Cadillac Cans Sixteen… Builds Up CTS
GM Not Ready to Duke it out with Bentley and Rolls
Canadian Auto Press
2003 was a fantastic year for American concept cars. There was the Chrysler 300 C Concept, a bold, in-your-face tribute to the full-size American muscle sedan, while Ford showed off a pair of retro-inspired vehicles that would become the Mustang and the GT supercar. But it was Cadillac that really set the momentum going with a concept vehicle that promised to restore the brand back to its former glory, when it competed against the world's finest marques. That concept was the magnificent Sixteen.
Aside from its elegant Art & Science body, the Sixteen was about ultimate luxury. Its cabin was designed in a classy yet minimalist way, and made from the best materials that GM could get its hands on. Under its hood, which was hinged from the centre, was a V16 engine, a configuration that Cadillac was lauded for during the '30s. This new engine was built up from two V8s attached from end to end, creating a volume of 13.6 litres. It made a total of 1,000 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque without forced aspiration. The only sixteen-cylinder car currently in production is the Bugatti Veyron, which uses four turbochargers and a W-shaped cylinder arrangement.
However capable the Sixteen was at becoming the "Cadillac of Cadillacs", Automotive News reports that GM will be burying the idea of a Caddy that can run with Bentleys, Rolls Royces and Maybachs. The main reason behind the decision to can the Sixteen is that the high-end executive market isn't profitable enough for cash-strapped GM. The sales numbers in this segment are so low and so minimal that GM couldn't justify putting the Sixteen into production. It's a sad day for fans of the crested wreath brand who believe that Cadillac can stand amongst the world's finest automobiles in an arena where cars can and do cost as much as houses.
It isn't the end of the road for GM's highest-perceived luxury brand, though. Cadillac is instead concentrating on more realistic (profitable) goals that will help return it and its parent company back to the greener side of things. For instance, the upcoming NAIAS show at Detroit will see the debut of the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS.
Already, before the debut of the sedan, Automotive News is reporting that the new CTS will be available in more than the standard body style. Keith Crain editor in chief of the publication said, "General Motors insiders say Cadillac is seriously considering a plan to create a family of CTS sedans, coupes and wagons that would emulate BMW's 3-series lineup." GM's decision to expand the CTS brand name into other segments seems a smart move; a Coupe would give GM something capable of fighting the popular Infiniti G35 Coupe, while a wagon would show Cadillac's ability to lure in wagon-happy Europeans.
