Truck Driver Says ME Cadillac
#21
16 Vettes and counting…..
I sure hope you're right.
I don't think there's any question that the car will be built at BG (major expansion recently) and is being developed by Corvette engineers....but I just don't see the logic right now. Cadillac needs a mind-blowing halo car much more than Chevy. Chevy already has one that continues to be very successful. No need to fix what isn't broken....not yet, anyway. I can't see GM taking the focus off the upcoming ZR1 and the current Vette lineup for at least two or three more years....so either production of the ME is way down the road, or its not a Corvette.
Don't get me wrong: I'm not rooting for it to be a Cadillac. I hope I'll be writing that check to a Chevy dealer in a couple of years. But a few minor styling cues and an emblem are all that will be required to make that car a Caddy. I just don't see the need for a $120-150K Corvette right now, but I do see the need for such a car to attract customers into Cadillac showrooms.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope the first ME is the high-performance 2020 Corvette and a dumbed down (cheaper) version becomes the C8 a year or two later. I suppose Cadillac could have own it's version at the same time...priced a little higher with a bit more luxury. It's been done before.
I don't think there's any question that the car will be built at BG (major expansion recently) and is being developed by Corvette engineers....but I just don't see the logic right now. Cadillac needs a mind-blowing halo car much more than Chevy. Chevy already has one that continues to be very successful. No need to fix what isn't broken....not yet, anyway. I can't see GM taking the focus off the upcoming ZR1 and the current Vette lineup for at least two or three more years....so either production of the ME is way down the road, or its not a Corvette.
Don't get me wrong: I'm not rooting for it to be a Cadillac. I hope I'll be writing that check to a Chevy dealer in a couple of years. But a few minor styling cues and an emblem are all that will be required to make that car a Caddy. I just don't see the need for a $120-150K Corvette right now, but I do see the need for such a car to attract customers into Cadillac showrooms.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope the first ME is the high-performance 2020 Corvette and a dumbed down (cheaper) version becomes the C8 a year or two later. I suppose Cadillac could have own it's version at the same time...priced a little higher with a bit more luxury. It's been done before.
Last edited by VETTE-NV; 08-10-2017 at 02:21 AM.
#22
WHY would GM want to brand one of their SUVs as a "Corvette?"
Sure, they never have had a high performance SUV, but still....
Too much of a gamble IMO.
Sure, they never have had a high performance SUV, but still....
Too much of a gamble IMO.
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VETTE-NV (08-13-2017)
#23
If GM is considering the mid-engine car to be a Cadillac first, I think that's a mistake. Corvette should be promoted as the top GM car. If it is not currently GM's best, then it should be made to be. It would be like saying the four door Maserati is the top Italian car, and oh yeah, we have this two door Ferrari over here too. That's backwards. While I'm on this topic of a mid-engine Corvette, it is not something that you can do market research on to predict sales. Most current or past Corvette buyers won't give an accurate assessment of a mid-engine car because they love the Corvette that they have, or had. They won't realize how much they would like it until they actually see one up close, in person, on the road. You can't go by what is said on this Forum either, it seems like most of the people that comment, in this C8 section at least, are either Cadillac or Corvette salesmen. Trying to boost Cadillac or sell current C7s. Build the mid-engine, and they will come. Along with people that have never bought a Corvette before.
Sometimes in poker if you're not sure if you should call or fold, ...try raising or go all-in. Do both a mid-engine Cadillac and a Corvette at the same time. I think the Cadillac should be a four door though, with four or five seats. Yes, it will all fit. Look at the Lamborghini (Chrysler) Portofino https://jalopnik.com/that-time-lambo...ysl-1539006273 A four door, mid-engine Cadillac Hybrid would be cool.
Sometimes in poker if you're not sure if you should call or fold, ...try raising or go all-in. Do both a mid-engine Cadillac and a Corvette at the same time. I think the Cadillac should be a four door though, with four or five seats. Yes, it will all fit. Look at the Lamborghini (Chrysler) Portofino https://jalopnik.com/that-time-lambo...ysl-1539006273 A four door, mid-engine Cadillac Hybrid would be cool.
