Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Is Cadillac's Image Dying and Does Anyone Care?

18283858788121

Comments

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Toyota's 5.7L has less power and torque and a lower redline while having no advantage in efficiency. Ranger rover's supercharged 4.2L only makes 390hp.

    Really? Let's see...

    Caddy Escalade:
    6.2L V8 with 403hp/417lb-ft = 65hp/67lb-ft per liter

    Toyota Sequoia:
    5.7L V8 with 381hp/401lb-ft = 67hp/70lb-ft per litter

    The only reason why the Escalade 6.2L V8 is more powerful is due to the larger displacement.

    Ranger rover's supercharged 4.2L only makes 390hp.

    That's 93hp per liter mind you, SC though.
  • lykourinoulykourinou Member Posts: 67
    thanks for thelink
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    I havent been in an escalade at idle but in other cars I can say idle is quiet and smooth. In any test where db ratings are provided you can compare noise levels between DOHC and OHV motors and the difference is minimal, if it exists at all.
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    LOL, it was only a matter of time before the old hp/L argument surfaced. Its a meaningless stat, especially when comparing OHV engines to DOHC engines. An OHV engine needs more displacement to make comparable power because its 2 valves/cylinder. There is no way around that at all. Thats like saying a turbo engine makes more hp/L than a NA engine and is automatically superior. NA engines need more displacement because they cant get as much air into the cylinder as a FI engine. The bottom line is this: the Escalade doesnt suffer in any way by having an OHV engine. Its just as fast as the competition and gets comparable mileage. In the end that's all that matters. The driver of the Escalade probably cant tell you what type of engine is under the hood. Specific output is only important to people who are fans of Honda engines and want to brag about how much power can be squeezed out of a small motor. BTW, .5L isnt that small when tallking about V8 engines. OHV engines have come a long way. The 3800 V6 makes about 200hp while 3.5L V6s from Toyota and Honda make 268. thats a much larger difference than exists between the Toyota V8 and the GM 6.2L V8.
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    "I can go on and on and on you know. "

    I'm talking comparable cars. Dont think the Boxter is comparable to the CTS-V or IS-F. Simple point was that for $60k the CTS-V will offer more bang for your buck. I'm sure you will disagree since it seems you arent a fan of Cadillac at all.

    I dont find it surprising that you dont like Fi engines since Cadillac is using one. MB and BMW also use FI engines but I'm sure that doesnt make a difference.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I'm sure you will disagree since it seems you arent a fan of Cadillac at all.

    If I have to be a fan to agree with what you've said then you better look back to see if there is any flaw in your statement. A fair statement will get all kind of people to agree with it.

    I think if the new CTS-V to have MSRP of around $60k it'll be the best value in the ubber sports sedan class. Whether it's the best or not is yet to be seen since so far we have only the engine specs to compare. HP isn't everything, if that's the case, BMW should just pack up and go home with the new M3.

    You can search through my posts and you'll see I prefer NA over FI from day one that I posted here.
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    "HP isn't everything, if that's the case, BMW should just pack up and go home with the new M3. "

    Agreed about the packing up and going home. The CTS_V is a proven entity so the notion that "its fast but we dont know about the handling" is a little hard to swallow for me. This isnt a big block 60s muscle car, its a sports sedan designed to go head to head with the best of Europe. The last car had the handling, power and steering to compete but lacked interior finesse and had problems getting the power to the pavement in hard launches. The new car obviously aimed to address those shortcomings and then some. Unless Cadillac has swapped the CTS' chassis with something from Toyota or Hyundai I don't see how this car cant be considered best in class. The pedigree of the V series cars has been vetted by the press for the last 3+ years so we know what to expect from these cars when the road gets curvy. On another site it was noted that Top Gear got better lap times from the CTS-V than the S4.

    I say you arent a Cadillac fan since you seem unimpressed with anything they offer and post more about the superiority of foreign brands than about Cadillac's resurgence. My statement had little to do with agreeing with my statements.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    To quote your original statement:

    'Simple point was that for $60k the CTS-V will offer more bang for your buck. I'm sure you will disagree since it seems you arent a fan of Cadillac at all. '

    So pretty much you were saying that if one is a Cadillac fan then he/she will agree for $60k the CTS-V will offer more bang for the buck. If not then he/she will disagree. However, if the CTS-V is truly and hands down the best bang for the buck at $60k then I think all people will agree regardless of being Caddy fans or not.

