Lincoln and Cadillac vs. The World

The U.S. is declaring war in some of its allies and Congressional approval is not necessary.  This isn't a military war involving guns, bombs and missiles.  This is an automotive war involving sheet metal, rubber and generous amounts of soft, supple cowhide.

2017 Lincoln Continental unveiled at
Detroit Auto Show.  (TWG Media)

Lincoln, the luxury division of Ford Motor Company, is bringing back an iconic nameplate to re-enter the flagship luxury sedan market.  Say hello to the all-new 2017 Lincoln Continental, unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

In September 2014,  General Motors announced plans for its luxury brand, Cadillac, to produce a new flagship sedan.  That sedan is the all-new CT6 and consumers can get their first up close and personal look at the CT6 at the Detroit show.

The muscular 2016 Cadillac CTS-V

I would LOVE to drive this machine!!!

All-New 2015 Mercedes Benz C-Class

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class at North American International Auto Show
Photo: NAIAS

Here's the next generation C-Class from Mercedes-Benz.  Lighter, sleeker and more efficient, according to Mercedes-Benz officials, while offering a new level of high-class interior design to underscore the luxurious comfort and refined sportiness of the Three-Pointed Star's entry level sedan in North America and top-selling model, globally.  The new C-Class made its US debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Photo: MBUSA

The U.S. market launches with two C-Class models:  C300 4MATIC with a 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection in-line four cylinder engine delivering preliminary power figures of 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of    torque and a C400 4MATIC with a 3.0L turbocharged direct-injection V6 at 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

On a visual level, the new C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor.  Its striking, dynamic design exudes sensuous clarity and arouses emotions.  

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class interior
Photo: MBUSA

The interior design demonstrates a bold new approach by Mercedes-Benz. Here the designers combine in accomplished style the architecture of Mercedes-Benz sports cars with a totally new center console featuring flowing lines.  A large one-piece center console panel performs an elegant sweep from the center air vents to the armrest.  These seamless clear-cut lines create a sense of open space and convey a thrillingly purist and modern feel.

The new 2015 C-Class should arrive in Mercedes-Benz showrooms this summer.

See the new C-Class in motion.

Cadillac adds ATS Coupe to its evolving lineup

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe at North American International Auto Show
Photo: TWG Media/Mike Woolfolk

DETROIT (GM) – Cadillac introduced the all-new 2015 ATS Coupe, a quicker and more personal addition to the award-winning ATS product line. Designed to be lighter, more agile and more engaging than its competitors, it extends Cadillac’s product-driven growth and the brand’s tradition of dynamic luxury Coupes.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe will feature

redesigned crest logo.

Photo: TWG Media/Mike Woolfolk

Cadillac’s first-ever compact luxury Coupe goes on sale this summer, offering drivers the choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and the power from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.6L six-cylinder. In all combinations, ATS Coupe takes advantage of its lightweight and strong structure to deliver exhilarating performance with efficiency, with a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio.

“The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is a natural step in the brand's progression, and another fun-to-drive and technologically advanced product for a new generation of drivers extending our target groups,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, chief marketing officer, Global Cadillac. “It is an exclusively distinctive American alternative, unique in its class, yet delivering a sporty and sophisticated driving experience rivaling the world's best.”

Editor's Note: As displayed at NAIAS '14, the ATS Coupe is lower and sleeker than the first-generation CTS Coupe, which may or may not see a second generation. 

GM Unveils All-New 2015 Cadillac Escalade

NEW YORK (GM) – Cadillac has introduced the all-new 2015 Escalade, a sophisticated luxury SUV designed to establish new benchmarks for hand-tailored craftsmanship and technology.

2015 Cadillac Escalade
Photo: GM

The fourth-generation Escalade is an entirely new design yet instantly recognizable. Much of the story of Cadillac’s redesigned flagship SUV is on the interior, where new levels of luxury combine with the latest technology.

“Cadillac’s growth provides the ideal stage for the all-new Escalade to take a major leap forward,” said Bob Ferguson, senior vice president, Global Cadillac. “The 2015 Escalade is completely new and elevated in design and technology, inside and out. The clear objective is to once again assume the leadership position among luxury SUVs.”

From its introduction, Escalade quickly became the standard among luxury SUVs with a formula of bold design, powerful capability and luxurious accommodations for up to eight occupants. Three succeeding generations led luxury SUV customers to confer icon status on it. The 2015 Escalade takes design and technical elements from Cadillac’s product expansion to elevate the brand’s signature SUV.

