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CADILLAC CTS

GM Seeks to Breath New Life Into the Cadillac ATS

June 30, 2016 by admin 4 Comments

Cadillac’s BMW beater has fizzled.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe.
2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe.

Nearly four years have come and gone and the Cadillac ATS has failed to meet expectations. Once heralded as the first true small luxury car from GM’s luxury brand, the ATS was supposed to take it to the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Instead, Cadillac’s entry-level line has seen its sales slide every year since its introduction.

Two Engine Choices

For 2017, the ATS will return, but with some important changes. Chief among them is discontinuing the model’s current base 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, a normally aspirated power plant found in more pedestrian models such as the Chevrolet Malibu. That engine made 202 horsepower and 191 foot-pound of torque.

Cadillac will continue with the ATS’ other two engine choices — a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder and a normally aspirated V-6 displacing at 3.6 liters. The turbo makes 272 horsepower with an output of 295 foot-pounds of torque. The V-6 is rated at 335 horsepower and 285 foot-pounds of torque.

The turbo comes paired with either a 6-speed manual (rear-wheel drive only) or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 continues with the automatic only.

Combatting Declining Sales

Other changes will have everything to do with prices and trim packages. According to Automotive News, GM’s goal is to give the ATS more value without damaging residuals. Across the board, luxury car model sales have suffered extensively in the past year or two as consumers continue their wholesale shift to utility vehicles. Even the benchmark setting 3 Series has recorded double-digit declines.

With the turbo now the standard engine, the base price of the ATS will rise and come in slightly higher than the BMW. Instead of cutting prices, customers will find better-equipped models.

Indeed, the focal point of ATS’ group of advanced technologies is the Cadillac User Experience or CUE, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with advanced smartphone integration and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Beginning with 2017, these features are standard across the model line.

ATS and CTS Trim Levels

The ATS’ trim levels are also shuffled for 2017. Currently, customers can choose between Standard, Luxury, Performance, and Premium editions. For 2017 ATS, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Premium Performance trims are available. Other changes bring in a Carbon Black sport package, a pair of new exterior patinas, and new wheels.

Move up the product line one place and you’ll find the CTS. This model will also benefit from changes for 2017, including a new grille design upfront and an updated fascia at the rear marked by vertical exhaust orientation and valance panel modifications. Trim level changes accompany the 2017 CTS too — CTS, Luxury, Premium Luxury, V-Sport and V-Sport Premium. Cadillac says the changes are in line with what its two all-new models provide — the XT5 crossover and the CT6 sedan.

2017 Cadillac Line

For 2017, the Cadillac product line is composed of the following cars: ATS, CTS, XTS, and CT6. The ATS is composed of sedan and coupe models; the other three are sedans only. Both the ATS and CTS offer high-performance “V” lines. The plug-in hybrid electric ELR coupe has been discontinued.

As for utility vehicles, the XT5 replaces the previous SRX. The only other model is the Escalade, a model Auto Trends is currently evaluating and will publish a review next week.

Looking beyond the current models, a plug-in hybrid version of the CT6 sedan is in the works and will arrive in early 2017. Beyond that, any new models will be composed entirely of utility vehicles as Cadillac seeks to catch up with market changes as well as to match what its competitors are offering.

See Also — Cue the Music: Cadillac Escalade is Tops in New Vehicle Satisfaction

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2017 cars, CADILLAC ATS, CADILLAC CT6, CADILLAC CTS, CADILLAC XT5, TRIMS

Cadillac CTS Vsport: Twin Turbo Performance

August 28, 2015 by admin 9 Comments

Automotive analysts drive me nuts! Well, not all — after all, I am an analyst myself.

What infuriates me is when any purported expert or analyst takes data and uses that to argue a point, a baseless one in particular. For example, some people are pointing to Cadillac’s current sales decline (2.4 percent through July 2015) and juxtapose that figure with the 5 percent increase in general sales and 10 percent increase in luxury sales through the same period, and use those numbers to conclude that Cadillac is in trouble.

