New CTS Revealed

[mdc]

This is just the regular CTS ...

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/01/08/2008-cadillac-cts/

Some pics from that site:

Agressive Front End ...
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_detroit/0701_z+2008_cadillac_cts+front_corner.jpg

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/9-2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

An Interior that can hold it's own against Europe and Japan
http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/4-2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

Rear end similar ... but stylish
http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/13-2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

The V is rumored to be available in 2009 ... lots of rumors about what it will contain ...

From Motor Trend (which has a track record for not being the most accurate, but interesting nonetheless):
"600 Horsepower. Supercharged V-8. Due 2008."

"Cadillac wants to destroy BMW's M5 with the next-generation CTS-v and so has shoehorned a version of the Corvette SS's supercharged V-8 under the hood. Sources suggest 550 to 600 horsepower is likely. Track is wider than new CTS, with pumped fenders covering the tires. Note bulge in hood to clear supercharger and integrated intake manifold intercooler."


I have a feeling we'll be seeing something like 500hp ... but that sounds exciting if true

[B0000rt]

An Interior that can hold it's own against Europe and Japan
http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/4-2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

NO HAND BRAKE AGAIN!??!?!?!?!?? WTF GM?!?!?!?

Don't like the grill too big!

[Anessa]

Looks like they borrowed the analog clock from the Japanese...

[charliebrown]

still looks like a F117

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Usaf.f117.750pix.jpg

[frogger]

Some of its notable features..

Hmmm 300hp DI 3.6L V6 that takes regular unleaded, available AWD, heated and cooled seats, usb charging port and Ipod steering wheel controls.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/2973/cadillaccts12vv9.jpg
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4858/cadillaccts08qn8.jpg

[mlc2000]

Is it a Malibu CTS?

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/6-2008-chevrolet-malibu.jpg

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/9-2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

[MrDisco]

Is it a Malibu CTS?


No its a Cadillac. You can tell because of differences in the badge, headlight assembly, and grillwork.

[MrDisco]

Hmmm 300hp DI 3.6L V6 that takes regular unleaded

should also note that the detuned version of this engine is found in the Malibu and Aura XR

[mlc2000]

A subarau WRI-STX will kill alot of cars, but you still have to want to get into it and drive it. Same goes with the CTS.

I suspect anyone who can buy an M5, will not be visitting any Caddie dealerships.
Caddies are still old man cars.
You'll never hear BMW say we built this car to take on Cadillac.
I highly doubt BMW would consider Cadillac to be the competition.
More like Mercedes-Benz.

Only an fool would drop M5 kind of money on a Cadillac.





This is just the regular CTS ...

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/01/08/2008-cadillac-cts/

Some pics from that site:

Agressive Front End ...
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_detroit/0701_z+2008_cadillac_cts+front_corner.jpg

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/9-2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

An Interior that can hold it's own against Europe and Japan
http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/4-2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

Rear end similar ... but stylish
http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/13-2008-cadillac-cts.jpg

The V is rumored to be available in 2009 ... lots of rumors about what it will contain ...

From Motor Trend (which has a track record for not being the most accurate, but interesting nonetheless):


I have a feeling we'll be seeing something like 500hp ... but that sounds exciting if true

[SkiD]

another couple of small things I noticed:
- the "HDD" and "Rec" buttons on the console - I assume that means Hard Drive and Record
- no good picture yet, but ambient lighting on door handles, in the footwells and under the wood trim on dash

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/x08ca_ct017_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/x08ca_ct017.jpg)

[mlc2000]

No its a Cadillac. You can tell because of differences in the badge, headlight assembly, and grillwork.

I was kidding, I was just making light of how, taken away from Malibu, one might think that Cadillac had adopted some new styling, when in fact, they just borrowed some of Malibu's.

[frogger]

If Caddy are old man cars then Lexus, Infiniti etc must be one foot in the grave cars as they don't even attempt to try field an alternative to BMW and Merc performance models.

[MrDisco]

Caddies are still old man cars.


You don't need to quote all the pics to make your point.

