Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

robr2

abacomike said:

Smart move.  New York has been offering amazing tax incentives to companies moving to their State.  Probably a good financial move.

It has more to do with putting distance between the Cadillac brand and the rest of GM to allow the Cadillac team to concentrate solely on rejuvenating the brand. They want Cadillac people to work on Cadillac and not get caught up in corporate politics, other brands, et al. About 30 people from Michigan (mostly sales and marketing) will make the move.

The head of Cadillac feels that New York is the epicenter of global trends and will allow staff to understand the sophisticated lifestyle of premium buyers. "I say to my team that we need to develop a set of behaviors that walks, talks, eats, sleeps, dreams premium — that's all we do," said de Nysschen, who said he has not decided yet if his base will be in New York or Detroit.

abacomike

My son had his first double-dose of proton radiation last week.  His SO drove him to and from Loma Linda Medical Center (60+ miles each way).

He said he was very sick Saturday and Sunday and was very tired - he said he slept on and off for 2 straight days.  He is still dizzy and has some pretty bad headaches.

Hope this is successful since there are no other treatments available for where his tumor is located - inoperable is what they said.

I pray to God these treatments work.

roadburner

cdnpinhead said:

roadburner said:

Take note, Munich...

Yeah, but, does Munich even give a rip about the enthusiast market anymore? The lemmings drive these things because they think it makes their genetalia more attractive or something of the sort.

Drivers who desire a simple vehicle that handles extremely well need not apply.

There are many fewer of us than them, and here we are.

To repeat what I said over on a BMW Car Club site, the only new BMWs I like better than my 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 are the M235i, M3/4, M6 Gran Coupe, and Alpina B6 Gran Coupe. And this is coming from a guy who first became interested in BMWs in 1971 and has owned 10 since 1983. I never thought I'd be saying this, but I may have bought my last BMW- or at least my last BMW built after 1991...

verdugo

driver100 said:

I think this will do it too, if you use the star near the upper right column first....at least you will see how many new messages there have been and it should go to where you left off I think.

Thanks driver. I usually get to the bookmark from the main page. I'll try that star. Thanks.

sterlingdog

driver100 said:

Michaell said: The two cars we've recently acquired had similar instructions - not to excessively rev the engine and don't drive at the same speed for too long. Was for the first 600-1000 miles.

No one mentioned fast braking. I remember being told don't stop suddenly because the materials in the brakes have to settle and combine with each other.

I haven't been given any instructions on how to drive a new car for at least 20 years. I think as long as you drive like you normally would, it is fine. No real break-in period these days, just be sensible.



Perhaps you failed to read your manual. There MUST be something about that topic there.

Richard

sterlingdog

sb55 said:

driver100 said:

This will be a bit hard to answer, but, is there a reason you chose the GM over the others, or was it an automatic choice?

For me, it was fairly easy to pick the GM. I've had GM vehicles before and actually traded a 2010 GMC Sierra and got a nice price on the trade. The 2014 is the 1st year of this model and is really nicer than the 2010, plus deals are pretty good on the 2014's and I had $500.00 on a GM card to help out. I looked at the Ford, but 2014 is the last year of that model and it didn't seem as refined as the GM. There will be a whole new Ford truck in 2015. As for Dodge, nice looking but I don't think that I could own a Dodge so never drove one

You are correct about the new Ford truck line for 2015. That's why I didn't wait. The new Ford trucks will be made of what is termed "military aluminum" which will cut the weight by 600-800 pounds and improve gas mileage. Some agree that the trucks will no longer be constructed of quality materials either inside or outside. It was strongly suggested that if I wanted a Ford truck "built Ford tough" that I had better do it now.

My choice of Ford over Chevy or GM was also related to the square lines. Ford is just a little more square than the others. Also, no one makes a red color to match Ford. I've noticed that for years. Still, all three makes are quality trucks. What amazes me about today's trucks is that you get so much luxury and interior room for the price. I also love the visibility because you are elevated.

Richard

oldfarmer50

imidazol97 said:

abacomike said:

saw a picture of the car that a friend of mine had (partially covered in black camouflage) who works for one of the big Cadillac dealers down here.  It is long and sleek and quite low to the center of gravity.  Price estimate was $90,000, but that was merely an approximation.

