SPIED: Cadillac Appears To Be Stepping Up To The BIG DADDY Plate With An S-Class/7-Series Competitor

I think this is just an absurd idea. How many people (Including the Americans) would pay like 70k or 80k to buy this American POS to begin with?

If Cadillac is serious about upping the game, and challenge the mighty European powerhouses, then they damn better be prepared to challenge the S Class Maybach (Which will be revealed this year apparently), Bentley and Rolls-Royce. If not, then they shouldn't even bother.

Because really, I don't think Cadillac has what it takes to take down the Europeans, at all. XTS, what was that? I've never seen anyone driving one of those FWD junk. And the XTS looks like a joke, too.

The Japanese tried with Lexus and Infiniti, but we all know they just can not compete with the Europeans at all. If the Japanese can't, then Caddy, "obviously" can't. Because what does Cadillac have? No innovation, no heritage (But only the history of bankruptcy and the American arrogance).

Don't even bother, Cadillac. GM might as well just focus more on Chevrolet and sell more Buicks in China.

And now I think about it, just comparing this junk to BMW 7 series, Mercedes-Benz S class and Audi A8 itself is blasphemous to say the least. Who can challenge Europe?

There is no need for anti-American bigotry. The ATS and CTS are most decidedly in the hunt in the opinion of many sources. The ATSV and ATSV+ are a delicious 1-2 punch on the horizon as is the CTSV. Cadillac is on a major roll. If the big Cadillac is as gorgeous in production form as the Ciel and the Elmiraj, the flabby, gehtto-bling Mercedes S will look like a Lady Gaga meat suit by comparison.

Not Anti-American bigotry, but rather, speaking the truth. GM, Ford and Chrysler cars are as American as Made in China. Toyota at least makes their Tundra in the United States, but their trucks? In Mexico.

And Cadillac, I bet it was engineered by Opel guys in Germany. This country seriously doesn't know how to make cars. Glad there is at least Opel. And Ford is most likely getting the engineering from the European Ford. And Chrysler, from Fiat.

This country has no culture, no innovation whatsoever, nothing that is great. No wonder why my friends are jealous of the European countries like Germany and Britain.

And I'm sure many Americans would much rather drive Mercedes (Just like how Janis Joplin, the American singer sings about it) or BMW than drive this old people's brand, Cadillac.

MattDarringer and this is not "ghetto bling"? I just see all those rappers with songs about Cadillacs driving this thing. This is not "ghetto bling" but "ghetto gucci".

Wow, what cave are you living out of dude? Cadillac has stepped their game up beyond the germans. And I'm a serious German car guy but I can recognize the real truth. You should really research before you speak. For one, Cadillac only has one vehicle that is produced abroad and abroad means Mexico and that's the SRX but the rest are tried and true American cars. Their technology either matches or exceeds their German counterparts. The media has taken note, guess you're a little behind the times. It's funny actually. I watched people say the same crap about Audi back in the day when similar articles came out about the brand and now they are part of your argument against Cadillac and the mistake the other brands made back then was not taking Audi's aspirations and now BMW and Merc are deep discounting their cars like theres no tomorrow to keep from losing their respective crowns. Now while time will only tell of Cadi will take it that far, I can say as of right now, the only thing that stands in their way is not having enough different models to compete across the board but with the few they do have.... 2014 COY... Need I say more...

I agree Caddy has to target and beat the Luxury Liners from Germany. But before you go on an Anti-Caddy rant try driving one of their newer products. They are bringing it right to the Germans.

The large full size rear drive luxury car is an American tradition that currently has been abandoned when the last Lincoln Town Car left the line. The Chrysler 300 barely qualifies. THe current full size cars - from the XTS to the Taurus do not really fill that market.

If Gm produces a real quality - high level full size car - at a price point of about $70,000 or so - they do not have do compete with the new S class - or a Bentley or Rolls - but actually more like the Lexus LS level (Which is nothing more than a good Buick itself) and it would also be the base for a lot of limousines and other cars that would keep the volume high enough to make the car worthwhile for GM to make - it would have that market pretty much all to itself.

And the current CTS is an example of how Cadillac CAN compete when it wants to.

i dont think this would eat too much into the s class and 7 series or even the A8 as most buyers are very loyal to those cars, speak to those owners and they all make a case why its so amazing, i definitely think it could eat into the XJ8 because it lost its heritage with the drastic redesign, and maybe even the ls430 lexus but that depends on how soft this car drives. as far as style goes i think its as good as all of the cars i mentioned except the S class because S class is just the standard.
i think this design is very fresh and different, but i would only like it if it looks EXACTLY like this, not some toned down version or then its just the XTS.

If caddy stays on its current trajectory I think this car will be a success, both for the car itself and the caddy and GM brands generally. This is no time to go wobbly, though. The product must be excellent.

The ATS targeted the 3 Series and has beaten it. It has beaten all that Europe has to offer (in the segment) in countless reviews by experts and won a ton of awards. (I didn't say M3 because the ATS VSport/ATS-V is not out yet).