Cadillacs are hardly old man cars, as I'm sure owners of the Escalade will be happy to point out. I highly doubt you'll see your stereotypical 'old man' behind the wheel of a CTS-v (or an XLR Roadster for that matter)

Only an fool would drop M5 kind of money on a Cadillac.

Since pricing was never announced in the press release this is a rather odd statement. But for the fun of it let's look at existing data:

'07 CTS-v MSRP USD $52,070
'07 M5 MSRP USD $82,500

It's pretty obvious GM will not be pricing the '08 CTS-v at the $80k mark. Instead what they're offering is M5 level of performance in their entry level tuner car. Only a fool would ignore that kind of raw power.

As for getting people into a CTS:

"Sales of the Cadillac CTS have steadily risen over a period of five consecutive years. In 2005, Cadillac sold over 61,000 units of the CTS; this is up 60% from the previous year’s 38,000 CTS vehicles sold. This sustained growth defined the conventional notion that a vehicle’s best sales figures occur immediately after its launch. Also, research has shown that the over 275,000 CTS owners worldwide are among the most satisfied vehicle owners today. The CTS has also won various awards including being adjudged as AutoPacific’s top entry luxury during its 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards."

(oops there's those pesky vehicle awards again ;) )

[mdc]

A subarau WRI-STX will kill alot of cars, but you still have to want to get into it and drive it. Same goes with the CTS.

I suspect anyone who can buy an M5, will not be visitting any Caddie dealerships.
Caddies are still old man cars.
You'll never hear BMW say we built this car to take on Cadillac.
I highly doubt BMW would consider Cadillac to be the competition.
More like Mercedes-Benz.

Only an fool would drop M5 kind of money on a Cadillac.

When is the last time you drove a Cadillac?

I drive one everyday and I am 28 years old ... I have had this car for about 8 months now and I still can't think of a car I would take over this one dollar for dollar.

You're stuck in the past ... these Cadillacs (especially the V Series) aren't for old men ... hell, my CTS-V scares my father. He doesn't like being in the car with me ... and he drives a CLS63 AMG :D

[MrDisco]

one might think that Cadillac had adopted some new styling, when in fact, they just borrowed some of Malibu's.

no in fact it is an evolution based on their Art & Science design philosophy. View it from the 3/4 angle and it looks very little like the Malibu. The broad nose is something we're probably going to see more of with stricter Euro legislation for pedestrian safety in a collision.

Also given that the CTS is in its final model year you're not going to get some truly revolutionary design changes (similar to how the Accord hasn't changed much over its current model run).

[mdc]

It seems most companies are going with unified looks for this cars ... build brand recognition

To me, every model of Audi looks almost the same ... some are just longer than others ...

[frogger]

Lets hope the knob in the middle of the center stack isn't anything like i-drive. My boss still uses the F-word to describe it in his 7 series.

[B0000rt]

should also note that the detuned version of this engine is found in the Malibu and Aura XR

No, it's not a detuned version, rather it's just the plain old LY7 found in the current CTS (3.6L V6 DOHC) but with a slightly more restrictive exhaust or intake, hence the 252hp, vs the 255hp. Tuning to me, implies same hardware, but longer lift cams, and fuel mapping tweaks...

This V6 isn't all new, but is the DIRECT INJECTION version of the LY7.
300hp w/ Regular unleaded is hella sexy.

Edit: My bad, the base is the 3.6L LY7 w/o Direct Injection w/ 258hp on tap.



If only they would have fixed the Foot E-Brake, that would've been nice.

I kinda liked the large reverse lights on the 1st gen CTS.

Looks like a BLS vs STS mashup (well I guess it does sit right between the BLS and STS :D) I wonder what the car would look like with a "Sport Grill" like on the 1st gen CTS's

[mlc2000]

Lets hope the knob in the middle of the center stack isn't anything like i-drive. My boss still uses the F-word to describe it in his 7 series.

I must agree with yout there. The I-Drive is just awful. The scary thing is how many other manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon of a unified controller.

Fact is, there was really nothing wrong with how HVAC controls were handled, same with stereo controls. Tying them all to one or two knobs and an LCD screen means more time taken away from the road to watch a screen to see if your turning on the defroster, changing the radio station or navigating to Mars.

