Akerson Confirms: Cadillac Will Build Large RWD Flagship, Just Not the Ciel
During a visit to USA Today‘s editorial offices, CEO Dan Akerson of General Motors clarified the question of a rear wheel drive Cadillac flagship. Akerson confirmed that Cadillac is indeed working on a RWD based model that will likely slot in above Cadillac’s current top of the line XTS sedan and probably go on sale in 2015.
According to USA Today, that car will be “very loosely based” on the platform underpinning the new 2014 CTS, not a platform from GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden, which has supplied platforms for many recent RWD GM cars like the Camaro, the new Chevy police car and the Chevrolet SS. It will come in an AWD version, considered by many in the luxury field to be an essential feature to be able to sell cars north of the Mason-Dixon line. Though the XTS also comes in an AWD version, the new sedan is not likely to replace the biggest current Caddy. Though sometimes derided by enthusiasts, the XTS sells well, in this country and in China. In North America, GM sells about as many XTS models as it does with the CTS. Akerson made a point of saying that the new large sedan will not resemble recent Cadillac concept cars, making it clear without saying so that the Ciel is dead, as was reported recentl y. The flagship, along with other upcoming Cadillacs will, however, pick up styling cues from the Ciel and other concepts, as evident in the front end of the new CTS that features headlamps units that extend back along the ridge of the front fenders.
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He didn't say anything that wasn't known, and USAT didn't really flesh it out much. It's coming, it's based on the new Omega platform which is in turn derived from Alpha, it's benchmarked vs the S-Class and 7-Series and A8, and it'll be one big step up from the new CTS in the same way that the new CTS is one big step up from the ATS. I have heard both "ZTS" and "Fleetwood" as potential model names for this thing; I suspect it will end up being called something else. "STS" is not outside of the realm of possibility. As I understand it, what's actually going on is that there was supposed to be one more top-end Cadillac that was above this new big sedan, but they sent the program back to the drawing board -- not because they're cheapskates, but because they decided it wasn't really all that much nicer than the new big sedan, and they needed to think about how to make a larger statement. There is an awful lot of deep thought going on with Cadillac within GM. This is a very, very interesting, very long-range program.
I'm confused about all the derision directed at the XTS. We are a professional couple in our late 30's/early 40's and found it to be an excellent fit for what we wanted in a new car. Our requirements were to stay under 70k, have generous room, be quiet and comfortable, an excellent ride and be packed with technology. This car wasn't even a consideration at first. However, after looking at the BMW 5 series, the Audi A6, the MB E class and the Jaguar XF, it became the obvious choice. The interiors of the BMW and MB felt cheap at those prices. The Audi was not back seat friendly (we need something comfortable for our elderly parents). The Jag was nice. However, to match the XTS interior, it soon shot way over budget. That seemed a common theme across the board as well. The base prices on the competition seemed competitive, until you really started adding options. This is our first American car. We've always defaulted to BMW, MB, Jaguar or Land Rover. At this point in our lives, we thought 'Why not?' Worse case, it can't be any worse than a Range Rover. So, we bought a AWD Platinum. So far, it's a really REALLY great car. We love CUE. It's very quiet with great seats. You can't beat this car on a long trip. Oh, and it runs on regular gas! We thought we'd get grief from our friends who'd NEVER consider an American car. Quite the opposite actually. This car has really changed a few minds. If, and that's the biggest issue here -IF, Cadillac can keep making products like this, they will take sales away and be successful. As was pointed out, Lexus used to be ok on their styling but was always 'Wow!' on the inside. The new crop isn't like this at all. A Lexus owner was wishing the interiors were still that nice but you can see the cost cutting, especially in the new ES and GS. The XTS has that 'Wow!' factor. It may not be what enthusiasts want. However, in our demographic, it is and Cadillac is making an impression.
Smart move on Cadillac's part. Use the Ciel design language but not the open air feature, that would have limited sales. I remember when GM announced they weren't doing the Ciel everyone was disappointed but I said you watch they will do a flagship just not the Ciel. Trust me Lincoln is working on one too. No brainer of the day.
Ciel, Sixteen... Cadillac knows how to design a large imposing Cadillac... apparently they can't figure out what to power it with.... maybe they ought to stick with a corvette engine and be done with it already.