2015 Cadillac CTS VSport
2015 Cadillac CTS VSport.

Agreed, on the surface it appears that Cadillac is getting spanked. But what is actually happening is that GM’s luxury brand is showing much discipline by not selling Cadillacs at fire sale prices as they have done in the past. Moreover, on close scrutiny you will understand what is ailing Cadillac — if you want to call it that — and that is a paucity of utility vehicles in a segment where its competitors sell far more SUVs than Cadillac’s two — the compact SRX crossover and the behemoth Escalade SUV.

Indeed, BMW (5), Audi (7) and Mercedes-Benz (7) have more of the kinds of vehicles people are buying at the moment in this crossover-crazed world. Further, Cadillac won’t be catching up anytime soon as it aligns its strategy into expanding its sedans first to four product lines when the Cadillac CT6 arrives later this year.

New utility vehicles will follow the CT6, but not immediately.

I am supposed to be dispassionate when writing about cars, especially when presenting a review, but I must say I like the direction Cadillac is heading. The XTS, ATS and Escalade have each been driven and reviewed by me and just this past week I added the CTS to my Cadillac review portfolio.

And not just any CTS, mind you. This one was a 2015 Cadillac CTS Vsport, a midsize luxury rear-wheel drive sedan powered by a twin-turbo V-6 engine. This same engine was found under the hood of an XTS I drove nearly two years ago, an all-wheel drive model also finished in dazzling crystal white tricoat.

The Vsport line should not be confused with the V-Series, the ultimate in Cadillac performance. But unlike Lexus which offers an ornamental “F Sport” line with no added performance and an “F” series with real kick, both Cadillac Vs do, indeed, provide the requisite bite.

The CTS-V (V-Series) model was last offered in 2014 and will return for 2016. A supercharged 6.2-liter making a jaw-dropping 640 horsepower moves that puissant beast, providing one of the best combinations of luxury and performance anywhere. In comparison, the CTS Vsport has an output of 420 horsepower by means of its 3.6-liter twin turbo, but those numbers shouldn’t be easily dismissed. This sedan rocks and you will hardly roll as you navigate the twisty roads. Composed? Most definitely.

The twinned turbo engine comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The normally aspirated engine has a 6-speed automatic with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive. The potent Vsport has the 8-speed automatic. Paddle shifters are included across the product line.

The Cadillac CTS offers a commanding presence. Now in its third generation, the current model advances the brand’s modern Art & Science design language.

That language includes a revised grille with Cadillac’s updated crest, deep crease lines running from the base of the front fascia to the windshield, angular headlamps, distinctive LED daytime running lights, and scalloped lower grille openings. On the sides, upper and lower character lines, alloy wheels and a roof line that flows to the raised rear deck are apparent. At the rear, this sedan is marked by the expected capacious horizontal tail lamps common to all Cadillacs and a pair of embedded exhaust finishers.

Inside, Cadillac makes every effort to match the fit, finish and the quality of materials you would find in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, an Audi A6, or in a BMW 5 Series. It is my estimation that Cadillac succeeds in that endeavor.

To wit, the CTS Vsport comes trimmed in leather with only choice materials used such as anodized aluminum or carbon fiber, and your choice of fine woods. Each CTS Vsport is equipped with a 20-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, heated and ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch configurable center color display, power accessories, a hand-wrapped and motorized front cup holder assembly, auxiliary power points, an SD card and USB ports, and wireless charging.

Two matters of note: I was disappointed that the CTS Vsport did not include a driver’s seat extender, what provides an extra measure of support for those long trips. Nor could I make the wireless charging system work. That wireless charger can be found in a hidden storage compartment located behind the climate control section of the center stack — the accompanying placard showed how it was done, but it didn’t get it done.

Cadillac’s center stack is capacitive controlled, with sensors detecting when you want to raise or lower the volume or adjust the climate control, with sliders controlling it all. I have a love/hate relationship with this arrangement. Notably, I love it when I can figure it out. But I hate it when it doesn’t respond as I would like. Furnish elegant buttons, switches and knobs instead — just leave the high tech controls out.