    Okay, let's compare the chassis between the CTS and 5-series, I think the general consensus from all the reviews is that although the CTS handles great, it is not yet a 5-series beater, not to mention the 3-series. So since the CTS-V, M5 and M3 are all built on the base models' chassis what will make me to believe that it'll out handle the Bimmers?

    Again, HP isn't everything.

    Also, just to remind you that I don't think the M3 and M5 are packing anything up to go anywhere soon.
  • sevenfeet0sevenfeet0 Member Posts: 486
    The '08 CTS is on the "same platform" but not without a lot of changes in the last five years. You can also glean some of the limitations and changes of this car versus the last that have already popped up in some of the online arcticles, but I've also managed to have several discussions with former GM engine engineer in their performance division who used to drop by my dealership from time to time. You learn a lot from these guys.
  • sevenfeet0sevenfeet0 Member Posts: 486
    The '08 CTS is on the "same platform" but not without a lot of changes in the last five years. You can also glean some of the limitations and changes of this car versus the last that have already popped up in some of the online arcticles, but I've also managed to have several discussions with former GM engine engineer in their performance division who used to drop by my dealership from time to time. You learn a lot from these guys.
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    "Okay, let's compare the chassis between the CTS and 5-series, I think the general consensus from all the reviews is that although the CTS handles great, it is not yet a 5-series beater, not to mention the 3-series. "

    never seen that "consensus" view you speak of but perhaps I am alone. I will say that based on the numbers posted in instrumented testing the CTS is on par with the 5. The CTS is rarely compared to the 5 series because of its price even though they are about the exact same size. I cant be as nimble as a 3 series do its wheelbase length and weight although it did post a better lane change speed than the 328 in a recent comparo. I have seen nothing regarding the 2008 CTS indicating it cant handle as well as a 5 series. If you have a particular review in mind that states that feel free to let me know. I can tell you that C&D informally compared the CTS-V to M3 and last gen M5 (it had just been discontinued) in 2004 and said the Caddy was very comparable to the M5 and considering its price advantage was a great alternative.

    To be perfectly honest any driver with a bias can say the BMW handles better so the real measure needs to be objective, like a lap time at a track. Once the CTS-V comes out I'm sure someone will mention its lap time at the Ring and compare that to the C63, M3, etc. and then I think we will have an answer.

    "Also, just to remind you that I don't think the M3 and M5 are packing anything up to go anywhere soon. "

    M3 comes out a few months before the CTS-V. Its not being redesigned anytime soon. They are peers in price and unless the CTS-V has a secret flaw it should be able to do anything the M3 can do, only a little faster. when you get to this level of performance its hard to say which car is "better" per se since they all perform within a hair of each other. The question isnt whether or not the CTS-V can beat the M cars across the board, the question is if the car is a no excuses American alternative. The answer is yes.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I agree, so let's wait for the performance test results before crowing the CTS-V the best ubber sports sedans.

    Also, you are so right on one shouldn't judge a car based on objective feelings and should focus on the cold hard facts like the slalom, skidpad, acceleration and braking test data. Once the full test has been done then we can see how well the CTS-V stack up against the competitors.
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    now THAT makes sense.

    If I could afford a car in that range I would get one regardless. There is no way a few tenths of acceleration through the 1/4 mile or a foot longer stopping distance would dissuade me from buying this car over an $82k M5 especially since I dont even like the interior of the M5. For those who need to see the stats before being impressed I think its logical to wait until the mags get a hold of this car.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Personally, I am already impressed by this CTS-V. If Caddy is going to price it around $60k then you are right, who cares if it's tenth of a second slower in acceleration and 0.1g less in the skidpad. This will be the best value in the ubber sports sedan class no matter what.

    The only reason I might choose the M5 over this (if I win the lottery) is due to that it has been my long time dream car.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    The baby boomers do not want old people cars.

    When I made the comment that I thought Cadillac/GM was out of sync, I didn't suggest they should produce "old people cars". My comment was in response to some other posts indicating Cadillac was trying (or should try) to refocus their demographic target at a younger buyer.

