[boblutzfan]

Alpha based Cadillac headed our way!!

If the reports are true then Cadillac may finally have a nice small entry level RWD sedan. I for one am in favor of both a turbo I4 and a DI V6 powertrain option. This would be a great entry level Cadillac and if the interior is done right - would not dilute the brand image. Now that gas mileage is so important I think a car like this would work.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/cadillac-confirms-rwd-four-cylinder-compact-sedan/

And for those that might even think of bringing up the Cimaron disaster...this is not it. This is entirely different than bringing out a Cadillac branded Cruze. If done right on a sophisticated compact RWD chasis - I could see this being one of Cadillac's big sellers. This could go up against the BMW 1 and 3 series.

 

[nadepalma]

Didn't see this anywhere - sorry if a repost...

SOURCE: Motor Authority

Cadillac confirms RWD four-cylinder compact sedan
Posted on Monday 25 August 2008

Cadillac will bow to public pressure for smaller and more fuel-efficient models by offering a four-cylinder compact sedan in the U.S., a prospect almost unthinkable just 12 months ago. The small RWD sedan will likely come towards the end of 2010 for the 2011 model year and will be positioned below the current CTS.

Cadillac already sells a small BLS sedan (pictured) in Europe but so far the car has suffered from dismal sales due to Cadillac’s poor brand image and lack of competitiveness with luxury powerhouses such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. While the current BLS is built on the Saab 9-3 platform, the next-generation Cadillac small car will be built on General Motors’ upcoming Alpha architecture and may not even be called a BLS.

The name of the new small sedan is not the only issue in contention, with managers still debating on whether or not to offer a six-cylinder engine as an option or not. Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor explained to Automotive News that a portion of the Cadillac team was thinking that they “ought to go all the way, say, to fours.”

The majority, however, is resisting the idea of only offering a four-cylinder engine with Taylor suggesting that the engine a four-cylinder Cadillac would be unpopular with most Americans. “I don’t think Americans are going to become un-American that fast,” he stated.

MORE HERE

 

[nadepalma]

Another interesting quote from the same article:

As for Cadillac’s other models, Taylor confirmed that the single STS/DTS replacement has been put on hold along with the replacement for the XLR roadster. Instead, Cadillac is considering adding a plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Volt platform but such a car wouldn’t arrive until at least 2012, Taylor revealed

Good news if not just a bunch of corporate spin. Delaying the STS/DTS replacement is certainly more agreeable than cancelling it altogether. A delay for the XLR isn't the best news, but at least they've made mild updates to it to keep it somewhat viable.

 

[neshapop]

If GM makes one Buick with the same intent it may work for me in a few years.

 

[Blair1118]

I'd buy a small Caddy

 

[nadepalma]

If GM makes one Buick with the same intent it may work for me in a few years.

Buick may yet get a small car with an I4 engine. The rumored Skylark is almost assured for China, but still up in the air for North America. In light of CAFE, it could become a reality for US customers as well. But if it makes it here, that vehicle would almost assuredly be FWD based and not produced on the Alpha platform. Current rumors say it will be based on Delta II.

 

[Quickening]

As long as the STS/DTS and XLR replacements come, I'm happy with them pushing this smaller sedan down the pipe first. Grabbing younger and new money people into the brand.

 

[mjd1001]

A small, 4 cylinder Cadillac makes sensse economically, but how much will it hurt Cadillac's image?

 

[Astra RL]

As long as it is a DI turbo I don't have a problem with a 4 cylinder. Like 1.8L 220 HP base engine then 3.0L DI v6 270HP optional. If they do use this though I hope there is a different turbo setup at Saab. Also the new 230 HP 2.3 DI 4 cylinder would not be a bad choice. This must come with a push of the CTS up the scale. A small caddy just cannot start at $24000 it would just be too low anything below $28K should be left to BUICK
BTS $28,990-$45,000
CTS $40,990-$60,000 $70000 with V

 

[jckjds]

This is a good thing -- a VERY good thing.

Cadillac desperately needs a 3-sized car to truly compete in the luxury market. As long at the 4 banger is a good one (presumably some version of the 2.0 DI turbo), then who cares if it's a four. I do think a 6 should be offered, but GM needs to realize that people may want both fuel economy and luxury. Not everyone needs/wants to go 0-60 on 5 seconds flat.

That being said, a V-version and 6 cyl option will provide the go-fast models for those of us who do want them.

 

[Xenon]

Re: Alpha based Cadillac headed our way!!

Gee isn't the Alpha a midsize....with a manual? Can you see where I'm going with this?

