Cadillac Aiming For RWD Flagship, New SRX In 2015

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Trailing behind premium powerhouses BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus in annual U.S. sales thus far in 2014, Cadillac is planning a two-pronged counterattack for 2015.

Bloomberg reports chief engineer Dave Leone informed reporters at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance that Cadillac will unveil a top-of-the-line RWD vehicle similar to the 2013 Elmiraj Concept, as well as a redesigned SRX. An ATS-V is also in the works, according to Leone.

Speaking of the ATS, the compact vehicle has been leading the brand’s overall sales decline alongside the behemoth XTS, both falling down 20 percent through the end of July. Meanwhile, the SRX is doing well for itself, with sales climbing 16 percent in the same period for the premium crossover.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Carguy Carguy on Aug 18, 2014

    While Cadillac sales have been falling this year, the piling on from TTAC has been somewhat misleading. Here are some facts to ponder about Cadillac sales: 1. The ATS outsold the Audi A4 in 2013 and is still selling around the same numbers now. 2. The ATS is also outselling both the much hyped A3 and the Mercedes CLA. 3. 70% of ATS customers are new to the brand. 4. The CTS is also outselling the Audi A6. 5. The SRX is also outselling the Audi Q5 I am sure that Cadillac is not happy with their sales numbers but, if they are in trouble, then what does that say about Audi?

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    • Carguy Carguy on Aug 18, 2014

      VoGo - the post bankruptcy turnaround is in its infancy. Saying that the brand is old would be like writing BMW off in the 70s as they had been in business since the First World War and we're nearly bankrupt. You clearly value strategy which is undeniably important - so please share with me what you think the BMW strategy is? Sporty driving? Not anymore. Reliability? I was joking. Luxurious interiors? Not for less than $70k. Maybe it's filling every product niche that they can dream of? Front wheel drive minivans? Yes they have one of those now.

  • Big L from Chicago Big L from Chicago on Aug 18, 2014

    I think they should do what they did best, and make a real American fullsize car again, one that will fit big Americans who don't necessarily want an Escalade but want the room.

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    • Big L from Chicago Big L from Chicago on Aug 18, 2014

      @Drzhivago138 I hope Cadillac gives it a go and we can find out.

  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on Aug 18, 2014

    "Bloomberg reports chief engineer Dave Leone informed reporters at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance that Cadillac will unveil a top-of-the-line RWD vehicle similar to the 2013 Elmiraj Concept" I'll believe it when I see it. Here's hoping if it does happen they don't screw it up. "Speaking of the ATS, the compact vehicle has been leading the brand’s overall sales decline" Big surprise. Didn't Jack call this last year?

    • Sportyaccordy Sportyaccordy on Aug 19, 2014

      Jack did, very shrewdly. The ATS and to a lesser but still troublesome degree the CTS, suffer from the following problems... - not enough back seat space compared to competition - CUE - not American enough ("where are the V8s," asked Jack) - not enough content per dollar (these cars are priced exactly the same as their German counterparts and MORE than their Japanese counterparts while bringing no added content, and nowhere near the brand equity that matters in this segment) Cadillac in general suffers from a lack of brand direction/identity, and zero presence in segments of growth (small CUVs, hybrids etc). The LTS will be in the same no-man's land as the Jag XJ, but worse, without any credibility in Europe and zero ability to pull folks from S Classes and such for a car with the same money and no brand. The Equus is barely hanging in there at a steep discount to the Ss and 7s... Caddy is crazy if they think they will get anyone to buy a Cadillac Equus for S550 money.

  • Stanczyk Stanczyk on Aug 19, 2014

    'The front is to radical to be appreciated by the masses.' - new Cadillac fronts(faces) are messy design-excersize .. but maybe they are attractive for chinesse nouveau-riche 'focus group' :) .. Best designs from modern Cadillac are previous CTS(especially extravagant Coupe), and XLR .. and oryginal 'sharp & edgy' Art&Science is the way to go.. and that concept on the picture(future flagship) is not very attractive design either .. Right now, they've got good tech:(engines, magnetic-ride..) so they need to support it with elegant design.. Caddy should preserve it's 'american character' and not try to 'chase germans'..

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