That red car has a weird look to it. Not liking it.

robr2

oldfarmer50 said:

That red car has a weird look to it. Not liking it.

That's the current XTS - it's been out about 2 years now.

driver100

robr2 said:

abacomike said:

Smart move.  New York has been offering amazing tax incentives to companies moving to their State.  Probably a good financial move.

The head of Cadillac feels that New York is the epicenter of global trends and will allow staff to understand the sophisticated lifestyle of premium buyers. "I say to my team that we need to develop a set of behaviors that walks, talks, eats, sleeps, dreams premium — that's all we do," said de Nysschen, who said he has not decided yet if his base will be in New York or Detroit.

Sounds brilliant, but I have seen that kind of "out of the box" thinking fail too. The so called experts come in, and to justify their pay, they come up with these pie in the sky ideas. It probably is a good chance to get a fresh start, but, often it just saves their jobs for another year or two while they try this plan.

I remember one VP of a major company, he liked to put his name on all memos that had to come back...I think he just wanted to get his name on as much stationery as possible to keep his job.

When the #1 department store in Canada Eatons was on the way out the experts came in and redid the floor plan. It didn't make one bit of difference, though they were paid as consultants.

Going to New York sounds good in theory, too get creative juices flowing they might be better off in Malibu though.

driver100

abacomike said:

My son had his first double-dose of proton radiation last week.  His SO drove him to and from Loma Linda Medical Center (60+ miles each way).

He said he was very sick Saturday and Sunday and was very tired - he said he slept on and off for 2 straight days.  He is still dizzy and has some pretty bad headaches.

Hope this is successful since there are no other treatments available for where his tumor is located - inoperable is what they said.

I pray to God these treatments work.

Mike we are praying with you. Unfortunately, the sick feeling is part of the therapy. We are all hoping for the best.

driver100

roadburner said:

cdnpinhead said:

roadburner said:

Take note, Munich...

Yeah, but, does Munich even give a rip about the enthusiast market anymore? The lemmings drive these things because they think it makes their genetalia more attractive or something of the sort.

Drivers who desire a simple vehicle that handles extremely well need not apply.

There are many fewer of us than them, and here we are.

To repeat what I said over on a BMW Car Club site, the only new BMWs I like better than my 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 are the M235i, M3/4, M6 Gran Coupe, and Alpina B6 Gran Coupe. And this is coming from a guy who first became interested in BMWs in 1971 and has owned 10 since 1983. I never thought I'd be saying this, but I may have bought my last BMW- or at least my last BMW built after 1991...

You might try going for a spin in an Audi A4. It feels like a BMW used to feel. But, only for a few more years, as sales increase they will have to go with the flow and make their cars more cars more for the masses too. You could also try a Passat CC too.

driver100

sterlingdog said:

driver100 said:

Michaell said: The two cars we've recently acquired had similar instructions - not to excessively rev the engine and don't drive at the same speed for too long. Was for the first 600-1000 miles.

No one mentioned fast braking. I remember being told don't stop suddenly because the materials in the brakes have to settle and combine with each other.

I haven't been given any instructions on how to drive a new car for at least 20 years. I think as long as you drive like you normally would, it is fine. No real break-in period these days, just be sensible.

Perhaps you failed to read your manual. There MUST be something about that topic there.

Richard



What! My car came with a manual?

I only read the manual when I actually have to look something up. The manual means very little if you are reading stuff that doesn't matter much - no one can remember all that stuff.

Here is an excellent article about breaking in a new car...and it may surprise you. btw, todays brakes don't need much babying. And engines, drive pretty much as you would, and don't baby the new car too much...a bit of speed will help

Breaking in your New Car.

robr2

driver100 said:

Going to New York sounds good in theory, too get creative juices flowing they might be better off in Malibu though.

Except that Malibu isn't an epicenter of premium fashion, design, gastronomy, et al.

driver100

sterlingdog said:

sb55 said:

driver100 said:

This will be a bit hard to answer, but, is there a reason you chose the GM over the others, or was it an automatic choice?

My choice of Ford over Chevy or GM was also related to the square lines. Ford is just a little more square than the others. Also, no one makes a red color to match Ford. I've noticed that for years. Still, all three makes are quality trucks. What amazes me about today's trucks is that you get so much luxury and interior room for the price. I also love the visibility because you are elevated.

