BMW delays U.S. launch of 2011 X3

Posted on by
Reply

Interesting reason BMW is delaying the launch of their next X3 SUV:

BMW delays U.S. launch of 2011 X3.

The delay will also allow BMW to launch the X3 with several engine options. The X3 was originally scheduled to launch with just one engine offering – a gasoline-powered inline-six – but the compact ‘ute could now launch with up to four engine packages. A diesel engine will be part of the mix, although BMW has yet to decide if the X3’s oil burner will be a four or six-cylinder engine.

I would  like to see Cadillac offer more engine options.  Lansing Grand River where the CTS family is made is very flexible.   Why can’t we go back to the days of just picking an LS3 engine instead of the LLT engine?  Not that the LLT DI DOHC VVT V6 isn’t a sweet engine, but some people want the V8 without the price tag of the V.  It wouldn’t threaten the CTS-V package, which is brakes and suspension and that terrific LSA engine, for those that want the full supercar experience (and can afford it).

Lexus and Acura brought in the limited choices, no real options approach to options.  Cadillac should use their flexible factories and modern ordering systems to get back to making cars the way the Cadillac buyers want them.

Bob Lutz Says Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is Definitely Coming – Car and Driver Blog

Posted on by
Reply

Bob Lutz Says Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon is Definitely Coming – Car and Driver Blog.

GM’s vice chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V wagon will indeed become a production reality. Lutz dropped the W-bomb during a recent one-on-one interview while discussing how to prime the market for cool cargo haulers—like a possible Buick Regal wagon—especially among the over-35 set that grew up traumatized by wood-paneled Grand Marquis and Chrysler K-car wagon-trocities. Then Lutz said, “You know what’s really going to get you guys [on board with wagons] is the CTS-V wagon.”

This is terrific news, and something I think a lot of people see as a “no brainer”!  The Sport Wagon is around 200 lbs heavier than a CTS Sedan, but the Supercharged LSA engine has plenty of horses to handle that.  This is  great way to extend Cadillac sales — put together products that performance luxury enthusiasts are excited about.

Good decision.

GM Gains, But Weaknesses Remain – BusinessWeek

Posted on by
Reply

Business Week:

GM Gains, But Weaknesses Remain – BusinessWeek.

GM has also been crowing about its newest models, especially its important family-oriented sedans and SUVs. Crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox and Cadillac SRX both sell for at least $4,000 a vehicle more than the models they replaced. The Buick LaCrosse sedan sells for $9,400 more than the old model.  Docherty says GM has added third shifts to the plants that build the Chevy Malibu, LaCrosse, and Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs. When the company gets up to full production for those new vehicles, “we can get market-share increases,” Docherty said.

Apparently GM is at 53% of plant capacity overall, which is bad.  However, they have burned off a ton of inventory and taken a deep breath toward holding the right number of days of inventory in the system instead of thousands of cars in float.  I am cautiously optimistic that these are good signs that GM is headed into profitable territory.