Its quite amazing that these things have not been banned. IMHO they are more dangerous than cellphones.

[corrupt123]

Everyone complains about the I-Drive, but in my experience it's easy enough to use. I havn't used it first hand, but my grandfather uses it in his 7-series and I've spent enough time with him in it to know it's of no or very little concern to him.

Infact, based on what I've seen the most difficult thing is setting a new destination because you've got to select letter by letter with the knob. Granted, BMW should have incorporated a keyboard somewhere, theres easily space.

As for the CTS... I've never been a fan, but the pice to power ratio is nice enough. Still on the M5 bandwagon personally though.

[galanz]

I've never been a fan of the latest Cadillac styling, but this is starting to grow on me.
That said, e-brake on the floor and no dead pedal? That just proves they still don't get it.

[rupert]

You're stuck in the past ... these Cadillacs (especially the V Series) aren't for old men ... hell, my CTS-V scares my father. He doesn't like being in the car with me ... and he drives a CLS63 AMG :D

That is because the ride quality of MB make it so smooth that you don't feel like you are going fast. The 63/65 AMGs rival lamborghinis in acceleration.

[MrDisco]

No, it's not a detuned version, rather it's just the plain old LY7 found in the current CTS (3.6L V6 DOHC) but with a slightly more restrictive exhaust or intake, hence the 252hp, vs the 255hp. Tuning to me, implies same hardware, but longer lift cams, and fuel mapping tweaks...


true enough. couldnt think of a better way to write all that.

[mdc]

That is because the ride quality of MB make it so smooth that you don't feel like you are going fast. The 63/65 AMGs rival lamborghinis in acceleration.

and you know this how? You read it in a magazine? How many AMGs have you driven? How many Vs have you driven?

My guess is that your experience is based primarily on the articles in Road & Track and Car & Driver

As much as I love my father's AMG CLS, I couldn't live with the paddle transmission and the inability to completely turn off all of the traction and stability controls (like I can in my V)

Like I said, he drives his AMG hard and when he is in my car, the power scares him ... the CTS-V is scary in all RPM ranges and a true manual transmission allows you to be in the right gear all the time. I find myself hunting in his car ... it may be fast (slightly faster than mine in a straight line) and be filled with a bunch of features that only a $100000+ car can have, but the fun factor isn't even close

[frogger]

Few more pics
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9868/08cts7622fb2.jpg
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9071/08cts6621co4.jpg

[rupert]

and you know this how? You read it in a magazine? How many AMGs have you driven? How many Vs have you driven?

My guess is that your experience is based primarily on the articles in Road & Track and Car & Driver


Actually I have owned a W202 C43, W210 E55, I have borrowed my uncle's SL55 many occasions. I have a personally witnessed (passenger) a SL65 walk away from a Ferrari 360 Modena.

S65 vs. Lamborghini Gallardo
http://www.dailymotion.com/visited/search/s65/video/xdx9m_mov00280

I got to admit I have never driven a CTS-V, but I have test driven the 2005 CTS before I got my current car. The ride quality isn't nearly as smooth as the MBs, that is why you get more of a "rush", much like driving a go-kart.

There are many members here that can attest to my affinity to MB over the years. :P

I am still trying to decide between the CLK55 or SLK55 in July.

[mdc]

Driving a regular CTS is no comparison to a V ... there are very few similarilites

The problem I have with the AMG trannys (other than being glorified automatics) is that they don't blip the rpms when downshifting leaving extremely jerky downshifts not to mention, this sudden shock can't be good for the drivetrain). It is an extremely lame oversight in a car of this caliber.

The AMG also feels extremely heavy (at least the CLS63 I drive) and while the handling is superb, the response is a little behind the input

I was seriously considering an E class AMG as my next car (I'm thinking 2009 model year), but if the V is improved the way they say it will and the AMGs don't address some glaring "sports car" issue (non-blipping downshifts, traction and stability that can't be completely disabled), I can't see the reason for the extra $25000-30000

[Jon04CTS]

I'm just waiting for the V, and then I'll sell the V6.

And to whoever said Caddies are for old people. You're a fool.