Richard

I like the square lines of the F 150 as well. Also the squared off and neat looking instrument panel. The square lines are even carried into the interior, with the seats and doors all having square styling. And, since I am "vision obsessive", I think the way the front side windows dips is a nice touch.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

imidazol97 said:

abacomike said:

saw a picture of the car that a friend of mine had (partially covered in black camouflage) who works for one of the big Cadillac dealers down here.  It is long and sleek and quite low to the center of gravity.  Price estimate was $90,000, but that was merely an approximation.

That red car has a weird look to it. Not liking it.

People moved in down the street and they have a newer Mercedes S550. Everyone has very different tastes, but to me, it is hard to make a big huge car come out looking beautiful. That Caddie looks like an Avalon on steroids. If I had this Mercedes I would feel like I was a chauffeur.

driver100

Hey NYC, and anyone else.........Happy 5775!

oldfarmer50

Some opinions from the experts please.

1) what is the price to have minor curb rash on a painted alloy wheel repaired?

2) what sort of product makes interior plastic surfaces look clean and shiny and maybe cover minor scratches? Armor All comes to mind but I have heard horror stories about that product. Anything else work as good?

3) as beaters go what is your opinion of this BMW. Know problem areas? Was that vintage any good? Etc. what's it worth?
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4644542918.html

roadburner

driver100 said:

roadburner said:

cdnpinhead said:

roadburner said:

Take note, Munich...

Yeah, but, does Munich even give a rip about the enthusiast market anymore? The lemmings drive these things because they think it makes their genetalia more attractive or something of the sort.

Drivers who desire a simple vehicle that handles extremely well need not apply.

There are many fewer of us than them, and here we are.

To repeat what I said over on a BMW Car Club site, the only new BMWs I like better than my 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 are the M235i, M3/4, M6 Gran Coupe, and Alpina B6 Gran Coupe. And this is coming from a guy who first became interested in BMWs in 1971 and has owned 10 since 1983. I never thought I'd be saying this, but I may have bought my last BMW- or at least my last BMW built after 1991...

You might try going for a spin in an Audi A4. It feels like a BMW used to feel. But, only for a few more years, as sales increase they will have to go with the flow and make their cars more cars more for the masses too. You could also try a Passat CC too.

Sorry, AWD and the local Audi dealer take the A4 out of consideration. I've driven more than one A4,It and I find it every bit as uninteresting as a new 3 Series- if not more so. The Passat? I detest FWD in anything larger than a hot hatch(Focus ST/GTI/MS3).

stickguy

Farmer, those are pretty simple. At least as far as bmws go. Basically the same as road burners 318Ti. If rust is truly minor, cheap enough bytes sounds a little rate.

At least it is beater price. But with RWD nit a good upstate winter salt car unless you at least get good snows on it.

graphicguy

robr2 said:

Then new Cadillac flagship will take cues from the Ciel and Elmiraj concepts shown over the past few years:






IMHO, they are absolutely stunning and much better looking than anything coming out of Germany or Japan.

Now THOSE are two gorgeious cars. If I were in the market for a $90K car (which I'm not), those would be at the top of the list.

Just WOW!

Mr_Shiftright

"Going to New York sounds good in theory, too get creative juices flowing they might be better off in Malibu though."


@driver100‌ -- I couldn't agree more. NY doesn't worship the car, and in fact does a great job of punishing it. California is the place where the "next new things" come from---even IF the ideas are sometimes half-baked, or crazy, they are often the basis for workable creations. I trust Cadillac doesn't come to confuse NY fashion with sound engineering.

But hey, I wish 'em luck in any event. The further Cadillac can get away from GM HQ, the better. A moon base would be really good for Cadillac.

roadburner

oldfarmer50 said:

Some opinions from the experts please.

1) what is the price to have minor curb rash on a painted alloy wheel repaired?

2) what sort of product makes interior plastic surfaces look clean and shiny and maybe cover minor scratches? Armor All comes to mind but I have heard horror stories about that product. Anything else work as good?

3) as beaters go what is your opinion of this BMW. Know problem areas? Was that vintage any good? Etc. what's it worth?
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4644542918.html

Curb rash? $75-up in my area.

