CADILLAC
General Motors has re-affirmed its premium car intention by expanding the CTS line-up with an estate and right-hand drive. And more's to come
Those sharp-looking vertical tail lights are familiar ...
Yes, they form part of the wedgy design theme Cadillac has re-employed on its modern cars to take on premium brands like BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Many of you would remember the classic rear lights of the old Fleetwood limo which even Japanese retro-carmaker Mitsuoka has helplessly copied for the Galue (as tested on pages M2-M3).
This surely helps Caddys stand out from the rest...
We agree. Like it or not, Cadillac wants to have a stand point in the luxury car market, which isn't a bad thing at all. BMW has its controversial "flame surface" theme, while Lexus resorts to it "L-finesse" approach. Although Mercedes hasn't gotten a name for its design philosophy, the latest C-class heralds a comeback in "boxy-looking" cars.
Is this CTS estate any practical?
Certainly. The design of the CTS Sport Wagon cleverly conceals a huge load area to equal or even better that of its rivals, according to Cadillac. Makers usually have to choose between either outright practicality (upright rear) or sheer appearance (rakish rear). As seen in these pictures, the CTS aims to do both.
And what is the engine range like?
There's a 263hp 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, although Cadillac elaborates that the 250hp 2.9-litre V6 turbo-diesel has been developed specifically for European and Asian markets. Both have a six-speed slusher to choose from.
Isn't there anything smaller or more efficient?
Although not announced yet, we have heard that Cadillac is working on small engines with high outputs via the use of forced induction, something like a 2.0-litre four-pot and 3.0-litre V6 with turbos to yield performance on par with normally-aspirated V6s and V8s respectively.
Downsizing concept like for Chevrolet's next-generation Optra?
Yup. Earlier this year, GM announced that the new Optra will get 1.4-litre turbo engines to match traditional 1.6-litre motors in performance and economy terms (don't forget that in Thailand, the smaller the engine the lesser the annual road tax). We'll get back to you with the new Optra in less than two months and assess whether the Thai Chevrolet office would fast-track new technologies in the country.
When is GM going to sell Caddys in Thailand?
Although some Cadillacs have made it to Thai shores via a notable independent importer for many years, they have yet to come on an official basis. Right-hand drive models will be available for the UK which, in theory, makes it ripe for Cadillac to be sold in Thailand - just like Infiniti (see report of G37 below).
But our import taxes are still outrageously high...
True and, in fact, among the highest in the world. But since the parent firms of Nissan and GM are already present in Thailand, there could be a push for sales of their premium brands due to the Thai-Japanese FTA and a possible one with the Americans. As well, there's a new top executive at Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) who has experience in building GM's imported car network in Japan, while Siam Nissan Automobiles already has an ex-Mercedes hand.
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This is all-new SRX for next year. |
CTS coupé previewed with this concept. |
NEXT CROSSOVER AND COUPE'
Cadillac will increase the number of variations in the CTS range to at least four before the end of the decade.
Joining the saloon and estate models will be the SRX crossover combining SUV looks and saloon driving dynamics. It's more of a match for the Infiniti FX and sits between the X3 and X5 from BMW.
Although Cadillac has issued an official picture of the market-ready SRX as seen here, it hasn't done so for the coupe' yet.
However, sources say the two-door would look virtually the same as this year's concept and would be positioned between the 3- and 6-series - similar to Infiniti's G37 Coupe'.
Engines have not been disclosed yet, although traditional V6 and V8 engines are the likely to be replaced with smaller turbocharged engines to maintain performance but gain on cleaner emissions.
Expect hybrids to come beyond 2010, most likely in the SRX initially.
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