GM Inside News is reporting that the expected 3L variant of the high feature 3.6L V6 is on the way for the new Buick Lacrosse crossover, and in that application makes 250 hp.
We are still hoping to see a 270hp variant for the CTS and the new Alpha Sedan, as we discussed here.
This would be an engine that may add a few mpg for the CTS but still give about the same hp as the current non-DI 3.6L, so win-win.
GMInsideNews.com is reporting that Cadillac is accelerating development of the alpha architecture
In another rumored move, Global Product Board has taken development of Alpha from GM Holden and has given it to the GM North America and GM Europe operations. This was done to placate Cadillac, who does not want to compromise on Alpha’s development for their planned BLS-replacement. What Cadillac hopes to achieve is to get a flexible enough platform to support 4, 6, or 8 cylinder engines, as was deemed necessary by the Wreath & Crest brand.
This may also hint that a premium version of the Alpha platform will eventually supplant the Sigma platform that current underpins the Cadillac CTS when the vehicle is replaced in the 2012-2014 time frame. Originally, GM had intended to further develop a “premium version” of the Zeta architecture that would unify both Zeta and the much more expensive Sigma platform. These plans, apparently, have been shelved in favor of a wider utilization of the lighter Alpha platform.
I am a huge proponent of lighter cars. It was expected that the new smaller-than-a-CTS model would be lighter by virtue of being smaller.
The idea that a ‘stretched’ alpha might replace the current Sigma II architecture of the Cadillac CTS is very interesting, and would be a way for the entire line to get on a diet, so to speak. Very good news.
Of course, a nice V8 engine in a lighter Cadillac Alpha platform would be fun, if less economical. But certainly a V-Series edition of the upcoming Alpha model would be welcome.
With the success in sales of the Cadillac CTS from 2003 forward, Cadillac has slowly moved this model upstream. Although originally entry level CTS models sold for just under US$30K, most examples on Dealer lots now are in the high 30s to mid 40s. Cadillac plans to slide in a new car in 2010 that is a bit smaller than the CTS, and a bit less pricey. To make room for the new line, the price of the CTS has gone up a bit. The new Cadillac has not been publicly named yet. I am voting for it to be called the Cadillac αTS, for Alpha Touring Sedan. I would make the A a Greek Alpha to signify that this is a special car.
When the Automotive press thinks of an inexpensive Cadillac, especially perhaps one with a 4-cylinder engine, they immediately yell CIMARRON!!! The Cimarron basis was a Chevrolet Citation that was optioned up and rebadged as a Cadillac. It was not an inspiring car to begin with, and it was not a great car with a Cadillac badge on it.
Okay, so we have a business story on how not to execute the design and marketing for the new car. But where is a good plan for how TO do it? I suggest that Cadillac should consider the BMW 135i. It continues to suffer from Bangle design, but look at other facets of the model. As the top of the 1-line, it got the same 3L 300hp twin-turbo engine as the 335i. The interior is high quality and well laid out. From the driver’s seat of a 135i one can not tell that you are not in a 335i or 5, 6, or 7 series BMW. The 135 FEELS like a BMW and shares a lot of interior styling cues with the rest of the line. The 135i has full entertainment, leather, and navigation features of the larger BMWs.
How does the 135i fall down? It is pricey, at $35k. The 128i is the price leader for this model, so okay I guess. Also, $35K is not as much as it used to be. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I feel the small BMW is challenged there. The small size may have contributed to it looking like it does, but ugly is also something I hope Cadillac avoids in the new model. Especially since the Cadillac will actually be the size of the larger 335i and not the 135i.
So what is the message? Sure, bring us an alpha-chasis Cadillac that is lighter and more agile. Offer it with a 4-cylinder turbo that gets good performance and mileage (a la 128i). But give us the option of the big engines in the small car if that’s what we want, full boat interior touches, and autocross capabilities. If the new CTS-V is the M5 matchup, please make the new Cadillac αTS the 335i matchup. Yes, sure, bring high MPG lower performance option models along or along later, but show performance and luxury up front. Those are what Cadillac is about.