Interior protectant? 303 Aerospace Protectant or Vinylex

E36 318i? Easy to work on, fuel efficient, fun to drive- but you have to keep the motor wound pretty tight if you want to make rapid progress. The headliner is easily fixed by a good upholstery shop. As always, a PPI by a good BMW tech is essential. I prefer my ti because it is smaller and lighter, but the sedans are great cars.

Mr_Shiftright

Didn't that engine have timing chain issues or is my memory fading?

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

Some opinions from the experts please.
2) what sort of product makes interior plastic surfaces look clean and shiny and maybe cover minor scratches? Armor All comes to mind but I have heard horror stories about that product. Anything else work as good?

I don't use ArmorAll on my interiors any more - looks too greasy.

One product I found that astounded me with how good it was is Turtle Wax Ice interior cleaner. Comes in a package with a microfiber cloth. Works really well, doesn't leave things overly shiny. Bought mine at Canadian Tire.

abacomike

PROBLEMS WITH THE NEW IPHONE 6

Was watching the news this morning and they had a special feature on a problem with the new iPhone 6 (wasn't sure if it was both the 6+ and the 6, but could be both). It seems that many people who put their iPhone 6's into their pockets have noticed that the phone actually "bends". The reporter said that Apple, in its over-enthusiasm to create a super "thin" phone may have made a design and/or engineering mistake in that the frame is not strong enough to support certain pressures and thus actually bends.

I have a special case for mine with a belt clip, so I don't carry it in my pocket. I wonder what Apple is going to do - this could be a major problem for them.

What would be the least expensive way to solve the problem is for Apple to supply all its customers who purchased the new iPhone 6 with a case for the phone, which they have available on their website. Much less expensive than replacing all those millions of phones. While they are doing that, it would seem reasonable that the engineers will be developing a stronger case with reinforced metals to prevent the phone from easily bending.

My Mom once told me - "...son, don't be so quick to buy something that's brand new on the market. Give it a few months so they can work out all the bugs before you buy it." That was good advice which, unfortunately, I did not heed.

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

Didn't that engine have timing chain issues or is my memory fading?

Mr_Shiftright said:

Didn't that engine have timing chain issues or is my memory fading?

Only the very earliest M42s had timing chain issues, although some OCD owners like me replace the M42 timing chain tensioner with the M44 piece($40 and 15 minutes). Most all will go 200k miles before a new chain and guides are required. Motors built prior to 11/93 had profile gaskets that failed at relatively low mileages, but any of those motors will almost certainly have had the gasket replaced with the improved part that doesn't fail.

abacomike

TO CADILLAC OR NOT TO CADILLAC! THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Those pictures of the two Cadillac coupes (one a convertible and one a coupe) are actually exquisite cars. I'd go for either of them in a heartbeat over Mercedes even though the new Mercedes S 550 is truly a gorgeous car. If Cadillac came out with those cars, they would definitely be competing well with Germany and Japan (Lexus).

The problem remains the dealership network. How to create a luxury car atmosphere and ambiance.

One of the posters here (I forgot who it was) suggested that Cadillac "split" from its existing corporate environs and create a complete new division called --------, whatever. Lexus and Infiniti were successful in that endeavor, however is there enough capital available to accomplish that? And if there is not enough capital available, selling more stock or bonds using the GM nameplate would be very difficult now or in the near future. But I believe that would be the way to go.

I hope they hurry up and get those gorgeous cars built. I'm not getting any younger and I sure would want one as soon as possible, or a few months after introduction to follow my Mom's advice about buying new things too quickly.

robr2

abacomike said:

PROBLEMS WITH THE NEW IPHONE 6

Was watching the news this morning and they had a special feature on a problem with the new iPhone 6 (wasn't sure if it was both the 6+ and the 6, but could be both). It seems that many people who put their iPhone 6's into their pockets have noticed that the phone actually "bends". The reporter said that Apple, in its over-enthusiasm to create a super "thin" phone may have made a design and/or engineering mistake in that the frame is not strong enough to support certain pressures and thus actually bends.

The issue affects the iPhone 6 Plus only. When one carries 19 square inches of aluminum in one's front pocket, bending is a result. The solution is that the hipsters will have to start wearing looser pants.

One website was able to bend a 6 Plus. There were also able to warp a similarly sized Samsung with a plastic back.

abacomike said:

I have a special case for mine with a belt clip, so I don't carry it in my pocket. I wonder what Apple is going to do - this could be a major problem for them..

