Random Thoughts Thread

[ocnblu]

7 hours ago, balthazar said:

I stole it from....   Flickr

Amazing that a tiny town like that would be the hub of a worldwide photo sharing entity.  Still waters run deep!

[surreal1272]

Got the correct cable for my Sync 3 upgrade and now officially have Apple CarPlay for my phone. 
 

[G. David Felt]

@surreal1272 That is awesome, Congratulations for getting the updated system and phone capability. Life is way better this way.  

[balthazar]

Grand dame ~

[G. David Felt]

Seems the existing auto companies / parts suppliers have created a new auto alliance to work together for auto's of the future and reduce costs.

https://www.autosinnovate.org/

Good read here is that this new alliance also allows them to focus and reduce costs of dealing with various governments around the globe. Some interesting info here to read, but one point was that 2018, most current year of reporting, $125 billion was spent on R&D globally. 5,000 patents were filed that year.

https://www.autosinnovate.org/press-release/auto-industry-trade-associations-unite-forming-unified-voice-on-critical-auto-policy-issues-and-championing-innovation/

Karma is the latest auto company to join the alliance.

https://www.autosinnovate.org/news/

Seems everyone feels the auto industry over the next 20 years is going to change not just revolutionary, but evolutionary. Hybrid/EV seems to be the focus point.

[G. David Felt]

Cool Auto News

Cadillac has added auto lane change to their Super-Cruise system. 2021 CT4, CT5 and Escalade will get it. Next week is the reveal of the 2021 Escalade in LA.

Sadly the CT6 goes out of production this week according to GM. 1/3rd of CT6 sales had super cruise and 85% of those owners say they will only buy their next vehicle with super cruise.

https://www.autonews.com/future-product/cadillac-adds-automated-lane-change-super-cruise

GM's investment in Detroit Hamtrack is actually $3.5 billion of which $2.2 billion is part of their deal with the state on the Mega Tax Credit and they got increased flexibility on how they count the 45k plus workers that are covered by their 10 year mega tax break package.

https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/gm-make-origin-d-ham-after-pickup

[G. David Felt]

Seems the up coming refresh of the MB E-Class auto got leaked, nice looking but still the bland look of all MB Auto's IMHO.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/31984/this-sure-looks-like-the-facelifted-20201-mercedes-benz-e-class

WOW Ferrari dealership attempts to cover up crashing a consignment 458 and then pressures to sell it for less than expected. Ouch.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/31983/ferrari-dealer-tried-to-cover-up-customers-240000-458-spider-crash-lawsuit

Ice Ice Baby Mustange from Video is Back, restored and upgraded.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/31980/ford-mustang-from-vanilla-ices-ice-ice-baby-is-back-after-four-year-restoration

Latest Ford Bronco Spy Shots, Looking good!

https://www.thedrive.com/news/31982/new-2021-ford-bronco-spy-shots-check-out-those-tires

Have to say that the pictures show this to be a true Wrangler competitor with some of the Raptors bulging fenders. Liking what I see so far.

 

[G. David Felt]

For sports car fans, seems Mazda is not giving up on possibly bringing back a new updated Rotary sports car. Head of Mazda R&D says they are not stopping the idea of a new rotary sports car for select markets even with the drive by Mazda to go PHEV/EV.

https://www.motor1.com/news/395292/2022-mazda-rx-7-rendering/

Who knows those that like sitting on the ground might get a new RX7 yet!  

 

[ccap41]

That's a really nice nip and tuck of the E Class. I think it just looks a little "tighter" and I like it. 

There's been talk of a new rotary for decades at this point... I'll only believe it when there's one at an autoshow. 