I'm 20. When I was 18, I got a CTS. When I was 19, I got a CTS-V. I still have both of them, and absolutely love them.

I wouldn't look twice at a M5. It took those idiots a year to realize no one wants an auto and to put the stick back in. Ultimate driving machine my ass.

Only a fool would buy a M5 when the Caddy looks way better inside and out, and will school it on a track. Look at the previous generation M5 and the 1st gen V. No comparison, the V kills it hands down.

So Bimmer came out with a newer M5, no problem, LS7 is coming. The M5's going to have 2 extra cylinders and still get its ass handed to it.

[galanz]

And to whoever said Caddies are for old people. You're a fool.


You're 20, you don't remember what cadillacs were like in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. They were definitely old guy cars. I do know the average age of a cadillac driver a couple of years ago was 60, I haven't heard what the statistics are now.
That said I've never personally seen anyone under 40 driving a cadillac car, even the last 3 guys I saw driving Escalades were past 60.

Edit, this article is from 2005, I would guess the age hasn't dropped much more in a year.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/adtrack/2005-03-20-cadillac_x.htm

"Since 2000, the average buyer's age has dropped from 64 to 57. "

That pretty much makes cadillac an old guy car.

[Jon04CTS]

You're 20, you don't remember what cadillacs were like in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. They were definitely old guy cars. I do know the average age of a cadillac driver a couple of years ago was 60, I haven't heard what the statistics are now.
That said I've never personally seen anyone under 40 driving a cadillac car, even the last 3 guys I saw driving Escalades were past 60.

Edit, this article is from 2005, I would guess the age hasn't dropped much more in a year.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/adtrack/2005-03-20-cadillac_x.htm

"Since 2000, the average buyer's age has dropped from 64 to 57. "

That pretty much makes cadillac an old guy car.

Oh I know what they were like back in the 60s. Hell, they were old guys cars up until around 2000. But ever since the CTS, that's changed. Cadillac isnt targetting the old crowd any more.

Just look at the entertainment industry for one. Look at rap music, hip hop music. It's all about Cadillac. Old man car? Yeah right.

[frogger]

Really who cares what stereotyping people think.. Chances are they're driving something a lot less capable and a lot more boring.

[galanz]

Oh I know what they were like back in the 60s. Hell, they were old guys cars up until around 2000. But ever since the CTS, that's changed. Cadillac isnt targetting the old crowd any more.

Just look at the entertainment industry for one. Look at rap music, hip hop music. It's all about Cadillac. Old man car? Yeah right.

Of course they're still targetting the old crowd, they're still by far the biggest market for these things. The average age of 57 shows this. It takes more than 6 years to completely reverse their image.

As for rappers liking cadillacs, that's just a fad. Rappers also like the H2 hummer. That doesn't make the H2 cool or good.

[frogger]

Lexus brand average driver age is also ~60. Average driver age of all cars is ~44. It comes with the luxury car price tags. I'm sure "luxury" brands which sell mostly entry level luxury or regular cars like Acura would be much lower.

The difference is most Lexus still drive like old man vehicles and the only good performance vehicle acura sells is the NSX.

[galanz]

Lexus brand average driver age is also ~60. It comes with the luxury car price tags. I'm sure "luxury" brands which sell mostly entry level luxury or regular cars like Acura would be much lower.

The difference is most Lexus still drive like old man vehicles and the only good performance vehicle acura sells is the NSX.

Not that anyone was claiming the Lexus is for kids, but in actuality the average age for a Lexus buyer is upper 40's and for BMW it's mid 40's.
But at least we agree that the cadillac is still an old guy car.

[frogger]

Not that anyone was claiming the Lexus is for kids, but in actuality the average age for a Lexus buyer is upper 40's and for BMW it's mid 40's.
But at least we agree that the cadillac is still an old guy car.
Out of the large luxury car brands only BMW has an average age in the 40's


Luxury Car Brand Demographics

CADILLAC MERCEDES LEXUS BMW

Gender

Male 63.18% 57.30% 51.36% 58.38%

Female 36.82 42.70 48.64 541.62

Average Age 59 52 54 47