:stirpot:What type of engine would be good enough to replace the Northstar V-8 in the replacement for the DTS/STS (XTS?) flagship? How do DTS-Customers really feel about FWD? I like it, and don't feel that RWD is a absolutely necessity, especially if AWD is available.

I would like a new tranny before a new Northstar. I think this V8 is nice after all these years. Except the blown heads issue that a lot of people have had. the tranny however to me just doesn't match the power of that V8. It just seems to shift hard to me. I don't know. SMH

They need to keep a V8, at least as an option, for the torque and the sound. Granted Ford's twin turbo, V6 ecoboost looks promising with 340 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque starting at under 2000 RPM. I'm interested in seeing how reliable the ecoboost is.

FWD and FWD/AWD is fine with 90% of Americans. However, I don't know what percentage of persons buying a $50K car think FWD is OK.

Have to agree with Southern: A new transmission before a new engine. After that, it would be nice if they could add a variable displacement system to the N*. I could easily get 28 mpg on the highway with my 300C, as long as I kept it below 75 mpg when the system would shut off. And the transition 4 cylinder to 8 was seamless. I'm lucky to get 22 mpg with my Performance at that speed.

As for what type of engine? As long as it has enough grunt, is smooth, and sounds good. The last two are kind of difficult to get with a V6....

After driving the RWD 300C and now the FWD DTS, I really can't see what the problem is with FWD. We're not talking about driving through the Alps or Rockies at 100 mph where you might prefer RWD. As far as overall traction, and handling at anything within reason of current speed limits, I don't think you'd see any difference. FWDers do tend to have larger turning radius, something I haven't quite gotten use to with the DTS. But other than that, I prefer the planted feel of its FWD.

Guys. The problem here is that the Northstar is finished. It's going away.. Cadillac is considering replacing it with a V6. So are you SURE you want them to concentrate on a new transmission over a replacement for the Northstar? I think I'd rather have a 4 speed transmission and a powerful, quite, smooth V8 rather than an 8 speed transmission with a V6. GM has scrapped it's turbo V6 program - so we're probably looking at a DI 3.6 liter v6 for Cadillac full-size sedan replacement...

Unfortunately, you're probably right. However, adding the 3.6DI to the STS in 2008 was a great improvement over the normal 3.6 engine in 2007. The probable lower weight of the V6 should make the car feel more nimble.

it would be nice if they could add a variable displacement system to the N*

Damn I thought we have that. That's when it uses just 4 cy when driving at a constant speed right. Cause I know the Impala has that. At least I think it is.

There is a 5.3 v8 used in the Impala that has displacement on demand. My understanding is the Northstar design does not support DOD.

Wow! If GM does away with the Northstar V-8, they lost a customer. I am not driving a Cadi. with a six in it. Thank God I have two cadi's with Northstars, I'll be hanging on to them even longer it seems.

What should replace the Northstar V-8? How about a Northstar V-12 or Northstar V-16? I know, keep dreaming.

But what will replace the Northstar V-8 is the 3.6 DI V-6... if we're lucky that is, a 3 or 4 cylinder hybrid might be the replacement with Hussein running GM and their nice new little green logo (like that's gonna make people by GM cars). Of course I, and I'm sure many others, will replace Cadillac as our choice of vehicles.

The "logic" for the V-6 will be that it produces the same horsepower as the V-8, so you really don't "need" V-8 then - totally ignoring the fact a V-8 is a luxury marquee.

I think there’s going to be a big uptick in DTS sales in 2011, circa 1984/1985, when everybody was running out trying to buy up the last of the big GM vehicles before the next wave of downsizing (by TWO feet). Worked out well for Lincoln though, as the Town Car became the Cadillac buyers choice in 1985 and beyond. This time, the Lexus LS, BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-class (and maybe the Town Car will make a revival again) will pickup the demand.

I know I’m not buying a V-6 Caddy or one of sh_t boxes Hussein wants us driving and Fritz will willingly oblige:

http://www.chevyspark.in/

When will they ever learn?