Last edited by KrisColoradoLV; 08-10-2017 at 10:52 AM.
#24
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St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
Chevy would fail at selling the car WAY more than Caddy would. And just because a handful of people have talked about it doesn't build buzz.
Caddy has a very public racing program right now. Top tier stuff, complete with a mid engine prototype car. That makes FOR FAR better marketing opportunities than the talk about mid engine vette by a handful of lunatics and some engineers that don't see the big picture.
Caddy has a very public racing program right now. Top tier stuff, complete with a mid engine prototype car. That makes FOR FAR better marketing opportunities than the talk about mid engine vette by a handful of lunatics and some engineers that don't see the big picture.
You believe Caddy will get the ME, you might be correct, but it's not because Chevy can't beat the snot out of Caddy marketing a high performance sports car. There's only ONE car marketed with the name "Corvette" and it's a Chevy and a total success.
Lets see, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche all have SUVs. Ferrari will soon follow their lead. The question is, What the hell is Corvette waiting for? The risk is NOT coming out with a high performance SUV and holding to the purist sports car marketing approach. Do we really need to wait to see if Lambo comes out with one?
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 08-10-2017 at 09:37 PM. Reason: Merged Posts-please use the Multi-Quote button (the middle icon) in the lower right hand corner of each post to make your reply look like this.
#25
Race Director
A GAMBLE????
Lets see, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche all have SUVs. Ferrari will soon follow their lead. The question is, What the hell is Corvette waiting for? The risk is NOT coming out with a high performance SUV and holding to the purist sports car marketing approach. Do we really need to wait to see if Lambo comes out with one?
Lets see, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche all have SUVs. Ferrari will soon follow their lead. The question is, What the hell is Corvette waiting for? The risk is NOT coming out with a high performance SUV and holding to the purist sports car marketing approach. Do we really need to wait to see if Lambo comes out with one?
Why duplicate those by slapping a Corvette label on the grille.
GM would only would be in competition with themselves, as they don't need two "premium" brands.
The Cadillac brand sold ~182,000 vehicles in the US and Canada last year.
The Corvette model sold ~32,000 Vehicles in the US and Canada last year.
Make the Corvette a "brand" and it still would only sell ~32,000.
The profits from 182,000 vehicles sold is more important than the profits from 32,000 vehicles sold.
The Corvette model sold ~32,000 Vehicles in the US and Canada last year.
Make the Corvette a "brand" and it still would only sell ~32,000.
The profits from 182,000 vehicles sold is more important than the profits from 32,000 vehicles sold.
And I'm continually amazed at how flippant we are about Corvette sales. 32,000 TWO SEAT sports cars is remarkable business. That's more sports cars than Porsche 911/Cayman/Boxster plus Mazda MX-5 PUT TOGETHER. Give Porsche a call and ask them if they would like to sell 32,000 911/Boxster/Caymans a year....
A GAMBLE????
Lets see, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche all have SUVs. Ferrari will soon follow their lead. The question is, What the hell is Corvette waiting for? The risk is NOT coming out with a high performance SUV and holding to the purist sports car marketing approach. Do we really need to wait to see if Lambo comes out with one?
Lets see, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche all have SUVs. Ferrari will soon follow their lead. The question is, What the hell is Corvette waiting for? The risk is NOT coming out with a high performance SUV and holding to the purist sports car marketing approach. Do we really need to wait to see if Lambo comes out with one?
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 08-10-2017 at 09:37 PM. Reason: Merged Posts-please use the Multi-Quote button (the middle icon) in the lower right hand corner of each post to make your reply look like this.
#26
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It will be both. Corvette ultimate performance and Caddy Luxury Touring. The problem is if they make it a Caddy there isn't a large market for 2 seat luxury touring cars. The world wide sales of those kinds of cars is pretty small. Even if you end up leading the sales figures in that market you still aren't selling a lot of cars.