[G. David Felt]

Seems the Raptor has a competor from PaxPower as a 3rd party package for Chevrolet Dealers. 442 V8 power plant!

https://www.motor1.com/news/395149/chevy-silverado-jackal-video/

Want to enter for a chance to win a Sharp looking C10 Pickup? Enter here.

https://www.motor1.com/features/363506/win-custom-chevy-c10-truck/

Gotta love a good match up for a Drag Race, how about the Mustang GT500 versus Hellcat?

https://www.motor1.com/news/395001/gt500-vs-hellcat-drag-race/

 

[G. David Felt]

Seems even with the challanges of a cooling market, China still is growing for GM. 2019 report is out.

https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/gm/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2020/Jan/0107_sales.html

GM delivered 3.09 million auto's in China for 2019 with Cadillac having an all time high of 213,717 auto's sold followed by 850,007 Buicks sold, 418,000 Chevrolets sold, 608,269 Baujun sold and 1,003,611 Wulings sold the two chinese brands GM owns. For those that are not familier the Baujun brand is youth focused line of sub compact auto's. Wuling is their medium commercial line of auto sold.

[ccap41]

24 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Seems even with the challanges of a cooling market, China still is growing for GM. 2019 report is out.

https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/gm/home.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2020/Jan/0107_sales.html

GM delivered 3.09 million auto's in China for 2019 with Cadillac having an all time high of 213,717 auto's sold followed by 850,007 Buicks sold, 418,000 Chevrolets sold, 608,269 Baujun sold and 1,003,611 Wulings sold the two chinese brands GM owns. For those that are not familier the Baujun brand is youth focused line of sub compact auto's. Wuling is their medium commercial line of auto sold.

I've read GM was down 15% in China in 2019. All of the D3 were down there, them being the least. 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gm-china/gms-2019-china-sales-drop-for-second-year-on-weak-economy-idUSKBN1Z606D

 

[G. David Felt]

39 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I've read GM was down 15% in China in 2019. All of the D3 were down there, them being the least. 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gm-china/gms-2019-china-sales-drop-for-second-year-on-weak-economy-idUSKBN1Z606D

 

Be interesting to when I have time look at the past media reports from GM to compare 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 to get some sort of track on what the sales really are. Then compare to what the news is reporting.

[G. David Felt]

The More I read and see of the Ram, the more I like it over the Ford or Chevrolet trucks. The Ram is really shinning brightly. Funny how often the writers at C&D compare the Ram to the S-Class being equal with more rear seat leg room. LOL

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a27634301/2019-ram-1500-reliability-maintenance/

Have to say it is a very sharp side profile.

FCA has a NEW U-Connect 5 now with support for Apple and Android phones.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30656688/fca-uconnect-5-infotainment-revealed/

Late to the party, but the new 12.3 inch screen and demo that is shown at the link makes it look nice. About time they got this portion of the auto on par to the rest of the tech industry.

[ccap41]

19 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Be interesting to when I have time look at the past media reports from GM to compare 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 to get some sort of track on what the sales really are. Then compare to what the news is reporting.

Click on the link I provided. That shows 2017, 2018, and 2019. 

[G. David Felt]

9 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Click on the link I provided. That shows 2017, 2018, and 2019. 

Yes, thanks for pointing that out as I had not had a chance to look yet.

[G. David Felt]

Love reading these history write ups and this one is pretty accurate on the history of the Escalade.

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/cadillac-escalade-years/

Love that GM is making room in their heritage collection and as such selling off concepts!

Check out this Escalade V edition concept they did in 2007 using the CTS-V V8.

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/barrett-jackson-scottsdale-2020-auction-2007-cadillac-escalade/

[ccap41]

59 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Love reading these history write ups and this one is pretty accurate on the history of the Escalade.

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/cadillac-escalade-years/

Love that GM is making room in their heritage collection and as such selling off concepts!

Check out this Escalade V edition concept they did in 2007 using the CTS-V V8.

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/barrett-jackson-scottsdale-2020-auction-2007-cadillac-escalade/

I don't know a single auto enthusiast that doesn't think a V Series Escalade was/is a great idea. I still cannot fathom why they still haven't built one. It seems like such an easy money grab. The only thing I can think of is that the AWD/4WD system simply cannot handle 600hp/tq and they still want it to use a real 4WD system.

