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I personally would like to see Cadillac stick with the Northstar series and keep the corporate transmissions. The LD8 and L37 had good runs, it is time for the next generation, V8 only, with forced induction.
On the one hand you'd think a convertible Cadillac would make good sense; on the other hand I'm reasonably certain it would flop. And I can't really put my finger on why, other than past failures. But even if they made the best convertible on the market to make up for those past let-downs, I still have an unshakable hunch it would bomb.
Yes, thank you. My mistake, that's what I had intended, just wound up typing the wrong marque. (Worked at Buick then, embedded in my lexicon)
The XLR was a badge-engineered Corvette with little in the way of uniqueness that made it a worthy competitor to the SL, which is the standard-bearer in the class. Price-wise, the XLR was in Mercedes territory, but trying to compete with an SL with a higher trim level Corvette with new sheet metal was a futile effort that marketing could not have saved, since there is a small pool of Corvette buyers who would pay extra for the higher trim of the Cadillac. The SL appeals to many buyers, those who want a luxury convertible, and those who want a higher performance luxury convertible, one that is balanced between handling, speed, and executed with quality materials. For example, my mother has owned several SLs, but would not set foot in a Corvette because it does not appeal to her, and marketing an XLR to attract that buyer would not have been met with success.
If Cadillac gets a convertible, it should be positioned against the E-Class convertible, i.e., a four-seat that would be a variant of the CTS Coupe, as it might improve the looks of the coupe. However, GM should not cut corners with the vehicle, as it likes to do, or has done in the past and resort to a Cadillac convertible that is too similar to its Camaro cousin. That would be the same level of disaster as the XLR if the marque truly wishes to enter the luxury sphere. If they cut corners, make the convertible a four-seat Buick, and wait until a better Cadillac convertible is designed.
I think GM plans on making an ATS convertible. That would be a great niche for them. It would be available to everyone.
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(Worked at Buick then, embedded in my lexicon)