 

[neshapop]

Buick may yet get a small car with an I4 engine. The rumored Skylark is almost assured for China, but still up in the air for North America. In light of CAFE, it could become a reality for US customers as well. But if it makes it here, that vehicle would almost assuredly be FWD based and not produced on the Alpha platform. Current rumors say it will be based on Delta II.

Even with FWD (for Canadadian winters for sure) will work for me, I am more interested in interor/exterior package than drive options. If GM can make something to compete e.g. IS 250 for a bit less money (hint Buick) it would be a formula for tons of people (SAAB does look dated and too pricey).

 

[Ach]

Re: Alpha based Cadillac headed our way!!

Link? I thought Alpha was dead and buried.

 

[chris442]

Selling a 4-cylinder car hasn't seemed to hurt Audi in the least. They sell them in droves, and many are even FWD. No one thought having a 4 hurt Mercedes, although they don't sell them here anymore. Going back further, BMW used to sell lots of 4 cyl 3-series, including the original M3. With today's fuel costs coupled with CAFE, I think Cadillac won't be the only luxury make with a 4 under the hood. What gives me hope is that it will be RWD and not a copy of a cheaper car, a la Cimarron.

 

[slowinthefastlane]

A small, 4 cylinder Cadillac makes sensse economically, but how much will it hurt Cadillac's image?

If it's refined and well-built like the Audi A4, BMW 1-Series, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes B-Class, or Mercedes C-Class, then it won't hurt Cadillac at all. These vehicles all offer 4-cylinder options (both in gasoline and diesel).

 

[toddr19]

This is a good thing -- a VERY good thing.

Cadillac desperately needs a 3-sized car to truly compete in the luxury market. As long at the 4 banger is a good one (presumably some version of the 2.0 DI turbo), then who cares if it's a four. I do think a 6 should be offered, but GM needs to realize that people may want both fuel economy and luxury. Not everyone needs/wants to go 0-60 on 5 seconds flat.

That being said, a V-version and 6 cyl option will provide the go-fast models for those of us who do want them.

I agree, this totally just made my day! I am so glad they are going with RWD instead of FWD, this will indeed be my next car.

 

[jlt0x]

I don't think GM is quitting any of its luxury vehicle programs. Any of them stand to be both profitable and positive PR for the entire company if made right.

Believe it or not...I have been seing loads of old Cateras (along with CTS -- both current & older MY) driven by people in their 30's to 50's. And this is in Ohio. It seems that owning a small Caddy is really a good/fun idea. I would like to own an AWD BLS if that ever became available.

...
A delay for the XLR isn't the best news, but at least they've made mild updates to it to keep it somewhat viable.

I didn't think that GM would just kill the XLR. I'm sure its continued production decreases the overall costs to make the Corvette. I do, however, think that they should share engines...or all Corvettes engines should be available as an option for the XLR b/c is it luxury and a Cadillac owner should have as many options as possible. Even the vaunted 7.0L engine.

 

[Pedal 2 Metal]

Yeah, who cares. As long as it's good I don't see how it could hurt. I just hope it's not some smoothed over Holden with an ecotec engine. Which im guessing is exactly what it will be...

 

[johnnyl321]

I wonder if this may become another Cimarron. The problem with that car is it wasn't a Caddy. It was a Chevy Cav in a tuxedo. Most Caddy buyers aren't looking for small 4 bangers. Although since the age of the average buyer of the Caddy has dropped, it may be attractive. Guess only time will tell.

 

[emh]

If it's refined and well-built like the Audi A4, BMW 1-Series, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes B-Class, or Mercedes C-Class, then it won't hurt Cadillac at all. These vehicles all offer 4-cylinder options (both in gasoline and diesel).

The only one on that list that offers a 4-cylinder in the US is the A4, and it's part of the reason Audi is still viewed as a step below BMW and Mercedes.

I'm strongly against Cadillac offering a 4-cylinder in the US. The car needs a 4-cylinder engine for use outside NA, but not here. Cadillac doesn't need 40mpg from this car -- it's a luxury sedan for crying out loud. Anyone who can't afford the gas should get a Chevy or a Buick. A small V6 that gets 33-35mpg would be perfectly fine and will not hurt the brand image. Making the car lighter is the best approach to improving mpg for Cadillac -- it'll do more to improve efficiency than reducing cylinder count, help performance and handling, and avoid damaging the brand image.

Offering ONLY a 4-cylinder, as aparently is being considered, would be an unmitigated disaster. Yet more evidence that GM/Cadillac management is utterly clueless about the luxury market.