If that were to be the case, take apart a G63 or G65 and re-engineer it. 

[G. David Felt]

14 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I don't know a single auto enthusiast that doesn't think a V Series Escalade was/is a great idea. I still cannot fathom why they still haven't built one. It seems like such an easy money grab. The only thing I can think of is that the AWD/4WD system simply cannot handle 600hp/tq and they still want it to use a real 4WD system.

If that were to be the case, take apart a G63 or G65 and re-engineer it. 

The AWD system can handle it as we have various 3rd party companies doing 800HP out of an Escalade. Hennessey is the one that comes to mind and when you look at the web page, it is all engine upgrades and brakes, nothing to the AWD system.

http://hennesseyperformance.com/vehicles/cadillac/escalade/2015-cadillac-escalade/2015-2017-cadillac-escalade-hpe800-supercharged-upgrade/

 

[G. David Felt]

America falls farther behind the world. China now has a detailed plan in place to reduce and ban all Single Use Plastics in China by 2025. Only 8 states ban single use plastics and we still do not have any leadership out of DC to get recycling going and be better stewards of our country.

https://electrek.co/2020/01/28/china-us-single-use-plastics-ban/

If your curious as to how your state is dealing with Recycling especially since China stopped taking any recycling material starting in 2018.

https://www.wastedive.com/news/what-chinese-import-policies-mean-for-all-50-states/510751/

Would be great if we could get people to recycle old auto's, steel, etc rather than just leave it on property rusting away.

[balthazar]

Using old vehicles as parts cars IS recycling!

Want to make a vehicular-based difference? Advocate for less plastic and more metals in future vehicles.

Just saw a piece today that said a AAA study showed that plastic headlights begin to deteriorate as soon as 3 years from new.

Edited January 28, 2020 by balthazar

[Robert Hall]

Looks like I have a random unplanned road trip I have to take this weekend.   Wasn't planning on going anywhere this weekend..

[ocnblu]

2021 GMC Canyon has new trim levels:  Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali.  They've done away with the chrome rear bumper as well, which looked out of place with the body-color plastic front bumper cover.  More cohesive.  You can also get it in that cool new Hunter color (green, seen on the 2021 Yukon) but only on the Denali (bummer).

[USA-1]

2 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

2021 GMC Canyon has new trim levels:  Elevation Standard, Elevation, AT4 and Denali.  They've done away with the chrome rear bumper as well, which looked out of place with the body-color plastic front bumper cover.  More cohesive.  You can also get it in that cool new Hunter color (green, seen on the 2021 Yukon) but only on the Denali (bummer).

No pics or links?!

[ocnblu]

1 minute ago, USA-1 said:

No pics or links?!

Over to the GM Online Order Guide, they're starting to populate 2021 model year vehicles.  I like to keep an eye on GM news over there.

https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/brandsel.jsp?year=2021&regionID=1&lang=1

[USA-1]

Just now, ocnblu said:

Over to the GM Online Order Guide, they're starting to populate 2021 model year vehicles.  I like to keep an eye on GM news over there.

https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/brandsel.jsp?year=2021&regionID=1&lang=1

Thanks man, was just jerking ur chain It's crazy how early the factory comes out with info. for next year models now.

[balthazar]

[balthazar]

[balthazar]

^ The two above are only SIX years apart.

[Robert Hall]

The 50s saw quite a few changes in industry-wide styling trends from the beginning of the decade to the end of the decade.. maybe moreso than many other decades. 

Edited January 29, 2020 by Robert Hall

[Cmicasa the Great]

Been a while fellas.. hope is well.. Just wanted pop in and post up my new ride. Sold my CTS-V and Impala and went larger

 

I just took delivery of 2020 CT6V, bought, because I may just keep this one considering the BW's possible iconic status. But it occurred to me that it doesn't matter that its no longer in production when a replacement car.. powered by electric is on the way. This would have been no different than any other car that changed its name or platform the next generation. 2019 CTS buyers for instance.. being upset when the name was changed to Ct5.. and let me tell U.. the CT5 is a GORGEOUS car in person.. and there is nothing cheap or non-lux about it. They made the right move there.. altho a name change was not necessary.

