Re: Cadillac CTS Coupe set to do battle with European brands

Reading this article on LuxVelocity.com: Cadillac CTS Coupe set to do battle with European brands.

The Cadillac CTS Sedan was introduced in 2003.  It has been a successful keystone of the current Cadillac Renaissance.  Cadillac has been ‘bringing it’ with the Escalade, CTS, CTS-V, and now the new redesigned 2010 SRX.  However, they also had sales misses with the RWD STS from 2005, and the first generation SRX.

In person the Cadillac CTS Coupe is a jewel, and is visually magnetic.  I think it will do VERY well in sales.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

I have always felt that looks were the cause of poor sales of the 2005-2009 Cadillac STS.  Specifically, the front hood is flat and really gives the vehicle a plain look.  Certainly NOT what you want in an upmarket luxury sedan.  Compare the STS with the CTS or peaked hood of the STS-V below; and this is after the STS was ‘freshened’.

I mean after all, the STS is basically an upmarket, better optioned CTS with more rear leg room; what’s not to like?  It is an oddity of sales that very simple things make or break the success of a car model.

Cadillac STS

Cadillac STS

Cadillac STS-V

Cadillac STS-V

2003-2007 Cadillac CTS

2003-2007 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac CTS Coupe:  The CTS re-invented?

From the article:

This new CTS is will do battle with German competitors to get buyers looking for a mid level luxury coupe. The new Cadillac CTS Coupe is edgy and attractive from every angle. Most notable is the rear design with the mid form lay out of the exhaust which is super aggressive. The stance of the car sits two inches lower than the Cadillac CTS sedan which provides a more sporty stance for the vehicle.

“Cadillac has always been an emotional brand – it’s about delivering art regardless of body style,” said Max Wolff, director of exterior design for Cadillac. “With the CTS Coupe, it was about taking something very strong – the CTS Sport Sedan – and extending its potential.”

I totally agree — Cadillac Style is not just about delivering the best technology, a great Cadillac should also be a work of art.

Read more on LuxVelocity.com: Cadillac CTS Coupe set to do battle with European brands.

Re: Wagon Ho! Cadillac Explores a New Trail

Regarding this article: Wagon Ho! Cadillac Explores a New Trail | The Jacksonville Observer.

I was wondering about Cadillac’s production volume expectations for the CTS Sedan vs CTS Sport Wagon vs CTS Coupe:

But Cadillac says the wagon will be low volume, with sales reaching “four digits.” Coupe sales will reach five. The sedan had sold nearly 32,000 through October.

So they may be hoping that the CTS Coupe sales will be near or half CTS Sedan sales, as were the Eldorado sales in relation to the Seville through the 90s.  Although there will be some shared customers, I find that 2-door (Coupe) and 4-door (Sedan) customers are surprisingly different ‘factions’, especially on forums like Caddyinfo.com‘s.

cadillac_2010_ctsSport-trans

Also this note:

Young or old, male or female, those who saw the wagon had an opinion. Thanks to CTS, all knew it was a Cadillac. Instant recognition, though friend and foe questioned why a wagon, since those bearing Mercedes and BMW labels are mostly invisible?

This reflects Cadillac’s success at defining their current brand very well.  This is the goal, NOT that all the vehicles look THE SAME, but that any Automobile person would instantly recognize that this is a model of Cadillac.  Good news.

The extended Cadillac Family will soon include:

  • CTS Sedan RWD / AWD
  • CTS Coupe RWD / AWD
  • CTS Sport Wagon RWD / AWD
  • CTS-V Sedan / CTS-V Coupe
  • SRX RWD/AWD
  • Escalade / Escalade EXT / Escalade ESV / Escalade Hybrid
  • ATS Sedan/Coupe/Convertible?  ATS-V?
  • XTS Sedan/Coupe? XTS-V?
  • Converj Coupe

Hmm, I wonder if we WILL see an XTS Coupe?  The Coupe DeVille was a classic example of a large-car 2-door, and there likely is still a market for these.

1993 Cadillac Coupe deVille

1989-1993 Cadillac Coupe deVille

Read More: Wagon Ho! Cadillac Explores a New Trail | The Jacksonville Observer.

Cadillac SRX in Chrome

As those great philosophers known affectionately as ZZ Top wrote:

Clean shirt, new shoes
And I don’t know where I am goin’ to.
Silk suit, black tie,
I don’t need a reason why.

The new 2010 Cadillac SRX is a sharp looking vehicle out of the box.  But what if you do want to give your new SRX a more dressed up, custom look?  Here’s one approach:

Cadillac SRX with Chrome Accents

Cadillac SRX with Chrome Accents

AutoAccessory Superstore is offering the following add-ons:

  • 8 PC. 3.75″ High Chrome Rocker Panels: Price: $149.00 Includes Free Shipping.
  • 8 PC. 1.00: High Chrome Body Side Accent Trim: Price: $129.00 Includes Free Shipping.
  • 8 PC. Chrome Pillar Posts: Price: $99.00 Includes Free Shipping.
  • 1 PC. Lower Trunk Trim: Price: $79.00 Includes Free Shipping.
  • 1 PC. Chrome License Plate Trim: Price: $99.00 Includes Free Shipping.
  • 4 PC. Chrome Fender Trim: Price: $129.00 Includes Free Shipping.

I wanted to point them out to you, but please take notice of their note:

We have just introduced a new line of chrome accessories for the 2010-Up Cadillac SRX; and we have not had the time to add these to our website. If you have any further questions; or if you wish to place an order for any of these items; please contact us. If you order (3) or more items; we can give you a special package deal price.

If you mention “Caddyinfo” when you order, they will give you a 10% discount on your order on any item under $295 (ask them).

10CadillacSRXRearTrim1

Although generally I am not a huge fan of aftermarket chrome, the SRX pic above does look good to me.  Cadillac is moving in this same direction with chrome accents.  Tasteful chrome touches — especially with contrasting colors like the Crystal Red Tintcoat — certainly ‘pop’.

If you offer Cadillac related product, please let me know via the twitter or Facebook links.