During an interview with David Sedgwick of Automotive News, Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman, revealed that plans to offer a Cadillac in the $150,000 to $180,000 realm are still on the table. Although production of the 2003 Sixteen concept has come up in previous conversations, within GM, it has always been more of a styling exercise, built to influence future Caddy designs. That said, the General has researched the idea and came away impressed with the business case.
Another option would be the production of a vehicle similar to the 2002 Cien concept (pictured) that Lutz maintains would cost less to produce, but would sell in smaller numbers.
If such a vehicle would come to fruition, expect power to come from a V12, a V10 or even a hybrid powertrain. The latter may be more appealing, as Lutz admits that federal fuel economy standards are going to have a great deal of influence on future models and GM's focus is beginning to turn towards more efficient vehicles.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh @ Mar 12th 2007 9:23AM
This car would be more about GM execs' egos than anything else. Before Cadillac can viably compete in the $100k+ segment, it needs to have a solid position in the $50k-70k segment. In other words, they should be focusing their resources on the STS and whatever will replace the SRX.
An ultra-luxury model would just be a distraction right now, and potentially an expensive one. It'll be like doing the Allante now, when what the market needed was a better Seville.
Yaroukh @ Mar 12th 2007 10:40AM
The Cien concept was one of the most beautiful cars ever drawn.
Jeremy @ Mar 12th 2007 10:49AM
if you build it...they will come
Rene Curry @ Mar 12th 2007 10:59AM
I don't think you could build the business case, but it would solidify the brand. It would do more than wasting advertising dollars on movie stars & golf heros.
I agree with Yaroukh that this is one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. Very original and screams ART & SCIENCE!
wenge @ Mar 12th 2007 11:05AM
@Yaroukh
The Cien AND the Sixteen are two of the most beautiful cars ever drawn. Dear god I'd love to see these two on the road.
Queelis @ Mar 12th 2007 11:09AM
First thought - Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.
pd @ Mar 12th 2007 11:15AM
What the Corvette SS should be.
chop @ Mar 12th 2007 12:24PM
didn't they have this car in the movie "The Island"
i cant tell if its the same:
http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/dreamworks_skg/the_island/theisland_cien.jpg
Richard @ Mar 12th 2007 1:27PM
All they have to do is raise the XLR-V price by $0.01 and they're in the $100k + category.
They SHOULD build this car: exotic shape, magna-ride handling and GM dependability....well, maybe the first two.
Mike @ Mar 12th 2007 1:51PM
Yup it was in the Island. Its a damn nice looking car. I hope they build it.
ME @ Mar 12th 2007 2:30PM
I have driven that car in Gran Turismo, its not that great.
Big Rocket @ Mar 12th 2007 2:30PM
#9 (Richard): "They SHOULD build this car: exotic shape, magna-ride handling and GM dependability....well, maybe the first two."
Dependability can be measured in many different ways. If we take the number of recalls as a percentage of the number of vehicles sold, then GM was virtually identical to Toyota for the year 2006.
Toyota: 2.5 million US sales, 0.81 million US recalls, 32% recall rate
GM: 4.1 million US sales, 1.4 million US recalls, 34% recall rate
Sources:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/19/surprise-recalls-fall-in-2006/
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/TOP%20STORY/496383/
BTW, before anyone objects to the use of recall figures for dependability, please read the standard disclaimers here:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/24/toyota-tundra-pricing-released-and-btw-it-now-tows-10-800-lbs/5#c3239075
James @ Mar 12th 2007 3:06PM
I like the Cien. Spy Hunter like car. Build it then make it do 260 and send Veyron home crying
Bob-o @ Mar 13th 2007 5:10AM
They've put all the R&D into it already, why not release it? Give it little to no marketing support and just support the product with hype. People don't care about merits anyways.
akatsuki @ Mar 13th 2007 11:50AM
I agree the Cien is gorgeous, but you really need the models underneath. People think if you build a halo car, that is enough, but the models underneath have to evoke the halo car just enough that people will settle after walking in the dealership, and the XLR is just not there.
Justin @ Mar 15th 2007 9:57AM
Yes #11...driving a car in Gran Turismo is the ultimate test of a vehicle...idiot.
Ford Mustang @ Mar 17th 2007 4:49PM
I just can't see there being any market for this car.
david @ Mar 21st 2007 10:57PM
let's see, sell the daughter's car, sell the wife's car, (she still has a bicycle and I know how to install a basket) sell the dog, sell the boat, no scratch that, sell the wife's fur coat, ,,,,,,
Hey Admiral Lutz, build it. I figured out a way to buy one.