People forget that the CT6 was technically, for 2020.. 5 model years old. That's a normal life-cycle give or take. The only thing that makes anyone pause is the fact that there has been no replacement announced officially.. but GM went on record as saying that the brand was going EV.. if that truly is the case.. then the death of the CT6 model.. the model.. is no big deal as long as something from it is retained and learned.. because after now a 300 miles road trip.. (yup already) and back to NY.. I have to say they built a helluva car, with my only complaint remaining being the steering wheel hub not being leather like the Platinum. 

After experiencing this car... I have to say.. The CT6 is a waste. Omega is a waste. Blackwing is a waste. 3.0LTT is a waste.

Basically to produce this car with any limits in production at all. The CT6 from V6 to V8 plus the Hybrid are exemplary cars.. and GM should be as proud of it as it is any Corvette.. and I am a lover of both. In the past I have driven and absolutely enjoyed the CT6 3.6L, CT6 3.0LTT, as well recently test driving the Platinum v8 and the VSeries (which I bought) and let me be another one to say.. Cadillac finally has.. had.. a car that could have reclaimed its top tier status. The Platinum in particular, and outside of the performance upgrades really is the true example of this. Right on down to the upgraded interior materials shown immediately with the steering wheel hub.. which is leather like in my departed CTS-V (or the Escalade and ELR) versus the standard rubber material all luxo manufacturers like to use these days for some reason. (My hope is that I can buy the hub (the middle of the steering wheel that covers the airbag) separately and switch it out. Of course the ability to get Super-Cruise in the Platinum is another example of its superior luxury over the VSeries.. but that is pretty much where their differences end in terms of luxifcation. The Performance.. More performance is why I went V instead of P. more HP.. more torque.. suspension settings that are more in line.. the ability to have a more visceral exhaust note… blacked out trim.. and more aggressive ground effects. I have to say that I really gave up nothing that I wanted going V except the aforementioned steering when hub. Inside I’m back in carbon-fiber as Rose had (my CTS-V)before.. the backseat amenities are a threat for passengers with pop-up screens and (2)USB or (1)HDMI posts allowing for USB stored movies or the ability to plug in a Roku or Firestick connected to the Wifi and watch their content from Netflix or Hulu.. or Prime etc. The new CUE is sensational.. fast.. intuitive, and the dual knobs on the front console due aid dramatically over the previous mouse pad in the older cars. Sounds from the 34 Speaker Panaray system are awesome.. USB 3.1 and USB-C come in two (2) in the center console and two (2) in the rear… (not including the additional two USB and HDMI ports specifically for the Screens. I haven’t tested if the two infotainment USBs will charge a phone, but the other four do.. along with wireless charging. 
All of that is even more perfect when putting the car in Touring mode.. when the interior becomes even more vault-like versus the Sport and Track exhaust notes, which as an enthusiasts.. are SWEET. I actually switched the note in the vehicle setting to have the SPORT exhaust sound even in Touring.. I love that sound so much. Needless to say that I could right another page’s worth of amenities that are included with this car. Still loving the rear view camera and the night-vision.. or all around cameras, for both safety and security..  