    There is no doubt that the baby boomers today want a sexier car than the older generation did in the 70's. Just give them a sexier car, and embrace that market segment, as it is a big one.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "The 2008 Cadillac CTS (pictured) won Top Safety Pick honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety."

    Kudos: Cadillac CTS Named Top Safety Pick by Insurance Group (Inside Line)

    image

    I think you get to enjoy that Top Safety Pick rating whether you wear a helmet or not btw. ;)
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,014
    Well the cool thing about the V, is you don't have to re-program the engine to get maximum results. Yeah the M5, is still a cool automobile though.

    -Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,014
    Sweeeet !!!! :shades:

    -Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,014
    Here's some former "Standard of the Worlds" :P

    http://info.detnews.com/redesign/joyrides/index.cfm?id=706

    If any of you drive down I-40 west of Amarillo, Tx ya gotta go check this out !!!!

    -Rocky
  • pmuscepmusce Member Posts: 132
    Really? Let's see...

    Caddy Escalade:
    6.2L V8 with 403hp/417lb-ft = 65hp/67lb-ft per liter

    Toyota Sequoia:
    5.7L V8 with 381hp/401lb-ft = 67hp/70lb-ft per litter

    The only reason why the Escalade 6.2L V8 is more powerful is due to the larger displacement.

    Ranger rover's supercharged 4.2L only makes 390hp.

    That's 93hp per liter mind you, SC though


    Why does larger displacement mean one engine is better then the other? The 6.2 is physically smaller (and lighter) then the Toyota 5.7. Displacement is just total cylindar volume. That's why you won't see the 5.7 in a Lexus IS. It won't fit.
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    this is brought up often to suggest that "smaller" engines (displacement, not size) are better than larger ones. As you noted, displacement doesnt even directly correlate to engine size and a pushrod engine can be smaller and lighter than a DOHC engine of smaller displacement. Furthermore, many DOHC V8s in trucks/SUVs have iron blocks while most of GM's OHV V8s are all aluminum. I'm not sure if Toyota uses an iron block in the 5.7L but I would bet they do.
  • sls002sls002 Member Posts: 2,788
    I think that when comparing one engine with another one should take more than one item into account. Horsepower is not the only thing that matters (or horsepower per liter). For the Escalade I think one should keep in mind that it is a truck based SUV than can tow, so:
    1 - cost should always be considered
    2 - trucks (SUV's) that tow will want more torque at low engine speeds
    3 - NVH is always a consideration

    OHC's can be tuned to provide low end torque, but for a truck the pushrod design is not at a disadvantage. For heavy duty towing the engine should be designed for hard work.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    not sure if Toyota uses an iron block in the 5.7L but I would bet they do.

    Nope, The Toyota 5.7 V8 uses aluminum for the cylinder block and DOHC heads.

    Source: Toyota Tundra - 2008 Performance & Specifications
  • lykourinoulykourinou Member Posts: 67
    I completely agree, I never even looked at cadillac until they came up with the newer generation Escalade. Aimed at a younger buyer, if they can get it right it will spell success for GM. For instance I never ever considered buick until the new Enclave. GM is trying but they still have a ways to go.

    And yes young people do want sexier cars, if you notice people including GM reps are talking more about the look of the new Escalade rather than reliablity or technology.. Looks aren't everything but the Escalade is perhaps one of the most beautiful vehicles ever produced.
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    Style is important but the Escalade does offer a lot of technology as well. Some folks act like the Escalade is all looks and no substance but that isnt the case. A truck that weighs 5800lbs and gets to 60 in 6.5secs has more to offer than looks.
  • lykourinoulykourinou Member Posts: 67
    I hear you, but I don't know if you have had the opputunity to get a brochure on the 07 Escalade. I have one, had it for about a year or so. As soon as you open the front page it has a 22 inch chrome wheel and it says "Chrome Couture."

    I never paid attention to it, till someone brought it to my attention that they stressed the wheels more than anything. Dont' get me wrong I love the SUV. And looks count alot, I like the looks of the Escalade but the technology of the QX. I wish Infiniti built the Escalade...lol..
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    As soon as you open the front page it has a 22 inch chrome wheel and it says "Chrome Couture."

