REPORT: Cadillac to base new sub-CTS on front-drive Epsilon II platform
2008 Cadillac BLS Wagon – Click above for a high-res image galleryJust a year ago, the future of Cadillac's line-up looked pretty bright. By 2010, the CTS would spawn coupe and wagon versions, the "super-Theta" platform SRX would replace its Sigma-based predecessor, the Escalade would get a Lambda-based replacement and the Converj would come to market. Cadillac was also tipped to launch a new small sedan to slot in below the CTS using the new rear-drive Alpha platform, plus a new larger sedan to replace the aging DTS and STS models. However while the CTS derivatives, the new SRX, Escalade and Converj are all still in the works, drastic cutbacks at GM have meant the Alpha and DTS/STS successor have been canned. In their place, the next-gen. CTS is expected to grow larger, while a new front/all-wheel-drive sports sedan is now tipped to enter into the mix.
In order to make the Alpha compact rear-drive platform feasible, GM would have needed to spread development costs across several of its divisions, but many of those brands – chiefly Pontiac and Saturn – are now facing the axe, while its European assets Saab and Opel are on their way out the door. So what is a downsized GM planning for Cadillac instead? Using the next-generation Epsilon II platform, the replacement for the European-market BLS is tipped to come home to roost, positioned between the new Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac CTS. With its advanced turbo-diesel programs also on hold, the General realizes it lacks the resources to produce a serious contender for the European market, so expect a decidedly more American approach when the new small Caddy hits the market late in 2011 as a 2012 model with a price tag of around $35,000.
[Source: Motor Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
UCJR 4:07PM (4/28/2009)
FIRST! (to make outrageous Cimmaron-related posts)
It'll be a great competitor for the Lexus front-drivers (ES series, I think?)
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Quantumphysics 4:26PM (4/28/2009)
"With its advanced turbo-diesel programs also on hold, the General realizes it lacks the resources to produce a serious contender for the European market, "
First of all, the CTSV is the best car out of the M3, the M5, the C63AMG and the Audi (whatever).
GM has what it takes to compete but they have stretched themselves to thin and don't focus on quality and reliability. Downsizing is the best possible action for them.
I have right now $18,000 saved up in the bank collecting interest for the CTS Coupe - which I thought was being released this year - but maybe next. Its gonna be my next garage project... I'm hoping it will be a Coupe-V because I'm basically going to build a poor man's Reventon.
Cadillac will live on regardless what happens to GM cause Cadillac has made a name for itself and struck the right chords with the youth group who is coming into money to buy their cars. It kills me to see Chrysler in the pain it is not because I own a 300 and every time I see cars like mine I think of how great a car it is and wonder how Daimler screwed Chrysler so much that even its recent hits couldn't help.
I want Cadillac and Chrysler to live on and stay strong. Fortunately the government isn't going to let them fail.
Enigmatic 6:08PM (4/28/2009)
All Chrysler's hits have generally been bigger vehicles that aren't good on fuel (300, Charger, Ram etc.). You have to make the hits the ones that count.
The Other Bob 8:29PM (4/28/2009)
A week or so ago there was a report that a stretched Epsilon II would be the base for the DTS replacement. Then there was talk of Holden making a smaller Zeta car, which could underpin a Holden, Camaro and a Caddy.
Its all just rumor until we see the car.
Aloysius Vampa 4:08PM (4/28/2009)
Yeah, the ES.
I was really looking forward to it being RWD, but it still has the potential to be a great car.
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iamhoff 4:55PM (4/28/2009)
Depending on how big the CTS might grow, and how small they wanted the BLS to be, maybe the future car formerly known as the Saturn Insignia (Aura/Opel Insignia) might be a decent bit of product. Frankly, I had always pegged that as a fit for Buick, given the FWD platform (and assuming Saturn's demise), but it might make a decent basis for the entry Caddy.
cdwrx 4:08PM (4/28/2009)
And the (re)dilution of the brand begins.
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Dondonel 4:15PM (4/28/2009)
Exactly. When it seemed that Cadillac learned the lesson, they return to more badge engineering. This is just terrible. Fixing the books does not make a successful auto company. It seems that Henderson is just a Nardelli, only worse.
Ligor 5:08PM (4/28/2009)
+1
whya can't they just market it as a Buick?
leave Caddy to RWD cars only, with available AWD as an option
I mean why would I get e FWD Caddy in front of a G37? ther eis no reason.
If I wanted a Lexus ES, i'd look right at coming Buick Lacrosse.
I don't get it. maybe Obama should have requested the step-down of the whole GM board and forced GM to bring in some fresh thinking. this is crazy.
Nissan has figured out Inifniti to work on pretty much a single platform - G, M, EX, FX all have hte same basik platform. I'm sure if they can do it so can GM. I mean they even have a shorter version of it in the Z.
Mr.Oak 5:15PM (4/28/2009)
Badge engineering is what Ford does with Fusion/MKZ and that Mercury thing.
Badge engineering is what Toyota does with Camry & ES350.
Sharing a floorpan and basic architecture for completely different cars, is not badge engineering.
Take the Converj & the Volt for example, two very different cars on the same architecture.
Shiftright 5:27PM (4/28/2009)
GM just can't help but to sabotage itself whenever they do something right. They just don't learn! Why is it so difficult to make a good RWD platform nowadays. I just don't understand why that's 'premium' when 30 years ago it was the default layout. FWD is going to make it an also-ran.
huisj203 4:09PM (4/28/2009)
In other words, forget the idea of Cadillac coming out with a genuine 3-series competitor. Instead we'll have a Cadillac Zephyr/MKS.
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naggs 12:19AM (4/29/2009)
yeah, basically
what a joke
are they thinking 50 mpg and great interior with high tech goodies?
this is going to be a caddy branded camry fighter, its a shame i was looking forward to that kappa 4 door 3 series fighter
DC_1 4:10PM (4/28/2009)
Shouldn't this vehicle be in GM so called near luxury Buick's division? Looks like this ship is still going in the wrong direction!!!!
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BrianFL 4:10PM (4/28/2009)
This blows big flappy donkey dick! Damn this rescession is taking everything down with it. (RWD Alpha, G8, pontiac etc)
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Nude Love 4:49PM (4/28/2009)
The proper term is flaccid.
zamafir 4:49PM (4/28/2009)
nah, GM's previous management decisions are. This recession is birthing X6Ms, R8s with V10s, Merc AMG Black cars, etc. As has been mentioned, this is an unfortunate result of where GM steered themselves, very unfortunate given the unrivaled CTS-V's awesomeness.
Tomac 4:18PM (4/28/2009)
Boo. Another FWD = waste of time. Why bother?
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LoneWolf 5:12PM (4/28/2009)
+1
wienekec 4:19PM (4/28/2009)
BLS is the ugliest and most stupid name for a Cadillac automobile possible.
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