Although it is a solution, I have not seen anyone under the age of 60 with a cell phone on their belt. I highly doubt some 23 year old in a hoodie and skinny jeans will wear a phone on their hip.

abacomike

@robr2‌ said:

"Although it is a solution, I have not seen anyone under the age of 60 with a cell phone on their belt. I highly doubt some 23 year old in a hoodie and skinny jeans will wear a phone on their hip."

The cases Apple sells on their website do not have clips.  Just a plastic case to protect the phone.

I've used OtterBox, but their cases are so soft they stretch out of shape.  The reason I have a clip is so when I am at a mall, I can hear the phone ringing or alerting me to a text.  When I keep it in my pocket, I can't hear the tones and most of my shirts don't have breast pockets.

qbrozen

abacomike said:

I've used OtterBox, but their cases are so soft they stretch out of shape.  The reason I have a clip is so when I am at a mall, I can hear the phone ringing or alerting me to a text.  When I keep it in my pocket, I can't hear the tones and most of my shirts don't have breast pockets.

I have to keep the sidetrack going, but which gen phone are you using the Otterbox on? it has been my experience thus far that they greatly improved the rubber on the iphone 5 case vs the 4. Had my otterbox defender on my 5 since the day I bought it, carry it in my pocket every day, and it held tight for 14 months before I decided to change it just to have a different color.

driver100

Mr_Shiftright said:

"


-- "Mr_Shiftright" I couldn't agree more. NY doesn't worship the car, and in fact does a great job of punishing it. California is the place where the "next new things" come from---even IF the ideas are sometimes half-baked, or crazy, they are often the basis for workable creations. I trust Cadillac doesn't come to confuse NY fashion with sound engineering.

But hey, I wish 'em luck in any event. The further Cadillac can get away from GM HQ, the better. A moon base would be really good for Cadillac.

Cadillac is worried about sagging sales in the US. Sales are up in China by a lot, but it isn't a good sign that Cadillac is losing sales on home turff.

Cadillac sales are up 10 percent worldwide through August. Sales are up 70 percent in China, where the newly revamped CTS sedan just went on sale.

But in the U.S., Cadillac isn't performing as well. Sales have slumped nearly 5 percent this year despite well-reviewed new vehicles like the ATS coupe and XTS sedan.

U.S. luxury car sales have grown at more than double the pace of non-luxury car sales so far this year. But Cadillac is missing out on those buyers. Audi sales are up nearly 15 percent, BMW is up almost 12 percent and Mercedes-Benz is up 9 percent, according to Autodata Corp. Toyota's Lexus luxury brand posted a 16 percent increase through August.

I think the New York thing is an attempt to get things going again.

driver100

graphicguy said:

robr2 said:

Then new Cadillac flagship will take cues from the Ciel and Elmiraj concepts shown over the past few years:






IMHO, they are absolutely stunning and much better looking than anything coming out of Germany or Japan.

Now THOSE are two gorgeious cars. If I were in the market for a $90K car (which I'm not), those would be at the top of the list.

Just WOW!

I am outnumbered by about 100 to 1. Seriously, I wouldn't want to be seen driving a car like that, it just shouts out showy. I think it could be called the Cadillac Blingeraldo.

Maybe it is me, maybe it is being a more conservative Canadian, maybe it is because I like the more subtle European designs.....not sure. I don't know where Dino is but I'd like his critique.

nelsonf

oldfarmer50 said:
Some opinions from the experts please.

1) what is the price to have minor curb rash on a painted alloy wheel repaired?

2) what sort of product makes interior plastic surfaces look clean and shiny and maybe cover minor scratches? Armor All comes to mind but I have heard horror stories about that product. Anything else work as good?

The cheapest I've ever had a wheel repaired in my area has been $135.

I second Roadburner's 303 recommendation. Stay away from anything with silicone in it. It dries the vinyl out over time.

I think an over shined, armor-all'd interior looks terrible. I've seen some so over done, that the graining in the vinyl was filled in leaving a smooth, shiny, greasy look. Nasty. (just my opinion of course)

Nelson

robr2

driver100 said:

I am outnumbered by about 100 to 1. Seriously, I wouldn't want to be seen driving a car like that, it just shouts out showy. I think it could be called the Cadillac Blingeraldo.

