Future of the Cadillac division

[Superjim]

Dave,

If they would make one like that again... I would be so happy.

I would go camp out in the dealers parking lot, so that I could be first in line to order one.

Texas Jim

[c5 rv]

Originally Posted by Superjim

Dave,

If they would make one like that again... I would be so happy.

I would go camp out in the dealers parking lot, so that I could be first in line to order one.

Texas Jim

Sandy would probably be in line ahead of you. I may show up, too.

[Lifer]

Originally Posted by c5 rv

Sandy would probably be in line ahead of you. I may show up, too.

I'll bring a chair to sit in while in line. Bring it on, New GM.

[DTSIke]

I would love to help address the things that I like and don't like, as a DTS-owner AND admirer of U.S.-style luxury Cars. Even though I have an American-bias for trade reasons, and as a Chrysler employee, the simple fact that I drive a GM-product currently should tell you something about my ability to be an independent thinker! I have driven Luxury Cars all of my Adult-life, even though I enjoy Sports cars for the things that they excel at! I am 54 yrs. old now. I bought my first luxury car at 18 years old.

I hate that GM/Chrysler/Ford let Mercedes/BMW/Lexus,etc... convince their customers that the main attribute for luxury cars should be handling and the absence of Body-roll in high-speed curves! The foreign makes cannot out-ride us (smoothness and isolation from bumps and potholes), or out-quiet American cars for the price! One of the main things I love about my DTS is, it's ability to allow me to relax and unwind by putting me in a relaxed,quiet,comfortable,luxurious, environment with all of the conveniences,options,and safety features that you would expect in a LUXURY SEDAN!

Only a small percentage of people push their cars to anywhere near their speed or handling limits. I don't mean that I want to fall asleep in an easy-chair while driving, either. I really love the Northstar System,too. This engine has a great snarl when you get on it, and even though ti doesn't have 300 H.P., it has great,flexible power!

GM should not allow ANYONE to tarnish the great performance heritage that this system and wonderful transmission have earned over the years! My DTS handles well, and as large as it is, it should be applauded for what it can do. GM should be ashamed for not telling and explaining how great the Magnetic Ride Control and Stabilitrak systems are on their luxury and sports cars. We get a smooth ride, and when we need to handle,brake,steer, or make some emergency manuever, the shocks stiffen up and you have CONTROL and accident-avoidance!

It takes just as much engineering genius and ability to give you the best of both worlds on the ride/handling balance, as it does to make something ride stiffly to attempt to be ready for a rare "sporty situation". From 80 m.p.h. on down (anything within reason for today's road-conditions and keeping your license) I can do anything that a Benz/BMW/Lexus does, without being dead like a Lexus or sacrificing ride-quality to get extreme handling that is not likely to occur. I want to hear my Northstar when I step on it, and I do, I just don't want my kidneys beat up or (my Ass either) just to handle a little better on curves!

Those three makes and Infiniti/Audi/Acura, and the rest, ALL give you a much smaller car for the money. To get the same amount of car,interior room,and trunk-space, you will pay $20,000-$30,000 more for their top-of-the-line models! What type of "Value" or "Bargain" is that. Now, to hear that a HYUNDAI is supposed to be a competitor or possibly even better than the DTS/CTS/STS is ridiculous to me! I have seen them,driven them, and read about them, and I don't agree at all! Cadillac's models are distinctive, have a character and a "Soul", and are great-looking vehicles to me. I didn't say that they were the only nice looking vehicle on the road, but definitely not ugly or horrible, as some (even on these Forums!) have said!

I would feel like a Fool for paying 80,000 -$100,000 for the "Prestige Power Nameplates" from overseas! That is MY OPINION, and it is just as valid as a writer for a car magazine saying that the only important thing I should consider is how well it can tossed-around on some isolated twisty-road! Really? I am shocked when someone tries to tell me what I should like in a car that I am considering owning. Can all of these big SUV's and Pickups be tossed-around? Hell no! They have a purpose, or that is what the owner wanted to drive. If I want something to "toss-around", I would buy a "Vette/Camaro/Challenger/Mustang, or something like that, and then have at it.

