Cadillac->ke18 is launching a new assault in Europe that will include an expanded model lineup, right-hand drive, new diesel engines and a new flagship sedan->ke142 that will sit above the 2016 Cadillac CT6. GM->ke1024 president Dan Ammann confirmed the new strategy to Autocar and said the new approach in Europe will take advantage of its current position as a niche brand in the continent and will include “exceptional service.”
General Motors’ luxury arm has been pretty much phoning it in to Europe over the last few years, and currently only offers the 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe and 2014 Cadillac ATS Sedan, 2015 Cadillac CTS, 2014 Cadillac SRX and the 2015 Cadillac Escalade, which couldn’t be less appropriate for narrow European streets. What’s more, Cadillac only offers left-hand-drive cars in the U.K., where cars on lots have reportedly been collecting dust. Cadillac is banking that a new right-hand-drive option, expanded lineup and improved service network will help move a few more units in Europe.
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Diesel engine options could do the same. Look for 2.5-liter and 2.8-liter Duramax diesel four-cylinders to start appearing in Euro-bound examples of the ATS,->ke3619 CTS->ke1200 and the SRX->ke1735 crossover.->ke288
Amman’s mentioned of a new flagship model is also interesting. The new global model would sit above the recently introduced CT6,->ke4935 which is positioned against the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 2016 BMW 7 Series.
The new mystery flagship could offer near-Bentley->ke15 levels luxury and presence at a lower cost. It’s believed to be a big sedan->ke142 and could be designated CT7 or CT8. We’ll keep our ear to the ground on this and report back when we know more.
Cadillac will also probably introduce its newly reinvigorated V-Series lineup in Europe to go up against the likes of the BMW M->ke546 and Mercedes-AMG.->ke8 The lineup could include the 464-horsepower 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan and the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V sedan, which with its 640 horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, monsters anything from M or AMG.
Why it matters
You might remember that Cadillac launched a Euro-specific model in 2005. Based on the Saab 9-3,->ke209 the 2006 Cadillac BLS was predictably awful and sales figures were abysmal. So clearly, a re-launch in the Old World is long overdue, but shoring up sales at home remains a priority.
Cadillac sales in the U.S. have continued to stagnate over the last year, with sales declining by about 1.5 percent from this time in 2014. Despite a present lineup that’s really very good and several price cuts, premium buyers continue to flock to German brands. It’s a puzzle that Cadillac can’t seem to solve, but it will definitely continue chipping away at.
2016 Cadillac CT6
Read our full review here.