Bill
Bill
#27
Team Owner
It will be both. Corvette ultimate performance and Caddy Luxury Touring. The problem is if they make it a Caddy there isn't a large market for 2 seat luxury touring cars. The world wide sales of those kinds of cars is pretty small. Even if you end up leading the sales figures in that market you still aren't selling a lot of cars.
Bill
Bill
They have these two seaters.....
SLC roasters
SL roadster
AMG SL63
AMG SL65
AMG SLC43
AMG GT
AMG GT S
AMG GT C
AMG GT R
Those are not bare boned, brass knuckled sports cars that can't be driven over 80 miles without a trip to the chiropractor.
Plus the Acura $159,000 NSX is not a bare boned, brass knuckled two seat sports car, either. It's a high performance luxury touring car.
Last edited by JoesC5; 08-10-2017 at 12:56 PM.
#28
Race Director
^^^^^
Sadly, the NSX is, to this point, a resounding sales disaster, so let's hope that whatever brand the GM ME car goes to, it does a LOT better than the NSX.
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2013/07...sa-canada.html
PS. A luxury "touring" car with a 4 cubic foot trunk? Better not be an overnight tour. I'm pretty certain Honda doesn't consider the NSX a "luxury touring car"
Sadly, the NSX is, to this point, a resounding sales disaster, so let's hope that whatever brand the GM ME car goes to, it does a LOT better than the NSX.
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2013/07...sa-canada.html
PS. A luxury "touring" car with a 4 cubic foot trunk? Better not be an overnight tour. I'm pretty certain Honda doesn't consider the NSX a "luxury touring car"
Last edited by jimmyb; 08-10-2017 at 02:21 PM.
#29
Race Director
^^^^^
Sadly, the NSX is, to this point, a resounding sales disaster, so let's hope that whatever brand the GM ME car goes to, it does a LOT better than the NSX.
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2013/07...sa-canada.html
PS. A luxury "touring" car with a 4 cubic foot trunk? Better not be an overnight tour. I'm pretty certain Honda doesn't consider the NSX a "luxury touring car"
Sadly, the NSX is, to this point, a resounding sales disaster, so let's hope that whatever brand the GM ME car goes to, it does a LOT better than the NSX.
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2013/07...sa-canada.html
PS. A luxury "touring" car with a 4 cubic foot trunk? Better not be an overnight tour. I'm pretty certain Honda doesn't consider the NSX a "luxury touring car"
#30
Race Director
^^^^
They are abysmal. The NSX was shown/talked about in several wildly divergent forms (a front engine V10 was the first talk 5 or 6 years ago). They did that great commercial with Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld and then didn't have a car to actually sell for 4 years.
They are abysmal. The NSX was shown/talked about in several wildly divergent forms (a front engine V10 was the first talk 5 or 6 years ago). They did that great commercial with Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld and then didn't have a car to actually sell for 4 years.
#31
Team Owner
^^^^^
Sadly, the NSX is, to this point, a resounding sales disaster, so let's hope that whatever brand the GM ME car goes to, it does a LOT better than the NSX.
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2013/07...sa-canada.html
PS. A luxury "touring" car with a 4 cubic foot trunk? Better not be an overnight tour. I'm pretty certain Honda doesn't consider the NSX a "luxury touring car"
Sadly, the NSX is, to this point, a resounding sales disaster, so let's hope that whatever brand the GM ME car goes to, it does a LOT better than the NSX.
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2013/07...sa-canada.html
PS. A luxury "touring" car with a 4 cubic foot trunk? Better not be an overnight tour. I'm pretty certain Honda doesn't consider the NSX a "luxury touring car"
Maybe GM shouldn't mess with a proven platform. They screw it up and they could end up like the NSX.
BTW, the Mercedes cargo space....
SL---13.5 cu ft top up and 8.5 cu ft top down.
SLC--10.0 cu ft top up and 6.4 cu ft top down.