The CTS Vsport does have two notable attributes on its side. First, the interior is quiet, just as you would expect in a Cadillac. Second, the cabin is supremely comfortable, bright, roomy and exquisite. While you would also expect the latter in a Cadillac, the CTS is far different from the pillowy land barges Cadillac produced for much of the last century. This one provides a wholly European feel, with its simple, yet elegant style and on-road prowess.

Indeed, it is on the road where any sedan of the CTS Vsport’s caliber will either succeed or fail. Happily, the Vsport is and was up to the task.

Generally, when it comes to forced induction, I prefer superchargers over turbochargers. Superchargers quite frankly have no lag, but they are considered less efficient and more prone to reliability issues. But a twin turbo represents a parallel system where each turbo feeds off of half of the engine’s cylinders. Cadillac has these and an air cooler to deliver instant power. Turbo lag? It simply isn’t there. Optimum performance? Absolutely.

Ignite the starter, slip the Cadillac in gear and you are ready to head out. But not so fast: you can select touring, sport or track modes, the latter adjusting throttle progression and the magnetic ride control calibrations while on the track. Moreover, track mode is also ideal for curvilinear roads, pavement imbued with the twists, turns, rises and falls that makes sport sedan driving a most excellent experience.

Cadillac says that the CTS Vsport hits 60 mph from a dead stop in just 4.4 seconds and I won’t argue with that contention, despite not having a stop watch to confirm same. Press on the pedal and immediately you have all 420 stallions galloping forward.

Copious amounts of energy is unleashed and if paddle shifters are your deal (not for me — give me a manual), then you are ready to explore the Vsport’s driving side. ZF Steering supplies the electric variable-assist power steering, with quick flicks of the wheel moving this hallowed four-door with ease. No mushy feel here — the connection to the Vsport is confident and nailed down.

The chassis and suspension underpinning the CTS Vsport is what places the emphasis on enthusiasm in this model. Magnetic ride control represents the world’s fastest reacting suspension system, adjusting upwards of 1,000 times per second to ensure the best ride possible. The system is not new — it originated with the Chevrolet Corvette and found its way to the Cadillac Seville STS early in this century. Other manufacturers have tried to match it, but have yet to replicate its adeptness.

For diehard luxury performance enthusiasts, nothing less than the CTS-V will do. For those who want to balance luxury, performance and affordability, the CTS Vsport merits your consideration, notwithstanding what some automotive analysts might opine.


2015 Cadillac CTS Vsport

  • Sticker price from $59,340
  • Price as tested: $62,280
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 3.6-liter 24-valve twin turbocharged gasoline engine
  • 420 horsepower @ 5,750 RPM
  • 430 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 RPM
  • 3.70 inches bore by 3.37 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.2-to-1
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 114.6 inches
  • Length: 195.5 inches
  • Width: 72.2 inches
  • Height: 57.2 inches
  • Passenger volume: 97 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 13.7 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds
  • EPA: 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 19 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,952 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Lansing, Michigan

2015 Cadillac CTS Vsport photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 CARS, CADILLAC CTS, CTS VSPORT, luxury, MAGNETIC RIDE CONTROLL, rear-wheel drive, SPORTS SEDAN, TWIN TURBO

Grand Cadillac to be Built in Detroit

September 22, 2014 by admin 5 Comments

New model will sit at the top of Cadillac’s model range.

The worst kept secret in the automobile industry is this one: Cadillac plans to build a full-sized, rear-wheel drive sedan that will rival the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and the Audi A8. The top-of-the-range model has only been openly discussed for several years now with two recent concept vehicles, Ciel and Elmiraj, fanning the flames.

Built in Detroit

On Friday, Cadillac issued a press release announcing that its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant has been selected to build the unnamed flagship with production commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Cadillac Ciel Concept.

Cadillac Ciel Concept.

