Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Cadillac ATS to show how much GM learned from the BMW 3 Series

General Motors wants so badly for the upcoming Cadillac ATS to rock our worlds on all markets (i.e., not just in North America) that a source within the automaker has told us that the BMW 3 Series has been a prime focal point for benchmarking the Baby Caddy.

We always suspected this should happen, but then GM hasn't had much of a tradition of reacting quickly until recently. According to our source, teams at GM have basically stripped various 3 Series cars down to bare naked chassis bits and pieces, and fully intend on emulating an awful lot of what they see there, while, it can be assured, making it all correct for the Cadillac brand.

Sounds intensely good to us. Jeez, mega-millions for Bowling Green to hopefully try and finally keep Corvette interiors from smelling like toxic plastic in the hot summer sun, and now a smaller Cadillac that will actually drive and feel like the Standard of the World? Is it too good to be true?

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/16/c...-bmw-3-series/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I say put your money where your mouth is GM. 3 Series is a pinnacle in the segment. Bring it, competition is good for the consumer!!

LexFather

We hear this everytime...the Skyline/G35, IS, C-class, A4, CTS etc etc all gun for the 3 series....and they all do a decent job but the 3 series is still arguably best in class and continues to sell strong with no hicccups.

The car is now what 7-8 years old and is still best selling in class. I wish Caddy would stick to making comfy boats quite frankly.....not sure if people want a small Caddy.

Lexmex

I hope it doesn't turn into a spiffed up Catera.

caddyowner

Let's start by building a reliable luxury car, GM. Then drop that arts-and-science styling motif as it's getting tired. It was cutting edge in 2003 with the first CTS. It then went to every Caddy and after 8 years, it's time for something new.

IS-SV

Agreed on all your points.

Cadillac reliability still is mediocre at best through entire range of products.

Artsy/fartsy science project styling was appropriate for blingtastic Escalades, it's looking quite dated especially on passenger cars.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

With the new 3 series around the corner, I'm curious if BMW makes a better one. For example, I really like the new 5 series interior/exterior BUT the car gained 400LBS!!! after it's redesign. Lost a lot of sport and went for luxury. I wonder if the 3 series will suffer the same fate..

IS-SV

That's convincing, (if we were talking about Buick.)

E6BAV8R

So this is what GM has come to now?

Keep trying to clone industry leading vehicles GM, and you'll continue to be a follower in every segment. Appears they're still trying to learn their lesson.

speedflex

And don't forget how fellow Germans, Audi and MB, have also tried. Soon Jag will also be making another go at the 3.

T0ked

iTrader: (2)

Leave the old school American boats to Buick. Cadillac needs to gun for the Germans and they've been doing a great job of it IMHO. I also love their styling... makes them look unique and stand apart from the rest of the crowd. Continue to evolve the design statement. Compared from the gen1 CTS to the current and looking at their DTS-replacement design, they have a homerun. Anything less would make them generic and blend into the background and that would surely mean cadillac's death.

Having the 3 series as a moving target is wonderful. Without it, we would have never had the joy of being able to choose from so many copycats. LOL. We all know Caddy won't hit the nark, but I hope they get pretty damn close and offer a deal (more gadgets and toys or a lower price) that gets them noticed as a serious contender.

T0ked

iTrader: (2)

They most definitely may, but that's why they have the 1-series now.

GFerg

http://blogs.insideline.com/straight...r-testing.html

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Liking the lines thus far

grabber2

That's very possible!! They bump up the 3 series and let the 1 series take its place, there might be a 1 series sport sedan soon!!