The top engineer at Cadillac talks about their new car and the process they went through to compete with BMW, Audi, and MB.

If you, like me, hope to see American manufacturers continue to improve and have some winners in the game, then you'll appreciate this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9EfU...layer_embedded

 

My buddy has always owned Cadillac's. He just bought his second CTS and it is a great car. The CTS-V is a world class sedan which competes with BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Lexus IMO.

 

When I was a kid my Dad had a used car lot. He drove home a beautiful yellow 55 Caddy convertible. Thirty years later he bought another Caddy, all black, and it was longer than an aircraft carrier.

I've never had one myself.

 

I had a 2004 CTS. Loved the looks, loved the engine, but seats were $hit. As my daughter remarked when we picked her up at the airport "Dad, your 18 year old Max had better seats!" Believe me, I've talked to every GM management person i ever met since and told them why I sold the car. And, they have all said that's history. Since my Audi is still performing great I'm not looking at present but I do wish Cadillac well and clearly this guy gets it.

 

The Caddy is a really nice and rich looking car. I always notice them in traffic but didn't consider one when I was car shopping. For some reason I still relate cadillacs to funeral processions.

 

Of course I relate Volvo's with people who are afraid to drive anything but a tank. Funny how cars get in your brain that way.

 

I drove a rental Toyota Yaris this weekend. I thought that was cool, because I liked their commercials on TV. Then I drove it. Woof. Woof. Made me really appreciate my Honda Accord Crosstour when I got back to the airport, in So Cal. Didn't ever think of it as luxurious before.

 

I relate Volvos pretty much the same way and was very surprised at how afraid of driving or being in a car I was after my relatively minor car accident. I now fearlessly putt along in my Volvo driving 15 mph below the speed limit in the passing zone chuckling to myself and feeling invincible. I've grown to love that little volvo. She gave me back my freedom.
As an aside, I've also taken on many traits of the volvo owner and find myself becoming extremely politically correct, unbelievably concerned about the fate of the planet due to mankind's need to rape and destroy the plant and have often thought of hugging trees.

 

We do get spoiled don't we. Rentals cars help us get back to earth.
I'm not looking forward to my next auto acquisition, nothing is inspiring to me except stupid expensive.

 

I hope they improve the ergonomics of the controls. The seat comfort, quality and the range of seat adjustment need improvement. These are my two main complaints about our Escalade. It's the platinum edition with every option GM makes. The ride and handling are incredible. The finish work is very good but I don't know if we'll buy another one just because of the seating.

I like cars that fit me.

fltsfshr