    Funny, what wets your whistle is what I have a tough time stomaching. Those 22" chrome wheels scream "pimp" and "drug dealer" to me. And I live in a good part of town! ;)

    Seriously, I've had an Escalade as a rental a few times and, IMO, they need to take the driving dynamics up about 3 notches before they can get away with 22" wheels that don't look embarassing. Hell, I wouldn't put those things on the new Porsche Cayenne GTS which, with a 6 speed manual, 415 hp engine and a world class sport suspension, can probably give the CTS-V a run for its money around Nurburgring.

    "Chrome Couture" - makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up even thinking about it. But that's the nice thing about America - a choice for everybody.
  • lykourinoulykourinou Member Posts: 67
    Funny, what wets your whistle is what I have a tough time stomaching. Those 22" chrome wheels scream "pimp" and "drug dealer" to me. And I live in a good part of town!

    I didn't say that I liked the rims, what I said was that GM stressed the rims more than anything else about the vehicle. Normally some brochures show pictures of the vehicle and then get into technicals.

    And just because you have rims on your car does not make you a pimp or a drug dealer. I'm not bragging, but where I live you have to have alot of money to live here. Mostly doctors, lawyers people like that live here. In my block there is a young black guy whose name I never knew I just used to see him every now and again. Sometimes I would see him a few times a year and when I did see him he was driving a Ferrari, Porsche or some kind of exotic. He's in his early 30's and we were wondering what he did for a living.

    I was talking to my next door neighbor one day and low and behold this young black male who comes and goes to his house a few months a year comes driving down the street in a QX56 with huge rims on it. He blew the horn and waved, at my neighbor because he didn't know me. My neighbor told me that he was a brilliant guy. it turns out he is some kind of neuro-surgeon and flies back and forth around the country to perform special procedures. I never thought that, because I have never seen him in scrubs going to work or anything like that. I had to learn not to judge people by what they drive or how they dress. I wish the world would do the same..but oh well. Back to cars.......
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    "Funny, what wets your whistle is what I have a tough time stomaching. Those 22" chrome wheels scream "pimp" and "drug dealer" to me. And I live in a good part of town!"

    wow, thats pretty judgemental. I find it ironic that people who pride themselves on being authorities of good taste in automotive design dont have a problem with big rims unless they come on a domestic SUV like Escalde. MB is putting 21s on the GL550. You can get 20" rims as factory equipment from numerous European brands. The escalade (and other pimpmobile SUVs) seem to get all the flack when it comes to large wheels. The same rappers and athletes who love the Escalade also like fine european vehicles so I'm not sure why the Caddy is the only one that is disparaged based on its popularity amongst a certain groupd of people.
  • fjrpilotfjrpilot Member Posts: 2
    I just traded a 2000 Deville base model for a 2007 DTS Lux 1. My wife was consistently getting 21 to 22 mpg driving primarily to work. With the DTS, 7171 miles on the clock, she has to baby it to get 19 mpg. Does anyone know what changes were made to the engine or drive train that would cause this degradation in economy? I don't know if she is just being green or cheap but she doesn't like it.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    The emissions are more stringent on the new DTS. Other than that everything else is exactly the same. 30 more pounds but that would not make that much of a difference. Same final drive ratio. Same engine. Perhaps though after the engine breaks in (6 years on your last one!) you may get the same MPG.
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    Yeah, 7,000 miles may not be enough to really settle everything in. The newer aluminum-block Hyundais are tight before 10k or so.
  • fjrpilotfjrpilot Member Posts: 2
    I trust you are correct about the breakin. I told her to just turn the DIC to some other function and I'll fill it up for her.
  • trimastertrimaster Member Posts: 163
    Sounds like you'd be happiest in the Caddy. You should get it! I don't think you'd be dissapointed. It's a nice car.
  • lykourinoulykourinou Member Posts: 67
    so true, besides big rims typically go on full sized SUV's anyway. That being said the standard 18's on the Escalade do look embarrasingly small compared to the 22's.
  • lykourinoulykourinou Member Posts: 67
    But lately we have noticed that some of the GM cars are looking pretty impressive, namely the Cadillac CTS, Chevy Malibu, GMC Acadia, Saturn Vue, Saturn Outlook, Saturn Aura, Buick Enclave. Also some of the Fords look good, like the Ford Edge, Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan.