The new CTS is Car of the Year, and beats both the revised E Class and outgoing 5 Series in multiple reviews. Both cars beat the Germans. Now consistency is needed to be fully recognized at the elite table.

The New Fleetwood, (hopefully not "LTS") if given the current track record, will be a world class full sized luxury car that will stand out in the crowd. It will not look ugly like the new S Class, or boring like the current 7 Series or unnoticed like the A8. I'll bet this new car is world class and looks like and American car should. JDMUSMuscle - your comments are really inane. I've had 5 Mercedes and a superb A6, but the ATS is by far the best car I've owned. Its world class in every respect. I compared everything available prior to purchase and this car is truly amazing, and more car than 99% of people will ever use. Comments like JDMUSMuscle's are comments by folks that have never owned or driven any of these cars.

If the new Fleetwood is created by the ATS/CTS standard, it will be world class, American and I'l bet, gorgeous which is not a word that can be used for any European or Japanese/Korean car in that segment.

It won't necessarily compete with the S600 Maybach, or Bentley either, or yet. But all I can say is if they strap (2) 3.6 liter V6's together, you're talking 642 naturally aspirated bhp in the form of a V12 from an extraordinary engine. Sorry, but that is more than world class.

Yes, the ATS and CTS have proven to be amazing driving machines. But cars are more than just about how a car handles and those weaknesses of the ATS are coming to fruition more and more. The ATS definitely came out of the gates and wowed all of the reviewers with its handling prowess (as has the CTS), but shortcomings such as crude transmissions, frustrating CUE, and backseat space shortages are playing a more important role in reviewers' opinions. Something tells me that the CTS may (and I emphasize MAY) experience the same since its backseat has decreased by about a inch from the outgoing model and it has (I believe) the same CUE system, and its trunk size is small for the class.

Mercedes / cidflekken - first of all have either of you driven any new Cadillac? The interiors are world class and everyone likes to poke at CUE but I use it every day. Once you use it, it’s terrific. I’ve used the Navigation systems in Mercedes (crude) and BMW (complicated silliness), that for Audi as well. CUE is much easier compared to them, I've used them, have you? Mercedes, your name indicates you’re biased anyway….

I don't doubt that they need to be consistent but I think that they plan to be. Mercedes only supplies Mercedes so your comments about power-train are irrelevant. Perhaps once Nissan and Mercedes start sharing then your comments are valid you can compare GM engines. A Nissan engine in a Mercedes? Well I’d say some Nissan engines are better than some Mercedes engines. GM powertrains are excellent and snobbery doesn't make Mercedes better. There is absolutely no doubt that many Mercedes power-trains are the best in the world, but at what price point? In this segment these powertrains are better than anything from MB/BMW & Audi. For example the 250 motor in the C250 & CLA 250 is harsh, loud, crude the turbo lag is breathtakingly pronounced. The engine is junk to honest with you. The 2.0 turbo in the ATS has 270 bhp and is smooth in its delivery. The 2.0 used in the Audi A4, A6, A5 is also used in VW's, SEATs, and Skoda's so another irrelevant comment. The Cadillac 2.0T is also much more powerful than any 4 cylinder mainstream use engine by MB/BMW or Audi.

Most people that shop ATS/3 Series/C Class will see the difference and yes the back seat is slightly cramped in the ATS but how often is it used? How often are back seats used in 3 Series, A4 or C Class? I'd say about as much as the ATS and none are places for the long term. How often is the trunk loaded to capacity. Yes, it’s good to have more, when you need it but the ATS is more car than most people will ever use. All have folding rear seats so the space is expandable. I really doubt that ATS is checked off a serious list due to what’s been stated here, for someone who is seriously comparing and spending their own money. The new CTS I've sat in one and the back seat room is fine, trunk more than enough. I've owned 3 E Class cars and the back seat of the new CTS is nicer and more roomy.

The transmission may be crude to professional drivers but there is nothing crude in its execution or use on a day to day basis. I mean these are $40-$60K sedans, crap transmissions will disqualify them immediately if they’re what you’re saying here. Neither of you have probably driven one so your comments are just repeated from some source. Everyday buyers of all these cars will never feel the transmission is a letdown in anyway. I have an ATS 3.6, I also have a Mercedes GLK with the 3.5 liter 268bhp engine. The ATS has 53bhp more than the GLK, and the shifting of the MB 7 speed stinks compared to the ATS. Drive them before you comment and you can say th

Drive them before you comment and you can say things from experience.

The BMW 3 Series is not as good as the ATS (2.0 to 328i)(3.6 - 335i), the current C-Class is irrelevant, though I like it a lot, it’s too dated and again ATS (C250 vs 2.0T - night & day) same for the (3.6 vs C350), Audi A4 is just old.. the interior isn't that nice either, not like the A6. The new CTS has already beaten the E & the 5 Series... http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2014-cadillac-cts-36-vs-audi-a6-bmw-535i-mercedes-e350-comparison-test-review

I've owned 5 Mercedes, one Audi A6 (fabulous car) and my wife has had 3 BMW's.... I never dreamed I’d buy a Cadillac but the ATS is a better car regardless of snobbery. If people compare, and drive them all, the Cadillac’s are more than serious contenders. They have to be, they’re the underdog, they have to give buyers a reason to switch, which they’ve done as I think 70% of buyers are conquests.