GT---12.4 cu ft(coupe)
Compare to the Tesla Model 3 with 15 cu ft, and the C6 coupe with 22.4 cu ft and the C5 with 25 cu ft and the C7 with 15 cu ft.
Last edited by JoesC5; 08-10-2017 at 05:12 PM.
#32
Race Director
I still believe the mid engine car to be an addition, not a replacement, for the front engine platform. I still believe that 2021 will see the "C8", which will be a update of the C7.
PS. I also believed that they would never do a C7GS.....
PS. I also believed that they would never do a C7GS.....
#33
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Here's the thing...if it is a Cadillac, then why haven't we seen something else that might be a front engine C8? Given where they C7 is in its life cycle GM has to be working on something to replace it, so if the mid-engine car we see ain't it, then where is it?
The C8 will be mid-engine. I'd bet money on it. I just hope it looks good and I can't wait to buy one.
The C8 will be mid-engine. I'd bet money on it. I just hope it looks good and I can't wait to buy one.
A GAMBLE????
Lets see, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche all have SUVs. Ferrari will soon follow their lead. The question is, What the hell is Corvette waiting for? The risk is NOT coming out with a high performance SUV and holding to the purist sports car marketing approach. Do we really need to wait to see if Lambo comes out with one?
Lets see, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche all have SUVs. Ferrari will soon follow their lead. The question is, What the hell is Corvette waiting for? The risk is NOT coming out with a high performance SUV and holding to the purist sports car marketing approach. Do we really need to wait to see if Lambo comes out with one?
I say Chevy should make a Corvette sedan and a matching wagon, both with C7 engines. Toss in all-electric and performance hybrid options and call it a win for everyone. The CTS- V wagon is one of my favorite cars, and the new AMG wagons aren't far off. A mid engine variant and a smaller, more sporty version (like a 718 is to the 911) would round off the lineup.
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 08-10-2017 at 09:38 PM. Reason: Merged Posts-please use the Multi-Quote button (the middle icon) in the lower right hand corner of each post to make your reply look like this.
#34
Team Owner
I do think that the ME layout will make its way to the Corvette after the Caddy comes out, but the C8 won't come along for 2 or 3 years. The ZR1 has to sell for a while, and it will, and there hasn't been a major drop in C7 sales as it is. I say Chevy should make the C8 Mid-engine but introduce it 3 years after the ZR1. The ZR1 looks on track to be a 2018 model year car, which puts the C8 at 2020. Don't expect to see any next gen Corvette testing until the ZR1 is on sale, unless it is the ME prototype.
Then maybe last for 3 model years(2019, 2020, & 2021 models). That would make the C8 a 2022 model, to go into production in June of 2021.
Pure speculation, but based on past history.
#35
Race Director
If the so-called ZR1 is shown at the Detroit auto show, then it will most likely be a 2019 model, going into production in June 2018.
Then maybe last for 3 model years(2019, 2020, & 2021 models). That would make the C8 a 2022 model, to go into production in June of 2021.
Pure speculation, but based on past history.
Then maybe last for 3 model years(2019, 2020, & 2021 models). That would make the C8 a 2022 model, to go into production in June of 2021.
Pure speculation, but based on past history.
the mid engine car would be meant to try to position Caddy as a serious high dollar contender. The sort of "if we can beat Ferrari, imagine what we did compared to BMW" sort of thing. It will fail, because Caddy just isn't reinventing itself as anytanything other than a car for drug dealers and geriatrics. But that's besides point. The relatively poor sales of the XLR won't matter, that car was a product planning disaster. And it certainly won't keep them from trying again, they've been trying for over a decade to change the Caddy image and haven't given up, and have similar lack of success.
The ME Caddy comes out, then the car mags run articles about when the chevy/ccrvette version will come out. The publicity machine will keep churning and we will have endless more of these silly threads.
#36
Le Mans Master
Both the Cadillac and Corvette models will be of the ME flavor.
When I purchased my Chevy Avalanche, I also had the option to buy a Cadillac Escalade instead.
Very similar in functionality, style and options, but the Caddy was a little more posh.
