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Can Americans build luxury cars? Is the 2008 Cadillac CTS the answer?

omarrana submitted on 03/01/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 11:21 AM
from: www.egmcartech.com

[26] user comments | category: New Cars

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Tags: Cadillac CTS, Cadillac

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Can Americans build luxury cars? Is the 2008 Cadillac CTS the answer?

This question has been at debate for the longest time. Can GM and Ford really compete with BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti or Acura? Mainly, Cadillac and Lincoln started to lead the market in late 1990’s, but Lincoln has been slacking in the past couple of years. Cadillac on the other hand has kept its respect by releasing very sleek exteriors for their models. Nonetheless, its the interior where most American luxury cars fall apart with their cheap plastic parts. They feel so cheap that if you just sit inside and knock around the interior, you would feel like you’re playing with a Fisher Price toy.

But now, with the new 2008 Cadillac CTS, things are about to change. Being Cadillac’s best seller, much is riding on the success of the 2008 Cadillac CTS while competition heats up from BMW’s 3-Series, Lexus’ IS and Mercedes-Benz’s newly designed C-Class coming this summer. Finally, GM has taken “control of the interior away from the accountants and returned it to the design department.”

Paying much more attention to the interior as they should have previously, Cadillac went as far as making buttons and knobs more custom made with ambient lighting along the doors. The 2008 Cadillac CTS also features hand stitched coverings on the instrument panel, center console and doors.

While all this attention and details add more cost on development, Dave Rand, GM’s executive director for interior design, told BusinessWeek that he believes the improvements in quality are worth it. “All the manufacturers know the new game in town is interiors,” says Rand. “The exterior is still the hook, but how you live with the product, well, that’s all on the inside.”

Well its about time you guys got your act together on giving the American citizens what they paid for. And please, stop with the excessive use of plastic. Read Article

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Will_ - 3/1/2007 1:50:17 PM

+1 Boost

There's no doubt that the exterior is fantastic. The criticism has always been about the materials, and from the looks of it, they've stepped it up. This will be a breakthrough model for the brand.

On another note, I don't think CTS buyers are the same buyers considering a 3-Series, A4, or IS. CTS buyers have always seemed to fall in the Lexus ES category. Maybe this model will change that.

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dav256 - 3/1/2007 2:03:45 PM

-4 Boost

Here are New M3 pics http://www.autobild.de/erlkoenige/neuheiten/artikel.php?artikel_id=13477

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SteveL - 3/1/2007 3:01:37 PM

+3 Boost

I think that Americans can absulutly build a luxery car. I think the changes in the Cady are just the begining (i hope)

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S4cabriofoxone - 3/1/2007 9:44:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Luxury. You scared me for a moment- I thought you were a Lexus freak, saying "lexury."

JUGNU - 3/1/2007 3:57:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

It definately looks better than the New C class (inside and out) and Audi A4.This will sell well.

JUGNU

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1995e34 - 3/1/2007 4:38:14 PM

+2 Boost

nobody questioned the caddie's luxury abilities, it was the sporting abilities that always fell short. then they got sportier, but the interiors lagged a bit. this new cts looks to do it all. gm is not dead

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1995e34 - 3/1/2007 6:27:27 PM

+2 Boost

i was refering to caddy in general, not just the cts. i know the cts has brought performance from day one.

Designer1 - 3/1/2007 6:47:02 PM

-1 Boost

I wish they can, but they really can't. GM has past its time long time ago to prove that it can build any good quality car. With this new CTS, well just wait for it to hit the road then ask about it a year later and you'll get the same shitty response as the current models.

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Lexus - 3/1/2007 8:00:58 PM

+2 Boost

I think Cadillac can built a luxury car but it handling and quality has alway put them down. The other problem is more people purchasing BMW, MB, Lexus, Audi, Acura and Infiniti as their prefer brand of luxury. I think this new CTS look great, love that European design.

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S4cabriofoxone - 3/1/2007 9:45:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

You love CADILLAC's Euro-inspired design, but you don't love REAL European design?!

-FLABBERGASTED-

Lexus - 3/1/2007 10:56:30 PM

-2 Boost

You're wrong S4, I like many European brand, Aston Martin, Peugot, BMW 650i, Audi RS4.

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S4cabriofoxone - 3/1/2007 11:34:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Okay. You've said you like the 6 Series and RS4 before.