An official preview of the new sedan is months away with GM saying that it would happen in the first half of 2015. Auto Trends has been told that the New York International Auto Show will showcase the new model, with a March 31, 2015, debut tentatively scheduled. The NY auto show will be open to the public from April 3 to 15, 2015.

Another possibility is a Jan. debut in Detroit, host of the North American International Auto Show. Personally, I’m leaning toward Detroit as it is the biggest stage for Cadillac’s most significant model ever.

The Detroit-Hamtramck facility is a logical choice as GM has invested more than $1 billon in the plant over the past five years. The plant currently builds several Cadillac models, including the ELR plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the compact ATS coupe and sedan, and the midsize CTS sedan. Retooling for the new sedan is already done, reflecting an earlier $384 million investment commitment.

No Cadillac Models Replaced

GM also put to rest rumors that Cadillac’s XTS sedan would disappear once the new model arrives. Some analysts have looked at that sedan as a “place holder” until the grand sedan appears, but GM noted that the new model “adds to rather than replaces any model in the portfolio.” Likely, the slow-selling ELR will also hang around for at least another model year too.

Newly installed Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen, formerly with Audi and Infiniti, noted that the flagship model will extend GM’s luxury brand’s range. He also pointed out that the vehicle will lift Cadillac in other ways. “In addition to new technology in the car itself, we are instituting innovative manufacturing techniques to assemble it with the precision deserving of a luxury make,” stated de Nysschen.

Cadillac sales are down 4.7 percent year-to-date in a market that is experiencing double-digit increases. The brand should erase its shortfall by year end as new ATS coupe and Navigator models draw people to Cadillac showrooms.

Cadillac Elmiraj Concept.

Cadillac Elmiraj Concept.

Omega Platform

The flagship Cadillac will be built on GM’s all-new Omega platform, itself derived from the Alpha platform underpinning the ATS and CTS. Even so, the cost for launching the new platform cannot be paid by a vehicle selling for upwards of six figures, given that fewer than 10,000 units will be sold each year.

Auto Trends believes that there are two models that will ultimately be derived from Omega: Buick’s large coupe, what likely will sport the Riviera moniker, and the next generation Escalade SUV. The most recent generation Escalade was introduced for the 2015 model year, but its run is expected to be a short one. My guess is that the Riviera will debut by 2017 and the Omega-based Escalade by 2018.

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Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: AUTO SHOW, CADILLAC, CADILLAC ATS, CADILLAC CTS, CADILLAC ELR, Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac XTS, DETROIT-HAMTRAMCK, GM, JOHAN DE NYSSCHEN

About the 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

April 8, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Second generation sedan receives available all-wheel drive.

2015 Hyundai Genesis.
2015 Hyundai Genesis.

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis made its debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this past Jan. Sales will begin this spring for the second generation of this larger rear-wheel drive sedan.

The new Genesis advances fluidic sculpture 2.0 or the second generation of a design language popularized by the Sonata midsize sedan. The new model returns with its current engine and transmission offerings intact, but numerous other updates including all-wheel drive bring this luxury sedan up a notch.

2015 Hyundai Genesis

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is priced from $38,000 with its 3.8-liter V-6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For another $2,500 you get all-wheel drive. A 5.0-liter V-8 engine is also available, but is sold in rear-wheel drive only ($51,500).

The sedans sub-$40,000 price point keeps it the value leader in the midsize luxury sedan class. The Genesis chief competitors include the Cadillac CTS, Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the Lexus GS.

In the Hyundai line up, Genesis sits between the Azera and Equus. Both models were reviewed on Auto Trends this year; well take a look at the all-new Genesis once it makes it way to us through the fleet rotation.

2015 Hyundai Genesis

Fluidic Sculpture 2.0

The latest Genesis sedan features crisp lines providing a distinct look with its polished lines and refined presentation. Essentially, Hyundais designers took the earlier design language and relaxed it in some sections while sharpening it in other areas. Up front is a six-slat hexagonal grille flanked by new headlamps and standard daytime running lights.

