Cadillac Wants To Expand High Performance V-Series Range

Cadillac’s President also has some interesting theories why the company’s sedans aren’t selling.

It’s no secret that Cadillac has been struggling to compete against its European luxury rivals like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Sedan sales have been rapidly declining, which was one of several subjects Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen tackled in a recent interview with Motor Trend. He blamed low energy prices, which means consumers are less concerned about fuel economy and sedans being lighter, as well as younger consumers “who really are less tuned into dynamics and handling.”

He also cited the decay of America’s infrastructure as “roads no longer support high-performance sport sedans and ultra-low profile rubber.” This decrease in sedan sales could cause Cadillac’s entry-level sedan, the ATS, to be scrapped for the 2019 model year. If you were hoping that Cadillac will introduce a lifted wagon like the Audi A4 Allroad or Volvo V90 Cross Country as a more practical and capable alternative to a sedan, prepare to be disappointed. “I think those are interesting entries,” he said. “The Audi Allroad is a little bit of an inbetweener, if you like, because it is drawing on the Avant model and turning it into more of a robust character."

"For Cadillac, our focus right now is getting into the core segments.” If you hadn’t already guessed, that means Cadillac will continue focusing on crossovers, since consumers currently have an unrelenting appetite for them. Cadillac will be presenting the XT4 compact crossover at the upcoming New York Auto Show at the end of the month, which will slot below the current XT5. The Cadillac President promised that the company’s upcoming crossovers will be “exciting, athletic and very attractively designed but also functional.” While crossovers are vital for the future of Cadillac, the automaker’s high-performance V-Series cars aren’t going anywhere.

In fact, de Nysschen was quick to assure the publication that more are on the way. “V in the future will continue to play a very important part in terms of creating this halo brand cachet around Cadillac,” he said. “We are a luxury brand, but we are also about producing exhilarating driver’s cars, and nowhere is this more clearly brought to bear than in V.” He confirmed that not all Cadillacs will get the V-Series treatment, but “a far broader part of the future portfolio will see this sport and V-Sport execution.” An XT4-V would make sense to take on the upcoming BMW X3 M, and there have been plenty of rumors of a high-performance Escalade-V. A CT5-V is likely to be in the cards too.

Cadillac Wants To Expand High Performance V-Series Range

Cadillac’s President also has some interesting theories why the company’s sedans aren’t selling.

It’s no secret that Cadillac has been struggling to compete against its European luxury rivals like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Sedan sales have been rapidly declining, which was one of several subjects Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen tackled in a recent interview with Motor Trend. He blamed low energy prices, which means consumers are less concerned about fuel economy and sedans being lighter, as well as younger consumers “who really are less tuned into dynamics and handling.”

He also cited the decay of America’s infrastructure as “roads no longer support high-performance sport sedans and ultra-low profile rubber.” This decrease in sedan sales could cause Cadillac’s entry-level sedan, the ATS, to be scrapped for the 2019 model year. If you were hoping that Cadillac will introduce a lifted wagon like the Audi A4 Allroad or Volvo V90 Cross Country as a more practical and capable alternative to a sedan, prepare to be disappointed. “I think those are interesting entries,” he said. “The Audi Allroad is a little bit of an inbetweener, if you like, because it is drawing on the Avant model and turning it into more of a robust character."

"For Cadillac, our focus right now is getting into the core segments.” If you hadn’t already guessed, that means Cadillac will continue focusing on crossovers, since consumers currently have an unrelenting appetite for them. Cadillac will be presenting the XT4 compact crossover at the upcoming New York Auto Show at the end of the month, which will slot below the current XT5. The Cadillac President promised that the company’s upcoming crossovers will be “exciting, athletic and very attractively designed but also functional.” While crossovers are vital for the future of Cadillac, the automaker’s high-performance V-Series cars aren’t going anywhere.

