Thought this was interesting. While the CTS' is obviously up against the current F10, the CTS engineering manager states "the particular focus was on the livelier, previous-generation 5-series". I consider that a compliment.

I think the CTS looks lightyears better than prior designs, and I am impressed with the relatively low weight, new turbocharged 6 cylinders and ambitious aspirations. No manual trans will be offered outside of the V, but guess that makes sense from Caddy's perspective. I've never been a Cadillac fan, and honestly have probably said more negative than positive about them over the years - but this car and the recent CTS-V Coupe were major steps in the right direction.

Link:

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/new_york/2013/1303_2014_cadillac_cts/

Highlights:

"That means the CTS can finally focus on a more manageable, if still very difficult, task: beating the BMW 5-series."

"It's also about 200 pounds lighter than a comparable 5-series, which Cadillac makes no bones about declaring the new CTS's template. "Absolutely BMW. From a performance standpoint, that's been our clear target from the beginning," says CTS program engineering manager John Plonka, clarifying that the particular focus was on the livelier, previous-generation 5-series. "

"Expect the price to climb at least $5000 from the current car's $40,000 starting point to match the 5-series. "

What's that they say about the most sincere form of flattery ...

 

GM stuck in the past, as usual. They are a poorly run car company. Still.

 

Wow, the newer CTS is a great car, as most new Cadillacs. They have really stepped their game up in the last few years. What exactly makes them "stuck in the past?"

 

They're releasing a car for MY2014 that was admittedly designed to compete with a car that went out of production in 2009...

Here' s a novel idea: design a car for MY2014 that competes with other MY2014 vehicles.

Sure, they're certainly better than they were 6 or 7 years ago, but I still wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pole. Infiniti builds a much better car IMO, if you're looking for something from that arena.

 

Wasn't 2010 the end run for the E60? Of course they had little to go on with the F series before release. To plan, design, test, and build a new model takes years. It does make sense that they targeted the E60 - it was (and remains) an awesome and successful platform. I personally can't fault them for targeting it.

 

I believe that for the ATS they targeted the e46. Nothing wrong with aiming for a successful platform, especially when that platform has a huge following and complain about the newer generations size.

 

E60 production ended in 2009. F10 was introduced as a MY2010 car, but went into production ni 2009

I guess, but why buy a car that was designed to compete with something released in 1998? I'm sorry but GM absolutely blows as a car company these days. It's shameful. If I had to buy an American car, I'd definitely buy a Ford over a GM.

I think GM build quality is as bad as it was before the bailout. Here's an example: I just looked at a 2013 Regal. There is a seam, on virtually every car, where the aperture panel (uniside) mates with the roof. They are spot welded together at that seam, then covered with a nice, pretty roof moulding. Go look at the roof of your bimmer and you'll see what I'm talking about. On the Regal, there is no moulding. There is a bead of caulk that is then painted over. Yes, it looks exactly like the bead of caulk you are picturing in your head. Someone at GM made the decision to not cover that seam with a $15 plastic strip. Painting over a visible bead of caulk on one of your flagship cars is acceptable at GM.

These are just my opinions of course. I'm not looking to change anyone's mind. If you like GM, by all means buy one.

Oh, and they still owe the US taxpayers about $31 billion.

 

Exactly. Anyone who has driven the F10 and E60 can tell that the E60 is more nimble and sportier. What's wrong with using that as a target? The F10 is more like an E65 in size and feel. I would pick it if I wanted a more luxurious ride compared to the E60. I'm sure a lot of people would rather have the smaller/nimbler (but still big enough) car.

 

400hp 6 cylinder turbo V Sport pkg will give leave the F10 wanting lap band surgery. Will be the N54 of the midsize class, tons of mods and aftermarket support will follow. mods without the bmw tax, and tune friendly dealers. Great buy for 50% discount after 3 yrs of depreciation

(former 09 CTSV owner, heavy mods, under warranty)

 

I lov the CTS interior. How do you feel it compares to the E60 interior? GM really stepped they game up with the newer Cadillacs (including ATS)