Sharp creases run from the edges of the grille and to the back of the hood. Profile character lines extend from the headlamps across the door handles to the tail lamps. Rocker panel trim, elegantly arched wheel wells, jeweled tail lamps and quad chrome exhaust finishers are among the other exterior highlights of note.

Larger, More Luxurious Cabin

Inside, Hyundai says that Genesis has a more open feel including simplified switchgear, a more sensible layout, and upgraded storage areas. A new head-up display (HUD) is among the the many technologies available or standard with the 2015 Hyundai Genesis. Other technologies include a TFT LCD display, smart cruise control, blind spot detection, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and navigation.

Leather seating is standard with the 3.8 version and ultra-premium leather is provided with the 5.0. Every model is outfitted with 12-way (16-way 5.0) power driver and front passenger seats with 4-way lumbar support, heated front seats, heated rear seats with the AWD model only, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted controls, and two 12-volt outlets. The 5.0 edition also brings in ventilated seats, a power tilt and slide panoramic glass sunroof, genuine matte finish wood, aluminum accents, illuminated door sills, manual rear side sunshades, and a power rear sunshade. Choosing the 5.0 also brings in a 14-speaker Lexicon surround sound audio system.

Dimensions and Fuel Economy

Hyundai claims that the Genesis has the largest interior volume in its class measuring 123 cubic feet. That breaks down to 107.7 cubic feet in passenger volume and 15.3 cubic feet in cargo volume. The new model sits on a longer wheelbase 118.5 versus 115.6, but is nearly the same length as the previous model at 196.5 inches, up from 196.3 inches.

The sedan has also put on some weight, adding approximately 100 to 300 pounds depending on the model. Despite the added poundage, fuel economy improves with the standard model, delivering 18 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, a 2 mpg increase for the open road. Fuel economy for the V-8 remains at 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Photos courtesy of Hyundai Motor America.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2015 MODELS, all-wheel drive, BMW 5 SERIES, CADILLAC CTS, FLUIDIC SCULPTURE, Hyundai Genesis Sedan, LEXUS GS

Cadillac CTS Pricing: Going Up

June 18, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

The General Motors Company has been repetitively telling us that the third generation Cadillac CTS would cost more as the new sedan grows in luxury and proportions to take on Europe’s finest models. Indeed, the new model is five inches longer, but 244 pounds lighter than the 2013 edition. With a starting price of $46,025 including its destination charge, the 2014 Cadillac CTS is priced $6,035 higher than the previous model.

2014 Cadillac CTS sedan.

The new pricing also reflects what GM says are more than 20 new standard features. Three trim levels — Luxury, Performance and Premium — are available for a model that features standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive is also available. The CTS V-Series is sold separately.

Cadillac CTS Engines

GM’s go-to V-6 engine, displacing at 3.6 liters and making 321 horsepower, is back. New for 2014 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, the first four banger application for the Cadillac CTS. The 272-horsepower engine is also available with the Cadillac ATS, the brand’s entry-level compact sedan.

2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan


At a Glance

  • Sticker price from $46,035
  • Arrives fall 2013
  • Three trim levels available
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • Standard rear-wheel drive
  • Optional all-wheel drive
  • Two engine choices
  • V-Series gains a twin-turbo V-6 engine
  • First eight-speed transmission offered

The Cadillac CTS offers selectable drive modes for better handling and control on challenging surfaces. Drivers can choose touring, ice and snow, or sport driving as they head out. Each model is equipped with front Brembo brakes, anti-corrosion rotors, Magnetic Ride Control and 18-inch wheels.

Infotainment by Cadillac CUE

Cadillac CUE, the brand’s infotainment system, is standard across the CTS line. All models are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen that can be easily reconfigured and controlled by light finger touches or with a sweep of a hand. Steering wheel controls for the phone, radio and navigation functions are displayed on a 5.7-inch instrument panel color display.

