	Agent009 "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
	View My AgentSpace

Cadillac Plans to Take on and Beat the BMW 3 Series

Agent009 submitted on 12/27/2006 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:30 PM
from: www.jalopnik.com

[40] user comments | category: Spy Shots

Print this Page |

Digg It |

del.icio.us

Tags: Cadillac BMW

Tag Link: Cadillac BMW

Cadillac Plans to Take on and Beat the BMW 3 Series

We'd already heard the reports from a couple of different whispering lips. Plus we knew Winding Road's super-secret loin-burger eating source at the General already confirmed a coupe version of the CTS to them via carrier pigeon. Heck, even Automotive News has come out from behind their wall of subscription-secrecy once already and said it. Apparently once wasn't enough for Keith Crain's super-team, who think the rumor's so nice, it's necessary to say it twice:

"General Motors insiders say Cadillac is seriously considering a plan to create a family of CTS sedans, coupes and wagons that would emulate BMW's 3-series lineup." Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

Dave - 12/27/2006 12:41:12 PM

-1 Boost

it's gonna take a lot to convince me(and many other people) that Cadillac can build anything that can give BMW a run for it's money. Cadillac has been the old person's car for so long that even getting past it's brand image perception ain't gonna be easy.
Add to that typical low grade interior materials, subpar handling, relentless understeering....etc....it will be a monumental task if they can even build anything that will even approach BMW caliber.

reply to this comment

paul3230 - 12/27/2006 1:45:53 PM

+1 Boost

I wouldn't count out Cadillac just yet...remember they have been the most successful in reviving their perception (besides Saturn lately) among the public. The sales success of the V series/XLR and to some degree the Escalade have made Cadillac the only true american competitor to BMW/Mec/Lexus, etc.. With the new CTS on the way, I think they have the foundation to build a great portfolio. I for one, would gladly take a new CTS-V coupe.

dj06482 - 12/27/2006 2:04:01 PM

0 Boost

Dave -

Have you driven a Cadillac lately? They're actually very impressive in the handling department, and I drove an SRX and an STS w/o any type of sport or handling package. They're definitely making a better product than years ago, their biggest obstacle will be overcoming buyers' perceptions of the brand.

1995e34 - 12/27/2006 2:35:46 PM

0 Boost

cadillac spends a lot of time on the nurburgring...A LOT OF TIME!!!

polyester1970 - 12/28/2006 9:54:07 PM

+4 Boost

Don't forget about ghetto gang banging crack dealers.

globaltrader - 12/29/2006 4:47:33 PM

-1 Boost

After a ride and drive at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where the BMW's (530i) gas pedal refused to talk to the tranny, the seats were faux leather and handling was not up to the task--I had to give the thumbs up to the sts with the six. Real leather, great acceleration, and electronic componets without issues!!
David

answer - 12/27/2006 7:04:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

It's always amusing to see Mdalle speak as if he is a designer or engineer at BMW.

Mdalle, you are a rabid Bavarian fan boy. Please respect those that have favorable of other manufacturers. It's just common courtesy.

If Cadillac chooses to go down that path, good for them. They know what is needed to get to that playing field, and they will determine for themselves how badly they want it.

reply to this comment

99gs400 - 12/27/2006 1:32:50 PM

+1 Boost

The day Hyundai can do it before Cadillac can , it will never happen !!!

reply to this comment

EL34 - 12/27/2006 1:42:51 PM

-2 Boost

Cadillac is like Lexus and they know who to go after, BMW!!!

reply to this comment

99gs400 - 12/27/2006 2:00:42 PM

0 Boost

Lexus go after BMW which i am not surprise but using Cadillac and Lexus in same sentense ? NOT EVEN IN THE SAME LEAGUE !!!

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 12/27/2006 2:34:29 PM

-1 Boost

cadillac and lexus are probably most direct competitors out there right now. they're both working their way up the ladder.

courtstone - 12/27/2006 3:24:42 PM

+5 Boost

Its good to know that an American company is at least trying to compete with "the best of the best". They certainly have their work cut out for them.

EL34 - 12/27/2006 4:27:07 PM

-1 Boost

99gs400, when Lexus first came out they were rebadged Toyotas and handled like barges.

