23rd Mar 2015, 18:21
I humbly have to disagree. At least in regards to Cadillac, they are on a rebound big time. They went from making horribly outdated land yachts to some of their best performing models in years like the CTS, ATS, and the yet to be shown CT6, which from what it sounds like will be huge for them. It takes a long time to turn car brands around, but GM is getting it right with Cadillac. These days the luxury car market is dominated by BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and to a smaller extent Lexus and Acura. But mostly the former. To compete against that, the cars Cadillac makes must not only be as good, but better than the competition.
Not sure what's up with Lincoln. They stopped making their full sized cars, most of which were using ancient platforms, and now mostly make models based off of Ford models. They need to do what Cadillac is doing, which is to update and innovate the brand, and bring it more inline with what the competition is doing.
Now don't get me wrong: I love the big boats as much as the next guy. But those kinds of cars were not selling well, and neither were they selling to the demographic who buys luxury cars. The big boat model was what sold luxury cars for decades and decades. But the market has moved on to cars that are more nimble, tighter, and have more luxurious, high quality interiors. In order to compete, American luxury car makers have to meet the demand of that target consumer.
24th Mar 2015, 00:16
The CT-6 looks to be no different than the XTS model. Just like the CTS and ATS, you literally can't tell them apart.
At least in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and most of the 90s, you could tell each Cadillac model apart from each another.
24th Mar 2015, 09:54
Baby boomers typically are the segment the luxury car makers are after. Middle America may buy GM with makes like Chevrolet. Cadillac and Lincoln buyers have historically been more affluent. My dad worked hard as a business owner. It was a sign of achievement to own these cars. Most of middle America could not afford these new.
Now there are European cars going after this segment. American makes have models that are strong competition. Cadillac has not stood still. How much performance and style do you want? To be able to buy a 638 HP Cadillac today with a manual trans is amazing. Cadillac is a technological wonder today. Our family has probably owned more of them and Lincolns than the average. All new. Now you can buy old ones and pay 4 grand. But the manufacturers don't survive designing and develop cars to sell that way. You are helping by buying parts if you buy used.
Ignoring the European and Asian influence, going after the new luxury car segment would be an unwise mistake. You would be very surprised to compare the ride in the modern luxury upscale cars out today. Even Buick is one to watch.
I hope the new luxury sedan Avientar is developed. I just saw one at the 2015 Philadelphia Auto Show. I am sure it will have a high sticker.
Baby Boomers are now our parents age, buying luxury vehicles new today. I am one of them. Many have mortgages paid, college bills over, and want to have a nice, smooth comfortable car to own. If America wants the orders, they have to go after this market. There are plenty buying Mercedes, Lexus and Audi big sedans today. And they are extremely quiet and loaded with amenities of all kinds. The ride and comfort are every bit there. The average American may or may not have 60k up sedans and 70k up for the higher end new Escalade if you want a great riding SUV. Middle America may choose an Impala. But Cadillac and Lincoln have historically gone for upper middle class, deeper pocket owners.
And many have a new C7 sports car in the mix as well. General Motors outdid themselves on that one, working round the clock shifts to meet current demand. And drive the luxury sedan and/or SUV for daily appointments.
24th Mar 2015, 15:22
Yes and no. Cadillacs from the 60s and 70s also shared very similar styling. That's intentional: all brands are supposed to carry an overall brand identity. That's always been the case, and continues to be so. Different trims means different things. Like for example something like a BMW 3, 5, and 7 series. Sure - the cars look at least initially similar. But those different models carry over a different set of drivetrains, trims and overall packages. Cadillac does this, and has always done so.
Besides - the CTA, ATS, and upcoming CT6 (which has yet to be officially revealed other than a few blurry videos) do in fact look different from one another. There are some good people at Cadillac these days, and I really look forward to what they are going to come out with. From what I've heard, they intend to have the brand fully and totally revamped and redone before 2020. The desire is to make the brand as every bit as, or more desirable than the competitors. Cadillac used to be a brand of ultimate luxurious desire. It will be nice to see that sort of car return.
25th Mar 2015, 13:38
The same people buying a new Cadillac or Lincoln can afford a new sports car. Even a new Corvette that starts at 55k.
25th Mar 2015, 21:34
Why do new Corvettes continue to be mentioned on a 27 year old full size luxury car thread?
26th Mar 2015, 12:56
Maybe they own a 1988 Corvette, bought new at the time. The 1988 Lincoln Town Car was bought new. We bought ours new and had one. The real point was new, any Lincoln or Cadillac was really affordable to more wealthy individuals. Not middle America that likely bought a new Impala in 1988. It's not unusual for a new luxury car owner to also be in the position to afford 2 or 3 other nice cars at the same time. It may not be a new Corvette, but could be a fun second car, boat etc. Just about anyone can come up with a few thousand to buy a very old one today. Same car, but the type of buyer may be far different with their past and present financial purchase situation. I own some old cars (not this one) that cost far more than new, and drive a new Cadillac. The point is what you can afford.
21st Mar 2015, 23:19
I was not referring to the super rich that drive Corvettes and Ferraris as second or even third vehicles. I was referring to middle-class people that have 1 or 2 cars in their household, and have to use them to go to work, grocery shopping, etc., not an exotic car that they take on drives to the beach or to the car club. I was also referring to the American muscle cars like the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger. IMO the GT cars you are referring to are not at all that attractive, and the American ones like the Corvette have way too much European influence like 99.9% of cars on the road today. I wish American cars still looked unique, I think up until the 1980s and 90s, many of the American cars were much better looking than cars designed anywhere else in the world. In my humble opinion, I think it is sad there are scarcely few truly American cars left, and I can't really think of any that fall into the luxury segment unless you count SUVs.