Engine performance and handling of the car is absolutely FANTASTIC. Seriously I can’t stress that enough. How the hell did they create a car that hands down is 8 inches longer in length and wheelbase..  and 2 inches wider.. and 300lbs heavier yet still handles as well and ACTUALLY MORE CONFIDENT than my departed race bred ’16 CTS-V.. not to mention because of AWD.. is as fast.
From C&D:
 Zero to 60 mph: 3.8 sec 
Zero to 100 mph: 9.1 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 15.4 sec
Rolling start 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec 
Standing ¼-mile: 12.2 sec @ 116 mph 
Top speed (governor limited): 149 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 155 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g

Some of those results I know will improve as vehicle break-in happens. 
Fact is.. my only gripe is that they should have been an option even in the VSeries.. even if it meant the car would go over the $110K price threshold that GM seems so cautious to cross. Perhaps its the years of hearing from its own country that its not worth of that price and the Germans are that has led them to be so afraid to simply go for it.. cause they have not only the capability to match the Germans (as evidenced by this car..) but the capability to actually surpass them on all fronts. I cannot stress enough that this car, along with my CTS-V and the current Escalade (the upcoming one is gonna blow U away) truly truly already match the supposed craftsmanship of the Europeans. Americans, ironically, since I've seen both Europeans and Chinese say they have too, simply do not wish to admit it.

Point blank the CT6 is as good as the S-Class, let alone the 7Series and A8, which after driving those two recently as well.. I say it is better than. Where they and the S-Class actually win.. is the simple fact that the Germans allow more options.. for more money to be added.. again.. for MORE MONEY Cadillac.. when the customer wants to spend it. Its as if I were selling widgets and my $100 widget A-T6 was a good as your $100 A-550 on all fronts, but U allowed your customers to pay U an additional $10 to add extra stuff to your widget, which would only cost U $1.. but I wouldn't allow my customers to pay me an additional $10 for stuff that, due to amortized costs because I also sell Buicks, Chevys, and GMCs (cause I'm tired of creating new names lol), only costs me $.75. Its INSANE

As mentioned before( last week) The dealership mentioned to me that the press has it wrong and that the CT6 is not actually dead and will possibly return after a one year absence and have to for a limited time to accommodate the changeover.. which could be.. and the CT6 returns in 2022 as a new car altogether called the Escala or something.. going in-line with Cadillac saying they are going back to names. The OMEGA and BlackWING tech simply is too great to be a one-off. If they are.. it completely contradicts GM's supposed bean-counter ways… Either way.. I have one and it is spectacular.. while its still available.. and when its not.. I will still have had one:yup:. Performance and luxury wise, outside of my one gripe) Cadillac has everything to be proud of ?

Here is my only issue.. The HUB

Edited January 29, 2020 by Cmicasa the Great

[surreal1272]

10 minutes ago, Cmicasa the Great said:

Been a while fellas.. hope is well.. Just wanted pop in and post up my new ride. Sold my CTS-V and Impala and went larger

 

I just took delivery of 2020 CT6V, bought, because I may just keep this one considering the BW's possible iconic status. But it occurred to me that it doesn't matter that its no longer in production when a replacement car.. powered by electric is on the way. This would have been no different than any other car that changed its name or platform the next generation. 2019 CTS buyers for instance.. being upset when the name was changed to Ct5.. and let me tell U.. the CT5 is a GORGEOUS car in person.. and there is nothing cheap or non-lux about it. They made the right move there.. altho a name change was not necessary.

People forget that the CT6 was technically, for 2020.. 5 model years old. That's a normal life-cycle give or take. The only thing that makes anyone pause is the fact that there has been no replacement announced officially.. but GM went on record as saying that the brand was going EV.. if that truly is the case.. then the death of the CT6 model.. the model.. is no big deal as long as something from it is retained and learned.. because after now a 300 miles road trip.. (yup already) and back to NY.. I have to say they built a helluva car, with my only complaint remaining being the steering wheel hub not being leather like the Platinum. 

After experiencing this car... I have to say.. The CT6 is a waste. Omega is a waste. Blackwing is a waste. 3.0LTT is a waste.