Joe

^ If it were a good V8, the V6 wouldn't be producing near as much

LSx with RWD, 'nuff said

I think there’s going to be a big uptick in DTS sales in 2011, circa 1984/1985, when everybody was running out trying to buy up the last of the big GM vehicles before the next wave of downsizing (by TWO feet). Worked out well for Lincoln though, as the Town Car became the Cadillac buyers choice in 1985 and beyond. This time, the Lexus LS, BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-class (and maybe the Town Car will make a revival again) will pickup the demand.

I know I’m not buying a V-6 Caddy or one of sh_t boxes Hussein wants us driving and Fritz will willingly oblige:

http://www.chevyspark.in/

When will they ever learn?

Joe

I plan on getting a 2010 Performance Platinum after the 2011's come out.
I am hoping that some rich people trade in their ultra low mileage 2010's on 2011's... "THE LAST OF THE BIG CADDYS."

If that don't work... a big Lexus may be in my garage.
I have not bought a foreign car since 1966.
That was a new VW. It was a POS.

I have ALWAYS bought AMERICAN...except for the POS VW. :)
But I "WILL NOT" be buying a Luxury Cadillac with a darn six cylinder engine.
I have only owned "TWO" six cylinder cars in the last 40 years.
But if I can't get what I want...from American builders...I may have to rethink my philosophy on what to buy.

Texas Jim

I hear where you guys are coming from. It's a shame that GM is where it is and has to back down to CAFE the way it is. Cadillac needs to allow the customer to pay the CAFE taxes if he/she wants a big engine. That's all there is to it. Since that's not an option, we have to go shopping elsewhere. While we're all getting depressed about the future of Cadillac, Hyundai is getting people excited with their new Equus (http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/forumdisplay.php?f=49) - which will likely have a 420hp 5.0 liter v8.

Jim, you may also want to check out getting a GM PEP car (product evaluation program). These are cars driven by GM execs for about 6-12K miles. Employees can "tag" these cars for a great deal and those left over are bought by dealers, usually for CPO sale. A co-worker bought an AWD STS last year and is very pleased with it - a current model-year car with 8K miles, a 100K bumper-to-bumper warranty, all for something like $15K off MSRP.

The PEP program sounds like something I will check on for sure.
Thanks.

Jim

Detroit area dealers frequently order PEP cars, although I've seen postings from folks buying them from dealers in other parts of the country. The cars are usually advertised as GM executive cars or something similar, since few persons other than GM employees would know what a PEP car is.

My mechanic has a close relationship with GM due to his racing program. He currently has an 09 premium luxury collection (formerly lux III) on his lot which I suspect is a PEP car. I'll have to see what he wants for it. (Though I'm sold on MRC for my next car.)

We've been bashing this V8 replacement for awhile and then I got to thinking. My friend has that Infiniti Q35. Very nice whip. V4 engine but very powerful. I took it for a spin. That bad boy teases you to just give it some more gas. So as I'm driving I'm thinking to myself. Let's say Cadillac does downsize the engine and the vehicle. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad. I don't know but maybe they could pull it off with a V6 awd as long as it had some power. I agree with everyone and I don't won't to leave Caddy either but I am hopeful that maybe they can pull something off and keep us all drooling at the lip. Just speculation. Also I hope they do something about that trans...........

Isn't the Q35 a 3.5 V6?

There's no Infiniti Q35. There WAS a Q45 full-size sedan which only came in a V8. There's a QX56 that only comes with a V8. There's an M35 that comes with a 3.5 liter V6 but also an M45 that comes with a V8...

Yeah, because the numbers denote displacement, don't they?

There's no Infiniti Q35. There WAS a Q45 full-size sedan which only came in a V8. There's a QX56 that only comes with a V8. There's an M35 that comes with a 3.5 liter V6 but also an M45 that comes with a V8...

sorry bout that...he has the G35...my girl wants a Q45..I keep getting it mixed up...he got his from Japan while he was stationed out there

Yeah, the G35 is not a V4, its a V6 (3.5L)

I believe I read several years ago that the 3.6 V6 can be enlarged to 4.0 liters. With DI that might be enough for a 4000 lb car, but a big Cadillac needs a V8 (and not a turbo).

I'd like a V8 turbo.....

I would totally buy an Equus or Genesis w/a V8 over any Cadillac (except a CTS) w/any V6...