GM Kicks-Off 2012 NAIAS with Debut of New ATS Sedan

The eyes of the automotive world are focused on the Motor City as the 2012 North American International Auto Show gets underway in Detroit this week.  The official media previews begin on Monday morning.  However, General Motors kicked things off on Sunday night with a special media event at the College for Creative Studies, home to one of the world's most recognized programs for transportation design.

GM-North America President
Mark Reuss unveils all-new
Cadillac ATS in Detroit on
January 8, 2012.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the all-new Cadillac ATS sedan, which GM officials say will challenge the world's best premium cars.

The rear-drive ATS brings Cadillac’s blend of technologically driven performance, elegance and design to a new audience of spirited drivers. Its sophisticated driving experience is enhanced with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience that merges intuitive design with industry-first controls and commands for information and media data.

“Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac’s portfolio into a crucial global segment,” said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. “For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment’s status quo.”

Lexus announces pricing for new CT 200h Hybrid

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Photo Credit: Lexus

Lexus has announced pricing for the all-new 2011 CT 200h hybrid, which arrives in dealer showrooms next spring, and the number comes in under $30,000.  The suggested retail price of the CT 200h will be  $29,995 including the delivery, processing and handling fee.

2011 Lexus CT 200h
Photo Credit: Lexus

Company officials say the CT 200h will boast the luxury car industry’s best overall combined fuel economy at 42 mpg and offer the most attractive price point in the Lexus lineup without compromising the level of refinement, quality and reliability that customers expect.

“For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h.”

The CT 200h emits approximately 60 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, and has EPA-estimated ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway running on regular unleaded gasoline.  The CT 200h also can be operated in a switchable EV mode which generates zero emissions.

The 2011 CT 200h arrives in early March when it will become the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup.

Deja Vu: A subcompact Cadillac?!?

I woke up this morning to the news that Cadillac plans to publicly unveil a new concept this week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.  That, in and of itself, is not big news.  Pulling the wraps off of upcoming and potentially upcoming new vehicles is what car companies do at the major auto shows.  But, news of this particular vehicle from America's premier domestic luxury brand jolted me awake nearly as fast as my morning cup of extra-strong java.  Caddy is seriously considering another mini-sized offering.  Hmmm....

1982 Cadillac Cimarron
Photo Credit: GM Media

My first thought was, "been there, done that, and it was a very bad move."  Remember the Cimarron debacle of the early 1980's?  For many car consumers, luxury equates with size, spaciousness, suppleness, not to mention power.  In 1981, Cadillac introduced the Cimarron as an entry-level compact car in hopes of drawing in younger buyers and holding on to older folks who might want to downsize from their humongous Fleetwood or De'Ville models.  It was a major flop.  The Cimarron was a Chevrolet Cavalier clone-- literally.  The only real differences, a few minor cosmetic modifications and the leather interior.

2011 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
Photo Credit: GM Media

That considered, I found myself thinking, why go down this road again?  While the Fleetwood and De'Ville models are gone, Cadillac is still known for spacious, powerful luxury with its various Escalade and CTS models. And, a new flagship-- the XTS-- is coming soon. So, do Caddy buyers really want something the size of a Toyota Yaris or Nissan Versa?

But, before condemning the concept, I jumped out of bed and got online to search for more information and photos, of course.  I needed to see this concept.  Wow... I'm impressed.

“While small in size, this concept is an exploration of what Cadillac could be in the future, as the brand continues to focus on redefining industry standards for advanced vehicle design and integrated technology,” said Don Butler, vice president for Cadillac marketing.

Hit and Miss: GM bats .333 with Thursday's major announcements

GM Orion Assembly Center in Lake Orion, Michigan
Photo Credit: General Motors

THE HIT:  As a Detroit native with family ties to the automotive industry, I am happy to learn that General Motors will invest $145 million in its Orion Township assembly plant for the purpose of building small cars.  It means saving jobs in the heavily depressed Southeast Michigan area and allowing good auto workers to continue doing what they do best-- build cars.

I also hope this new investment is another indication that growth continues following the rebirth of GM, which is an integral part of America's fabric.  It has been great watching the company come back behind the introduction and success of several new models including the Chevrolet Camaro, GMC Terrain, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Buick Lacrosse and others.  Today's announcement included news that Buick's upcoming new small car offering will be among the models manufactured at the Orion plant.  Officials even released a photo of the planned model.

Next Generation Mercedes-Benz CLS

Second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS (European Model)
Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

The revolutionary Mercedes-Benz CLS gets its first major redesign since being introduced in 2003.  The production version of the second generation CLS was recently unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.  Mercedes-Benz calls the new CLS "refined sportiness" citing a new design language, more efficiency and more safety among other features.

Mercedes created a new category when it introduced the CLS, combining the sportiness and elegance of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan.  The German automaker has sold approximately 170,000 CLS models globally.