Basically to produce this car with any limits in production at all. The CT6 from V6 to V8 plus the Hybrid are exemplary cars.. and GM should be as proud of it as it is any Corvette.. and I am a lover of both. In the past I have driven and absolutely enjoyed the CT6 3.6L, CT6 3.0LTT, as well recently test driving the Platinum v8 and the VSeries (which I bought) and let me be another one to say.. Cadillac finally has.. had.. a car that could have reclaimed its top tier status. The Platinum in particular, and outside of the performance upgrades really is the true example of this. Right on down to the upgraded interior materials shown immediately with the steering wheel hub.. which is leather like in my departed CTS-V (or the Escalade and ELR) versus the standard rubber material all luxo manufacturers like to use these days for some reason. (My hope is that I can buy the hub (the middle of the steering wheel that covers the airbag) separately and switch it out. Of course the ability to get Super-Cruise in the Platinum is another example of its superior luxury over the VSeries.. but that is pretty much where their differences end in terms of luxifcation. The Performance.. More performance is why I went V instead of P. more HP.. more torque.. suspension settings that are more in line.. the ability to have a more visceral exhaust note… blacked out trim.. and more aggressive ground effects. I have to say that I really gave up nothing that I wanted going V except the aforementioned steering when hub. Inside I’m back in carbon-fiber as Rose had (my CTS-V)before.. the backseat amenities are a threat for passengers with pop-up screens and (2)USB or (1)HDMI posts allowing for USB stored movies or the ability to plug in a Roku or Firestick connected to the Wifi and watch their content from Netflix or Hulu.. or Prime etc. The new CUE is sensational.. fast.. intuitive, and the dual knobs on the front console due aid dramatically over the previous mouse pad in the older cars. Sounds from the 34 Speaker Panaray system are awesome.. USB 3.1 and USB-C come in two (2) in the center console and two (2) in the rear… (not including the additional two USB and HDMI ports specifically for the Screens. I haven’t tested if the two infotainment USBs will charge a phone, but the other four do.. along with wireless charging. 
All of that is even more perfect when putting the car in Touring mode.. when the interior becomes even more vault-like versus the Sport and Track exhaust notes, which as an enthusiasts.. are SWEET. I actually switched the note in the vehicle setting to have the SPORT exhaust sound even in Touring.. I love that sound so much. Needless to say that I could right another page’s worth of amenities that are included with this car. Still loving the rear view camera and the night-vision.. or all around cameras, for both safety and security..  

Engine performance and handling of the car is absolutely FANTASTIC. Seriously I can’t stress that enough. How the hell did they create a car that hands down is 8 inches longer in length and wheelbase..  and 2 inches wider.. and 300lbs heavier yet still handles as well and ACTUALLY MORE CONFIDENT than my departed race bred ’16 CTS-V.. not to mention because of AWD.. is as fast.
From C&D:
 Zero to 60 mph: 3.8 sec 
Zero to 100 mph: 9.1 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 15.4 sec
Rolling start 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.9 sec 
Standing ¼-mile: 12.2 sec @ 116 mph 
Top speed (governor limited): 149 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 155 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g

Some of those results I know will improve as vehicle break-in happens. 
Fact is.. my only gripe is that they should have been an option even in the VSeries.. even if it meant the car would go over the $110K price threshold that GM seems so cautious to cross. Perhaps its the years of hearing from its own country that its not worth of that price and the Germans are that has led them to be so afraid to simply go for it.. cause they have not only the capability to match the Germans (as evidenced by this car..) but the capability to actually surpass them on all fronts. I cannot stress enough that this car, along with my CTS-V and the current Escalade (the upcoming one is gonna blow U away) truly truly already match the supposed craftsmanship of the Europeans. Americans, ironically, since I've seen both Europeans and Chinese say they have too, simply do not wish to admit it.