[Bro-Ham]

DTSIke, You're an All-American kind of guy! So are all of you who have posted on this thread! I like the DTS and it's a fine car. There is technology galore and it has a pleasing look. I'd drive one. My point is Cadillac needs to make cars again that people MUST HAVE. The car that is the epitome of fabulousness and LUST! That will reclaim the market that, in my opinion, is ripe for the picking. Hopefully Kia won't pick this idea up before Cadillac... Dave

[DTSIke]

GM and Cadillac can and should do better. They should strive to make their product as first-rate and high-quality as possible. I just want Cadillac to retain their unique characters and "Soul"! I don't believe that the Big 3, and especially Cadillac, need to try to Out-BMW BMW! I love how my Car rides, but let the CTS driver have a different type of ride. i hope and pray that people stop making all of the stupid and insulting references and stereotypes about people that drive full-size luxury cars!

You need to know it from anything else, but it needs to excel at it's INTENDED market. I wouldn't even expect for the CTS to give me the same things as my DTS; the DTS is gonna be smoother and not handle as well as the smaller vehicle on turns and twisties. That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone! I just don't wanna see the foreign makers setting all of the parameters by which we judge our potential choices in vehicles! Why should Lexus be praised for smoothness/road-isolation and quietness,but Lucerne,DTS,LaCrosse being criticized for doing the same at a lower price and bigger size? I would never criticize a Corvette for being too small,if I have 3 or 4 kids to transport! I would buy a 'Vette if I wanted to get maximum handling,acceleration, and braking!

[Bro-Ham]

The challenge is the Lucerne is a nice car but not anything that sets your heart on fire. A Corvette, Challenger, Mustang, Camaro - - now you're talking! You can't keep your eyes off that new Camaro - - WOW! When I was a kid an Electra was FAB-U-LOUS!!!!! A Cadillac - - the ULTIMATE! While I like the current stuff it's not heart pounding and that's the essence I feel Cad needs to recapture in order to make a difference.

[Bro-Ham]

Superjim, C5 rv, and Lifer, you guys are the essence of car passion and dedication!

I just remember when I was a kid going around to the car dealerships to get the new brochures so I could dream about all the new cars in the late 1970's. A trip to the book store to get an Edmunds guide so I could play car dealership with my car buddy Tommy and we would use purchase agreements from my car dealer (now x) brother-in-law to order our dream cars. Red interior - no problem! How about opera lamps or genuine wire wheels - order 'em up! An Oldsmobile 98 Regency was the car to be seen in.

30 years ago no one would understand a BMW or Mercedes - they're ugly and odd. But, they did have quality and engineering. Then those cars started to be styled...to be kind of sexy! Caddy rested on its laurels. I'm talking early 1980's. That's when I became frustrated. V8-6-4, Cimarron, HT4100, 85 front drive deVille/Fleetwood, 86 Eldo/Seville. The Allante' was fabulous yet was killed for whatever reason. It was a classic! By the time Cadillac woke up it was too late and the innovation was over and it was a game of follow the leader but 10 steps behind and with a vinyl roof! A breakout finally happened for Cadillac recently with the popular new models although we know they are capable of much more. There needs to be a commitment to focus. The sexy new Camaro needs to be the guide. It's time to do whatever it takes to truly recapture the American Luxury Car Dream! That's REAL hope and change!

[SouthernCountry]

This conversation is starting to go over my head. I feel left out since I can't really relate based on the age of everyone else. I can say the first Caddy I drove was a either a 93 or 94 Deville I think. It was years ago and I was like 15. (I got in so much trouble cause I didn't have a license but it was worth it.) My dad was stationed in Ft. Hood at the time. Pershing Park (military housing). One of the guys a couple houses up the street owned that car. He was like a E4 I think. Can't remember. I just happened to walk to the Shoppette around the corner to get me some ice cream and a root beer (A&W) and when I came back outside I saw it parked and then I saw him coming out and I was like man I want one of those and he was like yea they nice.