The Cadillac CTS features an 11-speaker Bose audio system with HD radio capability. Streaming portable media devices is accomplished with its three USB ports, one auxiliary port and an SD card port.

Cadillac CTS V-Series

A V-8 engine option is no longer available with the new Cadillac CTS. For buyers of the CTS V-Series, retailing from $59,995, that sedan is powered a Twin Turbo version of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The enhanced motor is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel drive only model also comes with an electronic limited slip differential.

With its new model as well as with an upgraded packaging and pricing formula, GM is aiming the 2014 Cadillac CTS squarely at the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E350 sedans. Its pricing comes in $4,400 to $6,800 less than BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but is $2,030 higher than the Audi according to Automotive News.

Given the CTS’s growing following and ongoing favorable critic reviews, this sedan has the cachet to compete side-by-side with Europe’s finest models. Include the Jaguar XF and Lexus GS with the German three and the Cadillac CTS sedan has the credentials to take on five world-class competitors and win.


See Also — Cadillac CTS Vsport: Twin Turbo Performance

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, AUDI, BMW, CADILLAC CTS, CADILLAC V-SERIES, GM, luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz

Cadillac ATS at the Heart of Brand Revival

February 7, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

GM has made much progress in recent years to elevate its Cadillac brand back into luxury segment relevancy. Those changes began to kick in as far back as 2007 when the second-generation CTS made its debut. That sedan was followed by wagon and coupe body styles, a new SRX crossover and, most recently, the ATS sedan.

2013 Cadillac ATS
2013 Cadillac ATS

Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac ATS is a shining star for the brand, much in the same way that the CTS has always been. Last November, Auto Trends reported that the compact luxury sedans conquest rate was 70 percent, meaning seven out of 10 ATS buyers were new to Cadillac.

At the beginning of this month as GM released its Jan. 2013 US sales data, we learned that Cadillac ATS sales rose by 47 percent over December. Moreover, in January Cadillac had its best retail sales month in 23 years. GM also estimates that Cadillac market share increased by 3 points, for the largest increase of any luxury make.


See Also — Introducing the All-New Cadillac CT4


Retail Sales

Key for Cadillac is that it is relying much less on fleet sales and much more on customer sales. Fleet sales can push up the volume while also pushing down profits. Some 94 percent of Cadillacs sold last month went to individuals, just the sort of change GM has been striving to achieve for years.

Also selling well for Cadillac is its SRX crossover, a second-generation model that was refreshed and gained technological updates for the 2013 model year. This small crossover has been a delightful surprise for Cadillac, in a segment that continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Indeed, that is the reason why Lincoln fielded the MKC Concept this year: Ford wants in on the fastest-growing luxury vehicle segment.

New Cadillac Models

Two new models are slated to be released later this year and early next year. The third-generation CTS will arrive in the fall, a sedan. When pressed recently by this writer to reveal what plans that the brand has for the CTS line, a Cadillac spokesman was expectantly tight-lipped. However, Auto Trends believes that the Cadillac CTS will lose either its coupe or wagon body styles, with the ATS gaining at least one of these models in subsequent years.

The second model to be released this year will be the Cadillac ELR, a spectacular looking plug-in hybrid electric coupe that may prove to be the surprise halo product for the Cadillac brand. GM may only sell a few thousand copies annually, but then that alone may be enough.

Brand Analysis

With Cadillac selling more cars and therefore proving more profitable, GM is proving that its over-reliance on full-size pickup trucks will continue to shrink. Cadillac is adding new models and with an updated Escalade and a larger crossover in the works, GM will have Cadillac better positioned to take on Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, BMW and Audi, brands that will pose the biggest challenge for it through the remainder of this decade.


Further Reading

Thrice Teased: Cadillac Sixteen, Ciel and Elmiraj

Bling it On: 2015 Cadillac Escalade

Fords Risky Reductive Lincoln Approach

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: CADILLAC, CADILLAC ATS, CADILLAC CTS, CADILLAC SRX, GM, LUXURY BRANDS

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