Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragoneye
So for the most part....your concern is concentrated in the RWD vs FWD debate?
|
Not entirely. Audi has certainly proved with its A8 that you don't have to be RWD to compete in the luxury flagship segment. Then again, Acura hasn't proven the same with its RL. I believe it is possible to have a longitudinal FWD platform underpin a proper luxury flagship. My concerns are:
1. I don't think Cadillac has the cachet and background to pull this off. Brands like Audi and Saab are known for AWD systems. In Audi's case, it really is their signature thing.
2. Origin of the platform. It would be one thing if GM said, "Hey, we have this new platform for the XTS. Our market research shows a FWD model with AWD optional is what this segment needs, but it is designed to be a premium platform. Later, we'll decontent it for Chevrolet." Instead, it went the other way around, bringing up a platform meant for lower brands. Also, unless they plan to release this thing
now, the platform will already be old and possibly outdated by the time it gets to Cadillac. The natural order of things is for progress to trickle down from the luxury brand, not for the luxury brand to accept hand-me-downs from the lower brand.
3. Overlap: what will differentiate this from the LaCrosse? Styling, sure, but what else? Gizmos? Obviously there will have to be a lower end model of the XTS, and a high end model of the LaCrosse, which is extremely kitted-out. Overlap is inevitable, and that is a big, historic problem for GM. You just spend lots of money cannibalizing sales from yourself.
Those are my primary concerns for now. I'll adjust later as we know more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65
Because it won't be. Alpha's already in development.
I am so done fighting about this.
|
I just don't follow the logic of developing a new advanced platform that is supposedly competitive with the long-standing class leader for your entry level sedan while tossing your "flagship" and old Chevy platform. That just so goes against the natural order of things that I have trouble wrapping my mind around it. Of course, if that really is how it is I'll personally be OK, as I'm more likely to buy the small entry level model anyway, but it makes precious little sense for the Cadillac brand.
Quote:
Originally Posted by camaro_corvette
I hope the aveo gets a facelift. That thing looks terrible.  |
I'm very interested in seeing how the new Aveo (Viva?) turns out. I am very disappointed by the current Aveo. I majorly respect the Fit, and even recommended it to my sister. She oddly decided she actually liked the Aveo better. Go figure. I'm very interested in the Fiesta and frankly I'm very tempted to buy one as my daily driver. The Aveo/Viva has to be really good. This segment has turned red hot. From what I've seen so far, I'm impressed.