    I agree completely Americans are starting to build better vehicles,
    The only 2 American cars that I would ever purchase would be the new Escalade or Corvetee.I personally love the new Escalade and CTS. I hate the problems that some Caddy owners have had on the new 07 lade. Vibrating mirrors, bad tranny, that sort of thing. But like all cars you give them a model year or two to work out the kinks and get it right. I can't stress enough how much I love the new lade, I love the look of the new CTS as well, but already GM has a recall on the new CTS with the rear end leaking, locking up and potentially causing accidents. But I'll stand behind them, if they continue to put out vehicles that people will want to buy

    Here is the link on the recall
    link title

    The recall involves 275,936 vehicles in the United States, including the 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS and STS sedans, 2005-2007 Cadillac SRX crossovers, and 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice and the 2007 Saturn Sky convertibles. About 38,000 additional vehicles are under recall in Mexico, Canada, the Middle East and Asia, GM said.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    but already GM has a recall on the new CTS with the rear end leaking.

    including the 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS and STS sedans,


    I believe the recall is on the old CTS, not the new. FYI, GM had lower recalls than Toyota and all the other major OEM's last year even though they had the highest volume of sales.
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,014
    Good point 62' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

    -Rocky
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I just like to point out the facts!!! :shades: and keep everyone informed of actual occurrences and news.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I didn't say that I liked the rims, what I said was that GM stressed the rims more than anything else about the vehicle.

    To which I would say that is emblematic of what has been a problem with GM - and in particular - Cadillac. By emphasizing "in your face" bling and "crome couture" image they have not appealed to - and have even alienated - a large segment of the market that values "substance".

    Big wheels and high performance tires are indeed used or available on some European SUV's. But not ususally ones that have the driving dynamics of a Chevy Suburban or Tahoo. And not usually in glow in the dark chrome. They tend to be part of a more substantial handling package that actually serves a purpose more than an image statement. And you sure as heck wouldn't find "Chrome Couture" on the front page of a BMW, Mercedes, Lexus or Porsche brochure.

    I had to learn not to judge people by what they drive or how they dress.

    An admirable trait - and frankly, one I try to subscribe to. I didn't mean to suggest that every person who buys an Escalades with 22" chrome wheels is an actual or latent pimp or drug dealer. Again, I was being critical of GM/Cadillac's chrome over substance approach to product design, engineering and marketing which has caused them problems in the past among more sophisticated buyers.

    As much as I would all like to try to claim open mindedness, I have to confess as a father, if I opened the door to find my daughter's first date wearing his pants around his knees, his body covered with tatoos and piercings, and the most used word in his vocablulary was "whatever", I would probably punt that openmindedness (and something else), no matter what he was driving. Fortunately, I don't think my daughter would ever present me with that dilemma. But are you suggesting you wouldn't care who came to your front door and what elevation relative to their waist their belt buckle was?

    P.S. Good thing your neighbor doesn't wear scrubs from his house to the hospital. They wouldn't meet McDonald's standard for cleanliness, let alone the operating room's requirement for sterility. I think we've all been treated to a few too many liberties taken by Grey's Anatomy and ER ;)
  • lykourinoulykourinou Member Posts: 67
    And what you did say was 22 inch rims screams pimp or drug dealer....that is quite judgemental.

    All I have said is that GM stressed the wheels more than anything by having that as the 1st picture in the brochure. And if you watch press release videos on GM corporate site, as the rep narrates the Esclade vid he will tell you GM made this vehicle to appeal to the hollywood crowd, they consulted various actors and actresses to see what they wanted in a redesign of the vehicle. The GM rep doesn't say that he consulted pimps and drug dealers.


    P.S. Good thing your neighbor doesn't wear scrubs from his house to the hospital. They wouldn't meet McDonald's standard for cleanliness, let alone the operating room's requirement for sterility.

    Lol....just so you know (having common sense, being pre med, and the fact that I work for a surgical team) I can tell you, you don't operate everyday. Some days you actually visit the patients that you've operated on just to see how they are doing. Which means you wake up, shower,put on some scrubs go to the hospital and see them.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    he will tell you GM made this vehicle to appeal to the hollywood crowd, they consulted various actors and actresses to see what they wanted in a redesign of the vehicle. The GM rep doesn't say that he consulted pimps and drug dealers.