Keep in mind, those are concepts. The actual styling will be closer to the current Cadillac design language. Concept cars are designed to shout out showy.

driver100

Today I rented a U Haul Cargo van, to move some of my wife's paintings from our former warehouse back to our home (in case SIL closes down soon).

Rate was good $19.95 a day but 90 cents a mile and that can sure add up. So I get a Ford E 250, and let me tell you, that was an experience. It is totally gutless, so you have to allow for moving into traffic or for getting onto a highway. The seating is very uncomfortable and the seats do not have much movement....especially up. Very bumpy too, not sure why it can't ride a little smoother. Ugly interior, designed to be as cheap as possible.

All U-Haul trucks here have Arizona License plates. That is so they don't have to comply with our anti-pollution laws.

But, the worst is the steering. If you want to know what "feel of the road" is, it is the opposite of this. It is like the steering wheel is detached from the truck. It can move a quarter turn and nothing happens.

The move went well, but it was nice to get back into the 535 again. I don't know how people drive these things around all day. On a scale of 1 to 10 driving pleasure would be about 1. The sensation of moving is about it.

driver100

robr said: Keep in mind, those are concepts. The actual styling will be closer to the current Cadillac design language. Concept cars are designed to shout out showy.

That is probably true. But, even by your explanation you are calling it showy. Most people don't see it as showy...over the top styling, they like it the way it is. It may have potential if it was toned down a bit, but why not build it the way it will look?

I do agree though, concept cars usually look a lot different by the time they come to market. It seems just some ideas are drawn from the concept design. I hope so............

driver100

driver100 said:

Today I rented a U Haul Cargo van, to move some of my wife's paintings from our former warehouse back to our home (in case SIL closes down soon).

Rate was good $19.95 a day but 90 cents a mile and that can sure add up. So I get a Ford E 250, and let me tell you, that was an experience. It is totally gutless, so you have to allow for moving into traffic or for getting onto a highway. The seating is very uncomfortable and the seats do not have much movement....especially up. Very bumpy too, not sure why it can't ride a little smoother. Ugly interior, designed to be as cheap as possible.

All U-Haul trucks here have Arizona License plates. That is so they don't have to comply with our anti-pollution laws.

But, the worst is the steering. If you want to know what "feel of the road" is, it is the opposite of this. It is like the steering wheel is detached from the truck. It can move a quarter turn and nothing happens.

The move went well, but it was nice to get back into the 535 again. I don't know how people drive these things around all day. On a scale of 1 to 10 driving pleasure would be about 1. The sensation of moving is about it.

imidazol97

driver100 said:

Maybe it is me, maybe it is being a more conservative Canadian, maybe it is because I like the more subtle European designs.....not sure. I don't know where Dino is but I'd like his critique.

Now I see lots of design elements in this


that are shared by this--which is a prototype from several years ago, not a finished design

abacomike

@qbrozen‌ said:

"I have to keep the sidetrack going, but which gen phone are you using the Otterbox on?"

The problem I had was on my iPhone 4S.  It was awful - kept stretching out of shape. So I got a harder case and it was great until I bought my iPhone 6.

Otter was uncooperative in replacing the bad cases I bought.  So no more business for them from yours truly!

driver100

imidazol97 said:

driver100 said:

Maybe it is me, maybe it is being a more conservative Canadian, maybe it is because I like the more subtle European designs.....not sure. I don't know where Dino is but I'd like his critique.

Now I see lots of design elements in this


that are shared by this--which is a prototype from several years ago, not a finished design

The Cadillac seems out of proportion to me. I like a long hood, but, that is obscene. It seems so impractical to have such a long hood, very small trunk, and the passenger space has been cut back. Then that grill seems a little too heavy and chrome laden considering the rest of the car.

I also don't like the chopped roof design. The Mercedes is a bit better, but not my favorite either. I don't understand that design concept, sacrifice comfort and vision for a lower roofline. I don't know the thinking when the people who are buying this type of car are at least 50 years old. Unless they actually do capture the under 50 year olds, but might lose their base customers, the 50+ clients.

The Mercedes is not a perfect design for me either, but, it was used to compare something similar in style, and show how it can be done in a more subtle way.

stever

But think of the crumple zone.

