[EJD1984]

Cadillac convertible is back on the table, execs tell dealers
Automotive News
Mike Colias
October 27, 2014

DETROIT -- Cadillac is considering a convertible that would be built on the platform that underpins the CTS and ATS sedans, General Motors executives recently told dealers.

GM showed an image of the droptop to hundreds of dealers last month during a meeting in Las Vegas, according to several people who attended.

Dealers also were told of plans for a small crossover, a larger crossover that would be slotted between the SRX and Escalade, and an entry-level sedan that would fit below the ATS.

In 2012, Mark Reuss, then-president of GM North America and now the company's product chief, told Automotive News that the engineering work for a convertible version of the ATS was "pretty much designed" but that a decision on whether to do the droptop had been put on hold.

*Full Article at Link

 

[mgescuro]

OK Cadillac....

Just how fast can you get a small CUV on the market?? Because frankly, you're about 4 years late to market.
Also, a small CUV is what I am eyeing -- specifically something around the GLA and GLK/GLC in size. SRX is far too large for me.

I'm still holding off of my car purchase, mainly because Mercedes doesn't have CarPlay in their cars yet. But I'd love to consider a small Cadillac CUV.


As for the convertible... is it ATS or CTS size? Or is it a tweener size, like the S5 convertible?

Interesting developments.

 

[BlackGTP]

That is 5 different kinds of awesome! But I agree with mgescuro that Cadillac needs to get bread and butter CUV's out there as well. But I have confidence that they can develop both at the same time.

 

[guionM]

Honestly, I don't believe it was ever "off" the table...it was simply a matter of getting the volume versions up and running, then getting the funding.

ATS was originally scheduled for a sedan, a coupe, a convertible, and a wagon. Seems one by one, each of these "off the table" versions are winding up in production.

 

[EJD1984]

As for the convertible... is it ATS or CTS size? Or is it a tweener size, like the S5 convertible?

I'm guessing it might be around CTS size, for a nice large(ish) comfortable car. I doubt (hope not) ATS sized, then it wouldn't be much different (in size) than the upcoming Camaro convertible.

 

[Envoy4Life]

Why would they launch an ATS Convertible based on this generation ATS? Waiting for the next ATS to launch it seems like a better idea. If they do it on the current ATS, it'll only be on sale for, what, a year and a half? Bad idea IMHO. They're better off waiting.

 

[TheNewStandard]

My guess is it will share platform but be based on neither. A tweener influenced by the Ciel, while we get something based on Omega that is more a true Ciel.

 

[bronx13]

They better NOT launch the ats vert... Cadillac needs new models, new design and stuff. Cloning the old and dated cars is not the best solution.

 

[richmond2000]

I wonder if a BMW Z4 type of thing as an ATS drop top would almost be a 2+2 type of thing I would imagine NOT to mention the looks as I think an ATS convert would LOOK mis proportioned

 

[samesun]

Bob Boniface hinted there will be an ATS convertible in a motoman youtube vid of the ATS coupe.

 

[eaton53]

I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[jry]

This fits what the owner of Drop Top Convertibles in FL told me (and that some of you chided) a few weeks ago....

He killed the plans for his CTS or ATS rag top because Caddy was going to produce one.

 

[megeebee]

.

GM showed an image of the droptop to hundreds of dealers last month during a meeting in Las Vegas, according to several people who attended.

A Cadillac spokesman wouldn't confirm whether dealers were shown a sketch of a convertible.

Um, OK.

He said Cadillac would "like to introduce an open car to the portfolio at some point," but that "it's not likely to be one of the near-term portfolio additions."

So, someday.

All very nice. But a small cross-over (or even two) ought to be much higher on the list. As sexy as convertibles are, they don't sell in any great numbers.

On the other hand, a convertible may be easier to bring to market since the donor platform/vehicle is already in production.

 

[guionM]

I'm guessing it might be around CTS size, for a nice large(ish) comfortable car. I doubt (hope not) ATS sized, then it wouldn't be much different (in size) than the upcoming Camaro convertible.

You think the next Camaro will be ATS sized, huh?

I'll be sure to read your reactions the day that information comes out. I plan to simply lurk all day with a tub of popcorn and read responses......it's going to be good!

Why would they launch an ATS Convertible based on this generation ATS? Waiting for the next ATS to launch it seems like a better idea. If they do it on the current ATS, it'll only be on sale for, what, a year and a half? Bad idea IMHO. They're better off waiting.

1. ATS isn't scheduled for a major revision for quite a few years.
2. Doing a convertible is a very easy and straightforward process when a platform is engineered for it in the 1st place.

In short, they don't need to wait for the next ATS.

They better NOT launch the ats vert... Cadillac needs new models, new design and stuff. Cloning the old and dated cars is not the best solution.

Really dude???

Nothing is wrong with Cadillac's design, and a convertible is a nobrainer....they need it and it doesn't cost a lot to produce.

Bob Boniface hinted there will be an ATS convertible in a motoman youtube vid of the ATS coupe.

Which is why the fact that anyone says something is "Back on the table" is a little bit funny.

 

[EJD1984]

You think the next Camaro will be ATS sized, huh?

I'll be sure to read your reactions the day that information comes out.

I was really inferring possible public perception between the two (potential) cars.

 

[Envoy4Life]

1. ATS isn't scheduled for a major revision for quite a few years.
2. Doing a convertible is a very easy and straightforward process when a platform is engineered for it in the 1st place.

In short, they don't need to wait for the next ATS.

ATS G2 is due in MY 2018. By the time this launches, it'll be at LEAST MY 2016.5. Selling the car for a year and a half until the new ones comes out makes no sense, even if the engineering costs are minimal. Wait until the next one and codevelop the sedan, coupe, and convertible at the same time.

 

[Z284ever]

Honestly, I don't believe it was ever "off" the table...it was simply a matter of getting the volume versions up and running, then getting the funding.

ATS was originally scheduled for a sedan, a coupe, a convertible, and a wagon. Seems one by one, each of these "off the table" versions are winding up in production.

You are correct. The ATS convertible was always on the back burner, with other things on the priority list.

 

[dslay04]

ATS G2 is due in MY 2018. By the time this launches, it'll be at LEAST MY 2016.5. Selling the car for a year and a half until the new ones comes out makes no sense, even if the engineering costs are minimal. Wait until the next one and codevelop the sedan, coupe, and convertible at the same time.

is that G2 or is that just a power train & interior refresh?

 

[Envoy4Life]

is that G2 or is that just a power train & interior refresh?

Next generation. It might even be 2019 though, it wouldn't surprise me.

 

[dslay04]

Next generation. It might even be 2019 though, it wouldn't surprise me.

Could happen. I feel good about the possibilities as long as the weight doesn't go up too much. Chasis is perfect, just need the powertrains