My Avalanche is all wheel drive.
The EXT models were discontinued after the 2013 model year along with the Avalanche.....both were built in Mexico.
That's the thing...If there is a Caddy ME it will be just a little different like the Escalade was to get some Corvette people to go for it.
They won't be built in Mexico for sure, but at Bowling Green!
When I purchased my Chevy Avalanche, I also had the option to buy a Cadillac Escalade instead.
Very similar in functionality, style and options, but the Caddy was a little more posh.
My Avalanche is all wheel drive.
The EXT models were discontinued after the 2013 model year along with the Avalanche.....both were built in Mexico.
That's the thing...If there is a Caddy ME it will be just a little different like the Escalade was to get some Corvette people to go for it.
They won't be built in Mexico for sure, but at Bowling Green!
#37
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St. Jude Donor'15
I love reading these threads. Now we're believing transport drivers!!!!
This is better than watching TMZ.
This is better than watching TMZ.
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#38
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St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
#39
Le Mans Master
I've been comparison shopping lately, and although I've been a lifelong GM fanboy, seeing is believing.
PS -- The 'halo effect' of the new Ford GT may be sticking in GM's craw. Perhaps their mid-engined car, probably priced well under the Ford, will be GM's retaliation.
Last edited by Virtual Geezer; 08-10-2017 at 11:45 PM.
#40
Race Director
Interesting idea but the other car companies you've mentioned have a strong reputation for building high quality cars or offer exclusivity. Corvette offers neither.
As much as much as I've loved Corvettes over the years, I would never buy a Corvette SUV or sedan. Porsche has history of building bulletproof, high-quality cars therefore even those who aren't in the sports car market might consider a Porsche SUV or luxury sports sedan. Corvettes do not carry that level of quality rep. In fact, despite what some of us might think, it's the opposite.
Although I do think it's the best sports car value on the planet and I'm willing to put up with a few flaws, there are not enough blind Corvette lovers for GM to even consider thrusting the Vette into the very competitive fray of SUV's, CUV's, or sports sedans. They can't make Cadillac acquire the success they deserve right now....how are they going to do that with a Corvette "brand???" There will be a mid-engined Corvette at some point...it might even appear before the Cadillac version. But a Vette SUV? Nah.
As much as much as I've loved Corvettes over the years, I would never buy a Corvette SUV or sedan. Porsche has history of building bulletproof, high-quality cars therefore even those who aren't in the sports car market might consider a Porsche SUV or luxury sports sedan. Corvettes do not carry that level of quality rep. In fact, despite what some of us might think, it's the opposite.
Although I do think it's the best sports car value on the planet and I'm willing to put up with a few flaws, there are not enough blind Corvette lovers for GM to even consider thrusting the Vette into the very competitive fray of SUV's, CUV's, or sports sedans. They can't make Cadillac acquire the success they deserve right now....how are they going to do that with a Corvette "brand???" There will be a mid-engined Corvette at some point...it might even appear before the Cadillac version. But a Vette SUV? Nah.
Although I agree porsche makes beautiful interiors the cost of operation on these german cars and cuvs ridiculous...especially out of warranty..
Say what you will about American made products like corvette...I believe these vehicles made by GM are pretty much change the oil add gas and go vehicles....
I love that feature about American cars...American manufacturers understand American car ownership...most of us are pretty much glad we remember to change the oil...
The upkeep of older german cars like the BMW s is ridiculous...
American car and trucks are built for minimal care by their owners..
I also believe GM powertrains are among the best in the world..
Interestingly enough..I think an all electric corvette cuv would kick butt on the porsche Macan....in performance and handling.
I consider the porsches Macan one of the finest marketing moves in he industry..
GM would do well to follow suit but use an all electric power train to get tesla model S ludicrious mode levels of performance ce..
It would shine on the entire GM lineup.
That's all just ridiculous speculation on my part but it would be a goldmine move..
I also believe corvette owners would buy a corvette cuv for themselves a son a daily driver or for their spouses..
Jmo