But what about the others?

How about the normal A4? My car? The new 3 Series coupe?

Lexus - 3/2/2007 1:00:31 AM

-2 Boost

The normal A4 is not good enough in hp, average styling. I bought the Lexus IS350 over the A4, BMW 3 series and C-class because I think it the best in it class. The IS350 beauty is very elegant and appealing to the eyes. It got the best interior in it segment and so as it reliability.

I don't really like convertible unless it An Aston Martin or Lambo. BMW 3 Series coupe is "NOT" attractive at all, but it is defininely fast. The new 3 series coupe/M3 has gotten very soft compare to last gen. The new 3 Series has lost all it aggressiveness, it look more like a chic car than a man.

If I had the money I get the Lexus LFA, Aston Martin Rapide, V8 Vantage, Gallardo, 599 GTB, NSX, and the BMW M6.

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Lexus - 3/2/2007 1:02:11 AM

-1 Boost

And also I would love to the Lexus LS600 hl as well ;) LOL...he..he..he...he...he...

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lexusis350 - 3/2/2007 1:24:23 AM

+1 Boost

I don't think that an entry-level luxury sedan is going to be enough to make Cadillac known as a true competitor to Mercedes and Lexus. Maybe if they redo the DTS or the STS, but the CTS isn't luxurious enough.

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A4ORCE - 3/2/2007 1:44:22 AM

+1 Boost

They're definitely getting a lot better. Any guesses as to how many years it might take Cadillac to live down the bad reputation they've made for themselves?

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germeezy2 - 3/2/2007 3:00:46 AM

+2 Boost

I don't know if you guys look at the numbers but Cadillac is doing great in sales. Ahead of such rivals such as Acura, Audi, Volvo, and Infiniti in sales. And owner of the true luxury sales crown.

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Neverfollow - 3/2/2007 12:45:07 PM

+1 Boost

I caught a peek at this car during the Barrett-Jackson auction week in Scottsdale AZ this past January and I have to say, I was very impressed with the interior, especially with the lights on. The previous CTS interior was rubbish but this one looked really, really nice. Dare I go so far as to say "it looks like someone cared" this time around.

I think Cadillac has been doing great things lately. Considering its disfuctional parent company (GM), they have come a long way through a not so favorable climate. The brand is in a virtual street fight with the German and Asians but still, they hold their respective heads high. Good job guys!

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no1listensanyway - 6/4/2007 8:04:07 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I have an 06 and will be the first to tell you, that the interior is not anywhere near the top of class. What sold me on the car was the exterior design of the car, to me its very appealing. It is also bigger then all of its competitors, which prob the biggest reason why I bought it. With the CTS, i got a 5 series sized car for a 3 series price. (And a great price at that)

The new CTS is going to be flying off the lots, most Cadillac dealers already anticipate that. With a coupe, wagon and possibly convertible, this car will rack up some serious sales. Personally, I am going to wait it out for the coupe.

GM needs to take the cts formula and move it across their product lineup.

Steve - 3/8/2007 6:31:54 PM

+1 Boost

I confused how someone can be inspired by European design (i.e., "European inspired"), and yet make a distinctly American-looking automobile. It isn't a pretty sight.

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Georgemia - 3/8/2007 10:27:34 PM

+1 Boost

Well, it just seems to me that while Cadillac has finally cleaned up the vinyl roofs and opera windows, BMW looks like it's gone for piercings and tatoos, and Mercedes, with those bulging fenders, is channelling Oldsmobile. Audi is revisiting Edsel's famous nose. Benzes and Bimmers, but they are no longer the most beautiful cars around.

There's a history of beautiful American design in automobiles- the bean counters have driven it away, but no reason it can't come back.

austintyson - 3/9/2007 4:47:29 AM

+1 Boost

Question can GM make a better Caddy.. Lets hope so. Just think if Caddy can make MB, BMW and the others go what are they doing.. then maybe they will try a bit better.. meaning the customer will be the winner..And to look at GM and say they make crap, just remember when people used to look at the imports and say the same thing....

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germeezy2 - 3/11/2007 2:08:43 AM

+1 Boost

Cadillac is a force to be reckoned with. Most people don't know that Cadillac has been for some time now the leader in true luxury sales.

reply to this comment

EL34i - 3/13/2007 6:13:12 AM

+1 Boost

....yawn

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