Speaking on the sidelines of last week’s New York Motor Show, General Motors’ executive vice president Mark Reuss shed valuable insight into what the future holds for the ever-expanding Cadillac brand.
Surprisingly, the S-Class-sized CT6 that was introduced in the Big Apple will not sit at the top of the brand’s lineup for very long. Reuss announced that an even bigger sedan is currently being developed and that it will be positioned a notch above the CT6. Tentatively called CT8, the flagship will go head-to-head against the ultra-luxurious long-wheelbase versions of the Audi A8, the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
A timeframe for when to expect the CT8 was not given. However, Reuss hinted that the upcoming arrival of the CT8 means that the rumored long-wheelbase version of the CT6 will not see the light that awaits at the end of a production line.
Reuss also ruled out the launch of a standalone Cadillac sports car in the near future. The executive explained that Cadillac is simply not ready to introduce such a model, echoing previous reports that claims a successor to the ill-fated Corvette-based XLR (pictured) has been categorically ruled out.
For the time being, Cadillac is not planning on following its competitors into every market niche, meaning that it won’t take on the BMW X4 and the X6, at least not in the near future. However, the company is believed to be busily developing an entry-level sedan aimed right at the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the Audi A3 sedan. Unlike its German siblings, Cadillac’s entry-level offering will be built on a rear-wheel drive platform, though all-wheel drive will likely be available at an extra cost.
The SRX – Caddy’s best-selling model – will be replaced by an all-new crossover likely called XT5 that will be presented next fall at the Los Angeles Motor Show. Finally, Cadillac is still debating whether or not to launch a convertible version of the ATS that would take on the BMW 4 Series convertible and the upcoming topless Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Reuss believes the influx of new models will help put Cadillac back on buyers’ map.
“I think we’re talking to ourselves if we think that we’re on the consideration list of people, in volume, in the luxury segment. So let’s get real about it, and keep hammering, and keep building great cars and trucks,” summed up the executive in an interview with Car & Driver.
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