Then he said you want to drive it. I was like hell yea. Mind you I had only ever moved a vehicle maybe 15ft before that in a drive way. I had no road experience. Got in. Popped on the seat belt and made a few adjustments to make sure I could see everything. First thing that got me was that steering wheel. Looked so big and I'm thinking man how do you steer this thing lol. After I got adjusted I realized how comfortable the seat was and how it just seemed to float as I backed out. It was so smooth. Shifted to drive and was headed out the parking lot.

I didn't touch the pedal. Just let it coast. Turned onto the street and headed down the road. He was like give it some gas. I touched that pedal and it lurched forward like a beast trying to get its meal. I was like whoa. He said yea she had a lot of power. Gotta ease in on it. So I carefully pushed the pedal slowly and she elevated some and we started cruising at around 25mph. I'm loving it. So I'm like I don't feel anything and he said cause this is a Caddy. Floating on clouds is how I described it. Now that I got passed the power of the engine I noticed I had another problem looming. Making a turn.

I was nervous so I over compensated and made a wide turn. Too wide. He was like don't worry about it cause it takes some getting used to. He said he makes wide turns to be noticed so I was like cause this is a nice car. He said yep that's the main reason. Well after the turn it was a straight shot to where we stayed so I just cruised down the street and all my friends see me and of course were jealous that I was able to get behind the wheel of vehicle of this stature. Felt presidential almost. Pull up to the driveway and all that glory faded because of 2 reasons.

One my drive was over and 2 my mom was outside staring at me like I had committed a crime. She was so mad and I knew I was in trouble and she yelled at him for letting me get behind the wheel. The presidential feeling was gone but the experience stayed and now I have my 3rd Caddy. I still feel a little of that excitement though every time I go get in my car especially after other people walk by in the parking lot staring at her. Presidential is the best I can describe it. Like on. I want to continue to have that experience when I get to my retirement.

[c5 rv]

Originally Posted by Bro-Ham

The challenge is the Lucerne is a nice car but not anything that sets your heart on fire.

I like the 4-hole Lucerne CXS / Super. But, like you say, it's doesn't get my heart pumping. Every time I mention that I'm considering getting one, my wife gags.

[Lord Cadillac]

Cadillac needs a big, comfortable, quiet, powerful, smooth riding (with magnetic suspension) vehicle with all the amenities offered by the top-tier luxury companies. Until it does, too many people are going to take Cadillac off their lists.

[Southern]

I want the DTS to stay the same size. Even tho it is a small "big car" (Compare it to a Town Car), it is a FOOT longer than the Genesis that you guys mentioned. The Genesis is too much sport and not enuf lux for me.

I want it to have the 6 speed from the CTS.

I want the styling that you guys talk about.
Look at the MKS. Looks like a Camry which looks like an Accord............

The N* engine is dead.
I am not a fan of the 3.6 DI (I owned one).

I would rather have a 3.0L Diesel with maybe 250HP and 425Lbs of torque(!) and get maybe 30MPG on the Highway. It would stomp a 3.6DI car from a light........and get far better economy.

I want a better sound system.

I want better/quieter tires.

I want more sound proofing. Tire "roar" is unacceptable.

I want the car to drive like the current model.

RWD...............I personally don't care.
But Cadillac must know that some people will not even look at a FWD "lux" car.

[jjm01]

All we have to do is look back to the 1950’s when GM was the number one automaker, with a 51% market share, and Cadillac was the standard of the world. What kind of cars were being built back then? Were they fuel efficient and environmentally friendly? Heck, no they were big, powerful, stylish, roadworthy comfortable, and technologically advanced (for the time) vehicles, symbolic of the greatness of America. The fuel efficient and ecologically friendly imports at the time were a joke at best.