(btw, I almost got my van stuck in a parking garage trying to get to Eatons when they were liquidating back in '99 - forgot I had a canoe on the roof).

imidazol97

driver100 said:

The Cadillac seems out of proportion to me. I like a long hood, but, that is obscene.

I iterate that it's a prototype and the earlier image of that prototype was the Cadillac Sixteen with a sixteen cylinder engine alluding to earlier engines in Cadillacs and also offering the folks who want 600 hp and 585.7 lb-ft of torque as what they need to drive around town at 45 mph.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Sixteen#mediaviewer/File:Eyes_on_Design_001.jpg

cdnpinhead

No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.

-- H. L. Mencken

From time to time I post this for those who have recently arrived.

explorerx4

@driver100, Using an E250 to move a few painting is like using a claymore to slice an orange.
You could have rented a minivan. When my daughter moved, we went to Ikea and put in 2 couches, entertainment center, coffee table, bed, 5 draw chest and 2 night stands.

fezo

cdnpinhead said:

No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.

-- H. L. Mencken

From time to time I post this for those who have recently arrived.

Always appropriate.

Mr_Shiftright

1. Cadillac models look too much alike. You'd never mistake a Mercedes S500 for a C300.

2. The model designations are baffling. Use the BMW system---smaller series number, smaller car

3. Don't sell a Cadillac at a Chevy dealer! Ramp up dealer service levels (a lot!)

4. Fire all your ad agencies, tomorrow.

driver100 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

"


-- "Mr_Shiftright" I couldn't agree more. NY doesn't worship the car, and in fact does a great job of punishing it. California is the place where the "next new things" come from---even IF the ideas are sometimes half-baked, or crazy, they are often the basis for workable creations. I trust Cadillac doesn't come to confuse NY fashion with sound engineering.

But hey, I wish 'em luck in any event. The further Cadillac can get away from GM HQ, the better. A moon base would be really good for Cadillac.

Cadillac is worried about sagging sales in the US. Sales are up in China by a lot, but it isn't a good sign that Cadillac is losing sales on home turff.

Cadillac sales are up 10 percent worldwide through August. Sales are up 70 percent in China, where the newly revamped CTS sedan just went on sale.

But in the U.S., Cadillac isn't performing as well. Sales have slumped nearly 5 percent this year despite well-reviewed new vehicles like the ATS coupe and XTS sedan.

U.S. luxury car sales have grown at more than double the pace of non-luxury car sales so far this year. But Cadillac is missing out on those buyers. Audi sales are up nearly 15 percent, BMW is up almost 12 percent and Mercedes-Benz is up 9 percent, according to Autodata Corp. Toyota's Lexus luxury brand posted a 16 percent increase through August.

I think the New York thing is an attempt to get things going again.

driver100

stever said - But think of the crumple zone.

- LOL...that's good, always think of the glass as half full.

Imidola said - I iterate that it's a prototype and the earlier image of that prototype was the Cadillac Sixteen

Fair enough. But why even present that to the public if it is so over the top? Maybe just to show what can be done and then use the best elements...just not sure why?

cdnpinhead said - No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.

-- H. L. Mencken

Perfect.........my thoughts exactly, but, I am too polite to say it.

explorer said @driver100, Using an E250 to move a few painting is like using a claymore to slice an orange.

Agree, but, $19.95 a day was the cheapest price by far, no matter what size truck I used, and that was their smallest.

robr2

driver100 said:

All U-Haul trucks here have Arizona License plates. That is so they don't have to comply with our anti-pollution laws.

Nah - the reason they have AZ plates is because that's where they are based, the license tax goes down for every year the vehicle is plated in AZ and safety inspections are not required in AZ thus eliminating the logistics of getting vehicles inspected.

As for the ride - it's a 20+ year old body on frame van design. They are loved because they run forever.

robr2

driver100 said:

Fair enough. But why even present that to the public if it is so over the top? Maybe just to show what can be done and then use the best elements...just not sure why?

Every manufacturer does over the top concepts:

explorerx4

@driver100, If you have some weight and volume to transport, those vans are great. Unloaded they are a headache. My wife and I also drove about 1200 miles in an E350 earlier this year.
It was pretty good with some weight in it, but 10 hours of torture driving it back empty.
You wanted cheap and you got it. It's not the fault of the vehicle you rented a fork for your soup instead of a spoon.