Cadillac Working On A Convertible?

[William Maley]

Cadillac Working On A Convertible?

William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

May 1, 2011

Cadillac's recent track record with convertibles has been abysmal. The Allanté from the late 80's and the recent XLR had high aspirations, but fell flat in sales. Car & Driver is now reporting that Cadillac is working a convertible that will fit between the ATS and CTS. The convertible will use a fabric roof to help with the vehicle's weight. Engine choices for the convertible could range from turbo-4, V6, or V8s. The convertible is expected to come out in late 2013 as a 2014 model.

Source: Car & Driver

[Croc]

Well, if Cadillac wants to compete with the 3er, they need to offer a soft top convertible option. So basically it seems Cadillac is going down the columns, checking the checkboxes.

[SAmadei]

Speaking of the Allante, there is a '87 Pearl white one for sale near me... burgundy interior. Unfortunately, no price or mileage (can't read due to it being digital) when I looked at it.

Pretty good shape, typical problems expected of a 24 year old car. I know someone here is a Allante fan, I can take some photos if they want... I have the phone number that was on the car, PM me for it. Its in Absecon, NJ... just outside of Atlantic City.

[Croc]

Speaking of the Allante, there is a '87 Pearl white one for sale near me... burgundy interior. Unfortunately, no price or mileage (can't read due to it being digital) when I looked at it.

Pretty good shape, typical problems expected of a 24 year old car. I know someone here is a Allante fan, I can take some photos if they want... I have the phone number that was on the car, PM me for it. Its in Absecon, NJ... just outside of Atlantic City.

I love the Allante, and while I'll gladly look at pictures, I cannot entertain a purchase...not for at least a few years and frankly I'm holding out for a 1993.

[Northstar]

Something to compete with the SLK and Z4 is what I would like to see most. A 3er competitor would be nice too, but the Z4/SLK would allow Cadillac to move a bit more upmarket, IMO.

[ZL-1]

Interesting that the positioning seems to emulate the M-B model (CLK) instead of the BMW model (3-series).

[Robert Hall]

Interesting that the positioning seems to emulate the M-B model (CLK) instead of the BMW model (3-series).

Yes, that's what it reminds me the most of, or the Audi model (A4,A5,A6). M-B has abandoned that approach since they now have the C-class coupe and convertible and E-class coupe and convertible.

[A Horse With No Name]

Well, if Cadillac wants to compete with the 3er, they need to offer a soft top convertible option. So basically it seems Cadillac is going down the columns, checking the checkboxes.

Bingo!

[smk4565]

A convertible is needed, something with a back seat like the 3-series and A4 is the way to go. I think a roadster like the Z4 or SLK will be too much extra development cost and not sell enough units.

[Potluck]

I look at that picture of the XLR and it makes me want to wander over to Ebay and dream....

[ClassyEldo]

Cadillac should plan to have another convertible model with a true "soft top" rather than a retractable hardtop. It's simply more romantic and plain-old "cool!" The model should have a rear seat, somewhat like an Audi A5 Convertible in size, and it will sell quite well. Distinctive Cadillac styling touches will be the "icing on the cake!" Go Cadillac!

[CanadianBacon94]

A convertible is needed, something with a back seat like the 3-series and A4 is the way to go. I think a roadster like the Z4 or SLK will be too much extra development cost and not sell enough units.

maybe it could possibly share some development with the alpha camaro, err it might be a bit too big, but im just thinking out loud

[Drew Dowdell]

Cadillac should plan to have another convertible model with a true "soft top" rather than a retractable hardtop. It's simply more romantic and plain-old "cool!" The model should have a rear seat, somewhat like an Audi A5 Convertible in size, and it will sell quite well. Distinctive Cadillac styling touches will be the "icing on the cake!" Go Cadillac!

The softtop also has the advantage of allowing more interior and trunk space.

[balthazar]

while i like the concept of the retractable hardtop, their execution in general has them coming off as rather offbeat.

Canvas doesn't have that "hi-tech" association, but the convertible is supposed to invoke a degree of romance, so it's a plus there, IMO.

[ZL-1]

while i like the concept of the retractable hardtop, their execution in general has them coming off as rather offbeat.

Canvas doesn't have that "hi-tech" association, but the convertible is supposed to invoke a degree of romance, so it's a plus there, IMO.

I read somewhere that BMW might go back to a soft top on the 3-series. Weight savings is the main reason, but I think that another reason is that "something" that a soft top convertible has that a retractable hardtop cannot duplicate.

Edited May 5, 2011 by ZL-1

[G. David Felt]

I would LOVE to have that purple XLR! V Edition would be even better!

[Camino LS6]

I see XLRs (including Vs), regularly around here.

[ClassyEldo]

Modern soft-tops can be rather "high tech:" Witness the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolets, with their multi-layered roofs, lined interior shells, and windshield header deflectors--all done to high standards. Where I find MB has fallen short is in the looks of their E-Class soft-top, it's awkward with the roof up. Cadillac stylists can improve this aspect, for sure!

[Drew Dowdell]

The top action in the Camaro works VERY well. It would be a good starting point for Cadillac.