    I see, they consulted the customers, not the venders. Some would say, that's not much of a difference. ;)

    I guess I'm just not into Hollywood style and my subconscious biases are coming through. But that enlightening bit of info you provided says it all when it comes to my criticism of GM/Cadillac in the past: image without substance. Could you ever imagine BMW or Porsche boasting that they consulted with actors and actresses on the design or their cars? What's next, Hallmark Cards consulting Jamie Lynn Spears on what appeals to 16 year old Hollywood moms?

    Nevertheless, good luck in pre-med. I'm trying to encourage my 9 year old daughter to consider a career in vascular surgery. :D
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Could you ever imagine BMW or Porsche boasting that they consulted with actors and actresses on the design or their cars? What's next, Hallmark Cards consulting Jamie Lynn Spears on what appeals to 16 year old Hollywood moms?

    You better stop. Your lack of knowledge on how the industry works is coming out. All the OEM's consult their customers in research. In fact one of the european companies was at a clinic in Atlanta the same time we were. We show our vehicles at various steps in the development process and confirm that the direction they are taking will satisfy the intended customers. BUT if you are saying that BMW would never boast about their research I stand corrected.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/general-motors/cadillacs-550nm-v6-diesel-powe- rhouse/

    General Motors will add a new high-output diesel engine to its Cadillac lineup, which will appear in the 2009 model-year CTS sedan. The state-of-the-art engine was unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show and features new injection and combustion technology for low emissions and high performance.

    Displacing just 2.9L, the clean V6 engine develops 250hp (184kW) and a massive 550Nm (406 lb.-ft.) from as low as 2000rpm thanks to an electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger. The engine is being aimed at European markets where economical diesels are popular in the competitive luxury segment.
  • bumpybumpy Member Posts: 4,425
    So, is it actually going to show up here or what?
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,014
    62' you got to realize that Habby, believes BMW designers set the trends not follows them like everybody else. :surprise: Well he might be on to something as you didn't see anyone recently try to copy the Bangle butt !!! :P Yuck !!!

    -Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,014
    bumpy, 62' said he believes it will show up here in limited numbers in a earlier post.
    Only is we could see 300+ hp and 500+ lbs of tq from that diesel !!! :shades:

    -Rocky
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I would continue to listen and watch what is shown at the auto shows to get info like that. :blush:
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    Thanks for the advice, but I'm pretty comfortable that I know "how the industry works" with respect to market research. I also run a company that actually makes a profit.

    I was commenting specifically upon the proclaimed choice of "hollywood" as the target market by Cadillac for the Escalade. I'm sure I'm not the first person, nor will I be the last, to comment that the 22" chrome wheels, bling in your face look also just happens to appeal to drug dealers and pimps. Apparantly it's less of a coincidence that a marketing strategy by Cadillac.

    I've offered up that I will attempt to be more open minded in at least test driving Cadillac when it comes to my next car purchase. But I'd be willing to bet that for every Kevin Federline driving an Escalade there are a few dozen successful professionsals that don't want to have anything to do with a brand that emphasizes "chrome couture" as it's biggest selling point and considers hollywood to be the target customer. I suspect that BMW's and Porsche's market research targets a slightly more sophisticated buyer that values driving dynamics and engineering substance over "bling". That's not to say that a enterprising pimp can't load up a Cayenne GTS or X5 with 22" chrome wheels and neon lighted running boards. It's just that Cadillac markets directly at them and makes it much easier.

    There is a saying in business - you get the customer (or not) that you deserve.
  • mr215mr215 Member Posts: 89
    the new GL550 has 21" rims and I wouldnt call it a sports SUV by any means. The Q7 has 20s as does the X5 as far as I know. LArge rims are whats in now for large SUVs. The Sequoia and LX570 now offer 20s and not as part of a "handling package".

    Chrome is an American thing. Its not a hip hop generation thing, its not a rapper thing. You criticize Cadillac for using chrome as if cadillac isnt an American institution. If you want German car I suggest you get one, but dont expect Cadillac to not do things just because MB and BMW dont do them. If Cadillac were German then I wouldnt expect them to offer 22" chrome wheels on the Escalade. if you've ever seen an escalade with the 18s you know it looks ridiculous.
Sign In or Register to comment.