[Tomko]

There was a picture of the pre-Lutz STS posted here on GMi. It was one of the first things that I ever saw here back when I was just a lurker. This would probably be in 2003 or 2004. The picture was actually two images. Three quarter views of the front and of the rear. They were in black and white and pictured what was probably a clay mock up on a round or turntable in front of what may have been the Tech Center. I printed this picture out and kept it somewhere. Probably at work.

One thing that I remember being distinctive of the design was that the exhaust exited out of the body through trapezoidal shapes in the bumper below the classic upright tail lights.

Back at the time I remember thinking that the whole thing really didn't turn my crank - but then again I tend to be very conservative in my tastes. For example, when it came out, I considered the 2000 Deville to be one of Cadillac's most elegant designs in 20 years.

 

[Docray1]

There was a picture of the pre-Lutz STS posted here on GMi. It was one of the first things that I ever saw here back when I was just a lurker. This would probably be in 2003 or 2004. The picture was actually two images. Three quarter views of the front and of the rear. They were in black and white and pictured what was probably a clay mock up on a round or turntable in front of what may have been the Tech Center. I printed this picture out and kept it somewhere. Probably at work.

One thing that I remember being distinctive of the design was that the exhaust exited out of the body through trapezoidal shapes in the bumper below the classic upright tail lights.

Back at the time I remember thinking that the whole thing really didn't turn my crank - but then again I tend to be very conservative in my tastes. For example, when it came out, I considered the 2000 Deville to be one of Cadillac's most elegant designs in 20 years.

Tomko,

That WAS the pre-Lutz STS! There was a lot of concern within Cadillac when those pictures were inadvertently leaked out from an internal publication. they were subsequently removed from GMI and other sites. If you could find them, they would certainly make for a good discussion and reflection on what Mr Lutz did/did not accomplish for Cadillac.

 

[johnstarnes]

Tomko,

That WAS the pre-Lutz STS! There was a lot of concern within Cadillac when those pictures were inadvertently leaked out from an internal publication. they were subsequently removed from GMI and other sites. If you could find them, they would certainly make for a good discussion and reflection on what Mr Lutz did/did not accomplish for Cadillac.

Yes I second that! I would love to see those pics and engage in conversation about them. I've always wondered just how "Imajy" it was.

 

[megeebee]

...I'm ready.


.

 

[Dr.Show-Me]

How about some leaked images of what is Planned instead of past rejected models?

 

[johnstarnes]

How about some leaked images of what is Planned instead of past rejected models?

yes!!!

 

[Docray1]

How about some leaked images of what is Planned instead of past rejected models?

Whoever tries to do that would immediately lose his job if caught. Everybody is frightened about their positions as it is, so dont hold your breath for anything like that.

 

[PAULSTS1]

Whoever tries to do that would immediately lose his job if caught. Everybody is frightened about their positions as it is, so don't hold your breath for anything like that.

If something miraculous doesn't happen, they will probably lose it anyway; lets see the pictures! GM is a dead man walking!

:drive:

 

[Dr.Show-Me]

And, if not pictures, then eye witness accounts of what they look like, comparisons to vehicles we know, MORE INFO!(Thanks)

 

[2002 Caddy]

Whoever tries to do that would immediately lose his job if caught. Everybody is frightened about their positions as it is, so dont hold your breath for anything like that.

Very true, the fact that GM lets you post at all is a miracle. Years ago on some of the Caddy/NorthStar forums that I belong to we had one of the senior engineers who helped develop the NorthStar engine and he shared all of the "coolness" about that engine... This included some inside "dirt" too... He was the first to share his frustration with the use of "Quad4" Head Bolts and he was the first to DOCUMENT that EVERY SINGLE crank sensor installed in these motors from 2000 to early 2003 will fail between 40,000 and 60,000 miles... But his advice helped hundreds (maybe thousands) keep and enjoy there cars while avoiding huge repair bills.

He was a wealth of info and customer service... He also gave a window into just how constrained the engineers at GM were (are?)...

Long story short, his boss got wind of his posts and told him that if he continued posting it would cost him his job and he actually had the forum mods "mass delete" all of his history... wiping the slate clean so to speak.

We never heard of him again... I hope he is still employed... and every time GM announces cuts I hope his boss is out the door.

 

[Dr.Show-Me]

Was the crank sensor problem fixed, and, if so, what year? What was the fix?

 

[2002 Caddy]

Was the crank sensor problem fixed, and, if so, what year? What was the fix?

Yes, by Mid model year 2003 GM switched suppliers... (this too kills me) they switched from Delphi Sensors made in Mexico which ALL have bad internal solder connections that will fail.. To Denso (Japanese aka Toyota) sensors. The new sensors last the life of the car... ALL Northstars built after 2004 use the Toyota sensors and are fine. Every (as in 100%) of 2000-2002 and most 2003 Northstar, Shortstar and Aurora V8's will need new sensors right near the expiry of the factory warranty...

 

[page2171]

How about some leaked images of what is Planned instead of past rejected models?

Maybe nothing is planned...it wouldn't be terribly surprising.

 

[Dr.Show-Me]

Could they continue using the NorthStar engine, or are there other problems with the engine?

 

[nferr]

Could they continue using the NorthStar engine, or are there other problems with the engine?

The Northstar is outdated and outgunned in today's marketplace. Many of the newer V6's put out more HP and similar torque numbers with a lot better mileage. Also the Northstar never had a reputation for being reliable, and I owned one so I know from personal experience.

 

[2002 Caddy]

The Northstar is outdated and outgunned in today's marketplace. Many of the newer V6's put out more HP and similar torque numbers with a lot better mileage. Also the Northstar never had a reputation for being reliable, and I owned one so I know from personal experience.

2004 and after they FINALLY worked out all of bugs in the NorthStar... But it is now out gunned by just about every engine out there.

 

[JBsZ06]

2004 and after they FINALLY worked out all of bugs in the NorthStar... But it is now out gunned by just about every engine out there.

Isn't just this week finally that jaguar announced direct port injection to move their V8's from 300hp N/A and 420 hp s/c to 380 hp N/a and 520 s/c?

Whats infiniti and lexus v8 powerplants been producing ?

Linclon v8s?

I do agree the time has passed the northstar and so did GM...

Had the global recession not hit they had a replacement ready...

I personally believe a stretched and beautifully styled CTS with the 556hp supercharged LSA V8 would make for a great STS replacement..

Will it happen? probably not for years...

Flamboyant excess is a thing of the past right now...

the idea of individuals being showy with the "top" of the line (of any make) is quietly fading from the marketplace....I.e. watch the sales of bentely, rolls, MB etc...they are all down..

Interestingly enough bmw's M division is showing rapid growth..

I think sport is socially acceptable where as oppulance (SP) is out...(for the time being)

its never polite to rub peoples nose in it...especially during this crushing economic climate..

People get shot that way...(or so the story goes) its really just not in tune with the times

 

[Dr.Show-Me]

So it took 10+ years to work out all the problems with Northstar? After the V864 fiasco and the 4100, why didn't GM come out with a modern V8 or simply use the LS V8s?