In fact, de Nysschen was quick to assure the publication that more are on the way. “V in the future will continue to play a very important part in terms of creating this halo brand cachet around Cadillac,” he said. “We are a luxury brand, but we are also about producing exhilarating driver’s cars, and nowhere is this more clearly brought to bear than in V.” He confirmed that not all Cadillacs will get the V-Series treatment, but “a far broader part of the future portfolio will see this sport and V-Sport execution.” An XT4-V would make sense to take on the upcoming BMW X3 M, and there have been plenty of rumors of a high-performance Escalade-V. A CT5-V is likely to be in the cards too.

Cadillac Celebrates V-Series With Pedestal Editions

Special edition models commemorate 15-years of high-performance machinery.

Cadillac’s V-Series sub-brand was introduced in 2004 to help revitalize the brand and inject some much-needed performance and excitement into the range. To bid farewell to the third-generation of these ultra-high-performance V-Series models, the carmaker has released a very limited run of 300 special-edition Pedestal models to be offered in the US, Canada, and the Middle East.

The ATS-V Coupe and CTS-V Super Sedan will receive the Pedestal Edition treatment which will include an all-new bronze sand metallic exterior finish, black chrome trim, and V-Series forged alloy wheels covering huge red-painted Brembo brake calipers.

All models will also receive the Carbon Fiber Package (already standard on ATS-Vs) and the interior will have Recaro sport seats up front and both rows will be covered in black leather with light wheat colored suede inserts. Take a look at the pics, they look way better than they sound.

A Performance Data Recorder with Cosworth Toolbox driver analysis software and the latest Cadillac infotainment system will also be standard. CTS-V models will receive a rear camera mirror, as well.

The ‘Pedestal’ name was chosen because these V-Series models have spent the majority of their time at the pinnacle of the luxury high-performance segment and have amassed a number of notable road and track records along the way. Most notably securing a production sedan lap record with the second-gen CTS-V of 7:59.32 at the Nurburgring back in 2008. Customers can start placing their orders in the first week of November for the Pedestal Editions, pricing starts at $77,090 for the ATS-V and $102,590 for the CTS-V sedan.

The next chapter in the V-Series range will be the introduction of the CT6-V super sedan next year. Highlights include an all-wheel-drive system ( a first for any V-Series model), all-wheel steering, limited-slip differential and most importantly a 550-horsepower twin-turbo V8. All wrapped in luxury and a performance-tuned suspension that will still retain Cadillac’s famed ride quality.

Cadillac Celebrates V-Series With Pedestal Editions

Special edition models commemorate 15-years of high-performance machinery.

Cadillac’s V-Series sub-brand was introduced in 2004 to help revitalize the brand and inject some much-needed performance and excitement into the range. To bid farewell to the third-generation of these ultra-high-performance V-Series models, the carmaker has released a very limited run of 300 special-edition Pedestal models to be offered in the US, Canada, and the Middle East.

The ATS-V Coupe and CTS-V Super Sedan will receive the Pedestal Edition treatment which will include an all-new bronze sand metallic exterior finish, black chrome trim, and V-Series forged alloy wheels covering huge red-painted Brembo brake calipers.

All models will also receive the Carbon Fiber Package (already standard on ATS-Vs) and the interior will have Recaro sport seats up front and both rows will be covered in black leather with light wheat colored suede inserts. Take a look at the pics, they look way better than they sound.

A Performance Data Recorder with Cosworth Toolbox driver analysis software and the latest Cadillac infotainment system will also be standard. CTS-V models will receive a rear camera mirror, as well.

The ‘Pedestal’ name was chosen because these V-Series models have spent the majority of their time at the pinnacle of the luxury high-performance segment and have amassed a number of notable road and track records along the way. Most notably securing a production sedan lap record with the second-gen CTS-V of 7:59.32 at the Nurburgring back in 2008. Customers can start placing their orders in the first week of November for the Pedestal Editions, pricing starts at $77,090 for the ATS-V and $102,590 for the CTS-V sedan.

The next chapter in the V-Series range will be the introduction of the CT6-V super sedan next year. Highlights include an all-wheel-drive system ( a first for any V-Series model), all-wheel steering, limited-slip differential and most importantly a 550-horsepower twin-turbo V8. All wrapped in luxury and a performance-tuned suspension that will still retain Cadillac’s famed ride quality.