In fact, every time GM bows to government and environmental pressure in downsizing their vehicles and engines, they run into trouble (and now they’re considering a green GM logo). Look what happened in 1977, when GM started downsizing its full-size cars. Buyers turned away in droves. GM upsized in 1980, and buyers returned, but they were gone for good in 1985/1986 when GM chopped as much as two feet off their full size vehicles and threw V6 engines under the hood. In 1986, a Monte Carlo, Regal, Cutlass Supreme or Grand Prix, was more “substantial” than any Cadillac. You could get a V8 engine in a Cutlass Supreme or Regal, but not in a 98 Regency or Park Avenue???

GM's bank accounts were always filled by selling big cars. And when they stopped making big cars, their accounts were filled by selling big trucks. What does this tell you? That the American people like big, powerful, comfortable, traditional American vehicles! They don't want these Euro-centric and environmentally friendly vehicles. Why doesn't anyone at GM seem to get this???

And GM seems to be doing it again, by making the entry level CTS its flagship, and letting the DTS/STS flounder. Speaking of STS, look what happened the sales volume in 2005 after they made it a CTS look alike – but at more than twice the price.

I also take exception that Cadillac can’t compete with the imports. In quality, I would agree, but certainly not in technology and features. Just look at recent history… who was the first with night vision, adaptive seating, even XM radio? It was Cadillac! Cadillac has always been a technology leader, the first car you didn’t have to crank, the first V8, V12 and V16 engines. By the 1950s, Cadillac developed the autoronic eye (auto dimming headlamps), one-touch windshield washers, memory seats, auto door locks, auto brake release, and air suspension among others. But Cadillac has bad marketing, with commercials that have nothing to do with the car and its features.

GM also produced the first mass produced vehicles with air bags as early as 1974 in their full size cars – and they were two-stage air bags too!

Instead, this is what GM is focusing on to make Hussein happy:

Mich. finally gets good news with small car plant
By KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN and DAVID N. GOODMAN

ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Michigan has snatched back a few of its fast-disappearing auto jobs, winning a high-stakes competition with two other states to build General Motors Corp.'s next-generation subcompact car…

… GM also said a building at its Pontiac stamping plant will be retooled to make parts for the new car based on the Chevrolet Spark. GM said 200 jobs will be spared at the stamping plant center…

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hDnCjWAK_zpFUemdk3X8DM4_XVcgD992GQCG0

Good news??? Look at the car this article (and others) gushes about:

http://www.chevyspark.in/

Good luck on getting 160,000 of these things sold. And this gives you an idea on the future (or lack thereof) of the Cadillac division.

Joe

[VineTime]

A few points.. Cadillac certainly does not out sell Chevy but they do make a bigger profit per car, thus making Cadillac one of GM's strongest brands. This is why GM will NOT get rid of Cadillac, not to mention if they did they would completly lose their stake in the luxury market, which would make no sense.

As for the state of GM as a whole, they will be fine in time. The government (Obama and the democrates) will make GM's survival a battle but in three years the problem will be out of office and GM will be run by buisnessmen instead of idiots, I mean politicians and things will look up.

I also do not forsee the DTS or its replacement being powered by a V6. The people who buy the DTS don't mind paying extra to have the V8 and they will stand by that just like they will stand by Cadillac. Thats why I laugh when I hear people comparing a hyundai to Cadillac. I will never look at the hyundai the way I look at a Cadillac. hyundai is NOT luxury car and they will soon realize that and stop trying to be something there not.

There's my two cents on everything.

[fps_dean]

Originally Posted by z06bigbird

Talk to some of the Hyundai mechanics, and you will immediately change your mind about owning a Hyundai.

Could not have put this any better. Every single person I know with a Hyundai has had to have their transmission replaced every 30,000 miles pretty much on the DOT. Thankfully for them they bought them new and the warranty covered it, but the Hyundai dealers always took two months to fix it, and it took one-month before they got a loaner.