2JZSoarer - 12/27/2006 9:24:48 PM

+1 Boost

EL34 why do you keep bringing up the past Lexus vehicles,when we are clearly talking about the new L-finesse models!!
Damn it give Cadillac a chance to show what it has before you prejudge it!!

drakarula - 12/27/2006 2:15:48 PM

+3 Boost

Cadillac has come a long way in style and build quality as have most American cars. They had to to somehow stay in business. Unfortunately anyone that thinks it will be a true 3 series competitor is kidding themselves! Cadillac is still years behind in overall driving experience. They have and continue to make strides to better the product but they still have a way to catch up.

reply to this comment

Rupert - 12/27/2006 2:23:25 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

cadillac sales have flopped in europe.
half of what was projected.

reply to this comment

SilverAero - 12/28/2006 1:27:10 AM

0 Boost

They don't have all the cars the US does, current cars don't have right hand drive, and some cars must be shipped from the US all those things are bad news.

Brembo - 12/27/2006 2:34:36 PM

+2 Boost

Is it me ore either these guys a huge in size or the cts just small?

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 12/27/2006 2:40:12 PM

-1 Boost

maybe it's just a facade.

courtstone - 12/27/2006 3:26:21 PM

+3 Boost

its funny you say that, because as i look at it...it does seem really small.

EL34 - 12/27/2006 4:26:09 PM

-4 Boost

This Caddy is about the same size as a BMW 3 Series.

1995e34 - 12/27/2006 2:38:50 PM

-1 Boost

cts coupe! cts coupe!

reply to this comment

no1listensanyway - 12/27/2006 2:42:00 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

It probably won't beat the 3series in performance and quality, but with a coupe and wagon they will come close in annual sales.

reply to this comment

azrockit - 12/27/2006 4:17:55 PM

+1 Boost

First, it would be so much better for caddy to keep their collective mouths shut and buckle down and just do it. Bragging about competing with the 3 is just a lot of wanking. Second....why not just set out to make the worlds best midsized coupe and sedan....damn BMW and the others.....again...just set out to make the worlds best car...kind of like they did when they were know as the standard of the word.....

reply to this comment

StepYaGameUp - 12/27/2006 6:23:38 PM

0 Boost

actually.. its not looked at as an old person's car in the states anymore.. youngins LOVE the cts, xlr, and escalade.

reply to this comment

Lexus - 12/27/2006 7:25:51 PM

+3 Boost

I definitely agree with some of the poster here and disagree some of you as well. Don't count Cadillac out, rumor that they are coming out with a CTS-V with 500hp. Remember what happen when Lexus first came out, everyone make fun of them and look at them now.

But at the same time it won't be easy dethrone the BMW 3 series. This segement is packed with the Audi4/RS4, C-class/AMG, Acura TL, G35, BMW 3 serie/M3 and Lexus IS350/IS-F/500. I really like the new look of the CTS-V but I would rather choose the IS350/IS-F, RS4, or the BMW M3 before I choose the CTS-V. That just the way life is sometime.

Lexus

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 12/28/2006 10:13:01 AM

0 Boost

what's an IS-F? i've never seen one? are they only in japan or europe?

weaponX - 12/28/2006 12:13:32 AM

+4 Boost

Get in line Cadillac....behind Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and Mercedes. A lot of car companies...far more competent than GM...have the 3-series in their crosshairs. Many have tried to knock off the iconic 3 with little success.

reply to this comment

SilverAero - 12/28/2006 1:24:10 AM

0 Boost

You realize that you are actually discourageing development. With out competition bmw doesn't need to make a better car. That said give'em hell cadillac help give bmw an excuse to build a better 3 series, and don't listen to bitter haters who think your out of place.

1995e34 - 12/28/2006 3:27:35 PM

0 Boost

i think you guys agreed and didn't even realize it

awsomeaudi - 12/28/2006 12:31:53 AM

-1 Boost

Caddy has the chance to catch up to bimmer and infiniti but the engine s gotta be better than what they offer right now or caddys gonna have a hard time and that caddy does look small

reply to this comment

EL34 - 12/28/2006 1:08:18 AM

-2 Boost

And it has a big enough grill for a V8, wouldn't you say?

carguy1980 - 12/28/2006 2:14:38 AM

-1 Boost

All this talk about the 3 series which is a nice car but is the DODGE NEON of the BMW line up that car just gets you the propellor on the hood drive a 7 or a 5 those are Bimmers

reply to this comment

edeme - 12/30/2006 3:54:39 PM

+4 Boost

Dear carguy1990,

The 3 series IS BMW. BMW exists today because of small cars like the 1600, 2002 and 3 series. The 5 & 7 series are great cars too but are not necessarily better. If you need a bigger car or want more gadgets or need to let people know you can afford a more expensive car, then the 5 or 7 are fine choices. The 3 series is not some lesser quality machine made, as you put it, just to get a propeller on your hood.