Will the next generation cars from BMW/MB & Audi better the ATS & new CTS, probably but they need to, their current cars are not as good.

I highly disagree. First of all, Cadillac ATS looks like it was meant to be an Acura ILX competitor and already from the design standpoint, no one, I say again, "no one" is going to buy this junk. Who is exactly stupid enough to bet that Cadillac is reliable to begin with? I bet it will fall apart within a few weeks. I had a Cadillac SUV, which was an utter piece of junk that had issues with the starter. How do you make a car, if the damn starter has issues? Never seen such issue on any of the Japanese cars I owned for years and years.

And I'm pretty sure it doesn't drive anything like a 3 series. Well, if you liked ATS so much, you might as well try Lexus IS, then.

And unfortunately, the people do not buy cars for "performance". The majority of people do not even "care" about such thing. What the people desire is the brands that can actually represent their socioeconomic status, meaning driving Cadillac means you are into crappy, dying brands that are like Buick and Lincoln.

You liked Cadillac ATS? Good for you. Try Lexus IS and see for yourself if it is any good. I bet it is good, but do you think that is really what matters in real life?

The Europeans already won the luxury brand war. 70% of luxury brands in the world come from Europe (Google it and let the truth set you free), everyone knows the most expensive watches, fashion brands and cars and such come from Europe, so if Caddy even wants to take on the Europeans? They damn better be actually ready to take down the big boys of Europe and wave the American flag sky high. Because this dumb country does not really have any brands to be that proud of.

And oh, let's see if anyone is actually interested in something called "American engineering". I know many Americans who do not want anything that is "Made in USA".

Why? Because the Europeans already won.

JDMUSMuscle - you're just an idiot... Lexus are appliances... you're a moron.

Just as I thought. You are just as a badgewhore as those others who denounce Cadillac altogether.

And calling me names pretty much shows that you are not really good at arguing as well. Are you that afraid to argue with me? Not surprised, because I never lost an argument. And Lexus is an appliance...oh wow. That goes on to show how much you know about Lexus. Is Lexus IS-F a mere appliance? Compared to S class, can you tell me how much of difference there is between the S class and Lexus LS? And does Caddy even have a vehicle that is capable of off-roading? Lexus LX can, what about the Escalade?

I mean, you already stated you've never owned a Japanese car. Sorry, kid, you just don't know anything about cars.

And obviously you have not a single clue as to why the Europeans are dominating the luxury brand industry.

Call me names, you already know you are too ignorant to even argue. Keep calling names, act like a child like you are, and stay ignorant. I really feel sorry for you.

It's actually pretty funny how you actually state "Oh look! ATS is so good! CTS is so good!"

And come to the conclusion that Lexus vehicles are nothing but appliances.

What, then Cadillac is some kind of brand that is filled with pure passion and excitement? Where do I look for them? XTS? Escalade? Funny how the most expensive vehicles of Cadillac are some of the most boring, old-people-friendly, ghetto-style vehicles that no person with taste would ever want to associate themselves with.

Enjoy your car that no one is actually even interested in.

DOA = that reinvented square design concept is done. If that caddy comes out with that circa 1990s roofline and A and C pillar, they are done, completely done!!! Not only that if the Japanese' better built, precision vehicles haven't taken down the Germans, what chance does Cadillac stand??? I like what Caddy's doing but they're trying to play too many pay-grades above their station.

Anti Caddy rant guy. I agree with everything you are saying about Caddy, if it was 1990. It is 2014 they are making some nice cars. Try test driving a modern Caddy before you discount them.

I could exactly tell you the same thing about Lexus.

And let's see, which one would you rather drive? Something that is at least a lot more reliable and has the SUVs that are capable of off-roading, or the trash brand that has not a single stable "flagship"?

You want a good car? Well, Ford Focus is a fun car, why not buy that one and save tons of cash? Why should one buy a Caddy instead? Try to think.

You apparently missed the part where I said I like what Caddy is doing. But anyway actually I have test driven the CTS and i love the car, im only ranting on the big car, as I believe the square angles won't work on the flagship level.

http://jalopnik.com/2014-cadillac-cts-the-jalopnik-review-1445127844

http://jalopnik.com/just-buy-the-damn-cadillac-already-1510146868

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2014-cadillac-cts-36-vs-audi-a6-bmw-535i-mercedes-e350-comparison-test-review

lol. arrowmg, you weren't the anti-Caddy guy I was referring to. It was JDMUSMuscle, but I think he just likes to bash anything that isn't European. He can bash away and miss some of the best cars at their respective price points.

you can like or not like the styling, looks are subjective. But Caddy has turned the corner and is now competing with the best in the world. Nice to see America in the game!