dead

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by Zr1_Boi

Since when?

Ask Docray. :p

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by BORG

GM could use a single large FWD/AWD car platform to underpin the DTS, Impala, and Buick sedans. Hopefully they are looking at platform consolidation while they reconsider their product portfolio.

GM was working on the "Chi" platform awhile ago that was supposed to have served this purpose. Essentially it was supposed to have been a toned down version of the Lambda platform from which large/FWD products could be built, but since Zeta was supposed to have filled this role, it was assumed to have been killed off.

I agree that platforms must be consolidated, but dont believe they should all be boiled down to a FWD/AWD platform to suit all these products. The next generation Impala will be FWD - we already know this - but would a FWD/AWD offering truly suit the needs of Buick and Caddy as they move more upscale? I think that it may be a mistake to go this route.

Originally Posted by BORG

Ford has D3 which underpins Taurus, Taurux X, Sable, Flex, MKS, and the next Explorer. That is a lot of bang for Ford's buck. Ideally, GM will be able to do the same.

Very true, FoMoCo is getting a lot of bang for it's buck out of the D3 platform. But recall that Ford is doing this out of necessity - it simply did not have the money to develop these bespoke platforms in such a short amount of time.

However, also remember that Ford has nearly stated that the D3 platform would not be used for some of these products moving forward. True, the next generation Taurus, Flex and possibly the Explorer will use D3, but the rest will either die (Taurus X, Sable) or migrate to a new platform (MKS). Right now the rumor is that the Global-RWD platform Ford is working on will eventually replace the MKS - and possibly the Taurus - in the next 5-6 years.

The MKS is a solid product, but Lincoln wants to move back to it's RWD roots. First up is the eventual replacement for the MKZ which may switch to RWD by 2012/2013, followed by MKS a few years after.

So as you can see your point - and agree - but going to one platform to serve both premium and everyday products may not be the right move. Buick and Caddy areguably will serve a different clientele than Chevy will with the Impala.

Just my two cents...

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by tomcat_cool17

Just an FYI & to be more precise: I work for a major supplier for GM and we are working on the Caddy/Buick Zeta program. We received a memo from GM that the program is on hold for 3 months and any development is our own cost. Not dead, but on hold for 3 months for now...

Excellent news if GM is truly going this route. Better to delay the product than cancel it indefinitely...

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by Olds88

Use the LS3, 430hp. Top it off with the 630hp LS9. Problem solved.

I would be all for that - except that the press would give GM headaches about that. With the exception of the CTS-V, the press has generally assulted GM for using it's traditional OHV small-block on luxury products like Cadillac sedans. They say they are too coarse at higher revs, noisey, and not smooth enough for such an application.

But, I guess you never know. Bentley gets away with still offering a 6.75L V8 on their "traditional" products.

[asrapid]

Originally Posted by Docray1

Aside from the CTS-V, Camaro, Corvette and G8 (for now), there are NO PRESENT PLANS for a V8 in any new GM passenger vehicles.

What about MCE of new CTS now? Will cts get more upscale features and more powerful engines or will gap between cts-v and 300 HP V6 stay. Will there in future be any V version of alpha cadillac or CTC-V (if cadillac survive)?

[CadiEldo67]

Originally Posted by jgill16

Hey Mgescuro, if Cadillac was to built a true S-class what do you think of the name Cadillac FLX. Does it sound like catchy name or does it sound ***.LOL

It sounds good, but reminds me a bit too much of a Ford Flex, you know, the FLeX part of it. Besides, in keeping with Cadillacs name structure, it would have to be the FTS.

[Chaz_23]

Are there any plans for any new GM passenger vehicles? (aside from the moronically-named Cruze, the virtual Volt, CTC, LaCrosse, and one of the triplets)

Originally Posted by Docray1

Aside from the CTS-V, Camaro, Corvette and G8 (for now), there are NO PRESENT PLANS for a V8 in any new GM passenger vehicles.

[FBODYRULES]

Originally Posted by mpsrent

To be fair to GM, they really do need to concentrate on product development that is sure to produce strong sales volume. While there is probably still a market for large cars, ...

if benz and bently and bmw etc can sell large cars then cadillac have to have one in the line up! a good one!

[Astra RL]

Hopefully the aura stays true to the insignia and there will be no more bad news about this project and maybe they can revive it.

[big swede]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

I've already made my comments....



I dunno whether to be mad... or sad... but somehow, deep down, I knew it was coming.
And it's the culmination of 3 years of my bitching and moaning about what's should have been going on at Cadillac but hasn't been.

I don't know how I missed it. I thought this thread was right up your alley. I think I started out more mad than anything because I'm not sure what it's going to take to get some capable leadership at GM. Right now though I think it's just sad how GM has so much wasted potential that never seams to be taken in the right direction.

[ejfx]

I wonder if car companies will ever again sell large cars...even when gas and emisions are not a factor, like hydrogen fuel cells...

Will the car ever be celebrated again...

Damn I miss the over indulgant days of the 60's and 70's...people loved cars back then

Cars used to mean something...Today, nobody gives a crap about being seen in a crappy cheap car.

People convince themselves that cars like the Civic are fun to drive...Are you kidding me...They seem to settle...its a reflection of a lazy society

[LE2_Citation]

Originally Posted by Sal Collaziano

Whoever this is (I'm getting tired of calling people by their screen names) makes a very good point..

MAYBE GM is feeling that it should pretty-much just let the large cars remain the way they are - and concentrate almost soley on small cars. If you can't build good small cars, than you certainly can't build good big cars. How is Cadillac supposed to compete with Mercedes when Chevy can't compete with Toyota (except for maybe the Malibu).

Maybe once they get the small cars right (competitive or better), than they'll move onto the mid-size cars, than large cars, and then premium luxury. Maybe Cadillac is just going to have to fail for awhile - in order to get the company in order from the bottom up...

Sounds a heck of alot like what Hyundai have been doing over the past couple of years, and they seem to be doing pretty good. Don't get me wrong I don't like Hyundai, I just think they are covering all they're bases pretty well and moving upscale with bigger better models now that they have a strong small car base.

[EllwynX]

Sorry if this has been covered, there are just too many pages to go through.

With all the talk of various Zeta cars being nixed, what was the point of spending all the money to retool the Oshawa plant? The Camaro can't be the only car built there.

[wescoent]

What the heck is going on over at Cadillac?

So, in the near future, we'll be seeing the CTS Range, the SRX, Escalade, and a V6 DTS as the only vehicles for sale?

Add the Alpha Cadillac to the mix, assuming it survives.

As a core product group, a BTS, CTS, and SRX would be a good mix of mainstream luxury products to sell. However, without true "prestige" products like a proper Escalade, XLR, or flagship sedan model, this is a brand going nowhere fast.

[haleykeek]

Hopefully Cadillac will build something special.I still have faith in them.