zombie8 - 12/30/2006 3:21:45 AM

+1 Boost

The G narrowly passed up the 3 back in 03 and is right there again, except for the engine department and a slight bit of chassis tuning. That said, they've been trying for 5 years now. The CTS is nowhere near either of these cars in the current generation. The CTS-V has a monster engine, but even the salesmen admit the chassis can't handle it, so it's doubtful those cars will stay together well. BMWs their share of problems, but they don't fall apart. Cadillac would have to completely nail it. I doubt that will happen but I'd like to see them do well. I'm kinda liking the STS these days. Looks liked they smoothed the CTS' drastic angles when they did the STS.

reply to this comment

austintyson - 1/2/2007 4:51:11 AM

0 Boost

I don't know about the rest of you but I am taking great pride in the fact the present Caddy car companys has the ability to try this. A few years ago this would have been the greatest joke. Now it seems like they might be able to pull it off. I just hope GM can pull it off and keep pulling it off. ITs been a long time since an American car company seemed to have a clue.

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories

The Genesis is stealing sales, but from who?Maserati MC Sport Line Package for the GranTurismo Production 2009 Honda Insight Hybrid Revealed UAW Feels The Heat And Suspends Job Bank And Delays Trust Payments Until 2010 The All New Mazda3 5 Door Hatch Debuts In Bologna Does It Have What It Takes To Be At The Top? The 2010 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet - Quick Reference Guide Out of Time, Out of Money, Out of Options GM Spirals Into The Abyss Porsche Panamera Tuned by 9ff and Russian firm's Top Car and Cardi Breaking: 2009 BMW Z4 Unveiled Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept unveiled in Bologna All-New Mazda3 Hatch Unveiled at Bologna Motor Show Detroit's Big 3 request totals $34 billion Michelin presents Active Wheel system Audi anticipates record sales in 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback to feature Ralliart and GTS Editions November Luxury Car Sales - Is Infiniti ready for a flagship?UPDATED: First Audi A5/S5 Convertible Photos- STUDS or DUDS? Why No Hardtop?V8 Car Cookout: Bratwurst (Audi S5), Beef Teriyaki (Lexus IS-F) or Bacon Cheeseburgers (Challenger SRT-8)?GM Says It Will Sacrific SAAB, Saturn, Hummer, And Hobble Pontiac For Federal Funds Nissan Sales Sour By 44.4% In November: Infiniti Drops 28.0% UPDATED: Audi Sales Ends The Free Ride By Skidding 25.4% In November DETROIT AUTO SHOW: Audi Flexes It's Muscle And Is Set To Debut V10 R8 Sports-Car Honda Civic sales down nearly 30%, Toyota Highlander sales up nearly 50%Chrysler Outpaces GM To The Bottom Of The Heap: November Sales Fall 47%Ford Asks Congress For $9 Billion In Stand By Credit But Has No Plans To Use It GM Sales Out Does Them All In A Bad Way: Sales Implode 41.3% In November 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V Reportedly Will Cost $160,000 but Not Get More hp Jaguar and Land Rover in Big Trouble as Tata on the Bubble Mercedes Benz Sales Crumble 38.2% In November Mazda Sales Tank 31.3% For November Hyundai Makes Everyone Else Look Good In November By Falling 40%Porsche and BMW to Halt Production Honda Sales Falter 30.6% In November: Acura Freefalls 38.9%The World Bids Farewell to the Yugo BMW Sales Plummet 36.1% Mini Sales Explode 43.1% In November GM Ceases All Corporate Jet Flights: To Sell Remaining Jets Toyota Sales Spiral In November Down 33.9%: Lexus Basement Bound Down 34.7%FOMOCO Sales Continue To Flatline: Down 30.6% In November Volkswagen Finally Fumbles In 2008: November Sales Drop 19.2%Japanese and South Korean Car Sales Plummet in November Comparison Test: 2008 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 The Big Three Bailout According to SNL Nissan 370Z goes from 0 to 60 in the same time as the BMW M3 Mulally chooses Escape Hybrid for D.C. road trip Fisker to unveil production Karma Hybrid in Detroit Toyota Halts Production And Cuts Management Bonuses To Maintain Positive Cashflow Chrysler says 2011 Charger and 300 will pass fuel-economy standards 2009 GMC Yukon XL Denali FORD CEO Alan Mulally Will Drive to Washington D.C. To BEG For Money - But What Car Will He Drive To D.C.? His Lexus, OR Perhaps Maybe a Ford Product?Industry Sales Likely To Be Down 28% In November GM May Fare Worse

More Recently Added News

Join AutoSpies

Photo Galleries

AutoSpies presents the best Auto Show Photos, Automotive Videos, Car Reviews and Hot Rides.

Latest Galleries

Cars

Auto Shows

More Galleries