Point blank the CT6 is as good as the S-Class, let alone the 7Series and A8, which after driving those two recently as well.. I say it is better than. Where they and the S-Class actually win.. is the simple fact that the Germans allow more options.. for more money to be added.. again.. for MORE MONEY Cadillac.. when the customer wants to spend it. Its as if I were selling widgets and my $100 widget A-T6 was a good as your $100 A-550 on all fronts, but U allowed your customers to pay U an additional $10 to add extra stuff to your widget, which would only cost U $1.. but I wouldn't allow my customers to pay me an additional $10 for stuff that, due to amortized costs because I also sell Buicks, Chevys, and GMCs (cause I'm tired of creating new names lol), only costs me $.75. Its INSANE

As mentioned before( last week) The dealership mentioned to me that the press has it wrong and that the CT6 is not actually dead and will possibly return after a one year absence and have to for a limited time to accommodate the changeover.. which could be.. and the CT6 returns in 2022 as a new car altogether called the Escala or something.. going in-line with Cadillac saying they are going back to names. The OMEGA and BlackWING tech simply is too great to be a one-off. If they are.. it completely contradicts GM's supposed bean-counter ways… Either way.. I have one and it is spectacular.. while its still available.. and when its not.. I will still have had one:yup:. Performance and luxury wise, outside of my one gripe) Cadillac has everything to be proud of ?

Here is my only issue.. The HUB

Very sharp ride Casa. Congrats! The CT6 is a hidden gem in the Luxury world that should have never been hidden. Saw a TT3.0 the other day in gun metal gray and it was really sharp. I love that it will never be confused with any overpriced German Luxo-barge. Here's hoping that the only real change coming for the car is in the name. Escala would definitely work here.

[Cmicasa the Great]

27 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

Very sharp ride Casa. Congrats! The CT6 is a hidden gem in the Luxury world that should have never been hidden. Saw a TT3.0 the other day in gun metal gray and it was really sharp. I love that it will never be confused with any overpriced German Luxo-barge. Here's hoping that the only real change coming for the car is in the name. Escala would definitely work here.

Thanks Bro.. and Well Drew might know a little more.. but Its a known fact that the VSSR platform is coming in 2022 and the next slew of Cadillacs are to be EV. From a costs perspective it makes sense for them to start to make the change over now.. just hurts seeing the moving on from the ICE

[ccap41]

17 hours ago, dfelt said:

The AWD system can handle it as we have various 3rd party companies doing 800HP out of an Escalade. Hennessey is the one that comes to mind and when you look at the web page, it is all engine upgrades and brakes, nothing to the AWD system.

http://hennesseyperformance.com/vehicles/cadillac/escalade/2015-cadillac-escalade/2015-2017-cadillac-escalade-hpe800-supercharged-upgrade/

 

3rd party companies don't need a 60-100k warranty and you know that. 

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

3rd party companies don't need a 60-100k warranty and you know that. 

and given Hennessey's reputation for shady business I'd be surprised if their modded stuff would last 10k miles...

[ccap41]

1 minute ago, Robert Hall said:

and given Hennessey's reputation for shady business I'd be surprised if their modded stuff would last 10k miles...

Or if you'd even get it back. What a scumbag company. 

[G. David Felt]

14 hours ago, ocnblu said:

Over to the GM Online Order Guide, they're starting to populate 2021 model year vehicles.  I like to keep an eye on GM news over there.

https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/brandsel.jsp?year=2021&regionID=1&lang=1

Thanks for Posting Ocnblu, sad that GM seems to be following Tesla with minimal colors now and everything premium up charge and requires a package to get. So Grey, white or Black is bacis no charge colors, everything else is an add on charge requiring up level packages. Sucks.

[balthazar]

I thought Tesla was the one to emulate? Are any of the paint colors $2000 extra?

[G. David Felt]

@Cmicasa the Great Awesome Ride, Congratulations on getting what I BELIEVE to be the BEST Luxury Sedan on the road right now!

I am sad the CT6 is out of production, but also excited for the EV replacement. GM has lots of cool stuff coming and excited for them to move on from traditional plastic ice blah auto's and back into standard of the world EVs.

[G. David Felt]

OUCH, GM is asking for a Do Over on a Brake Recall that affects over half a million 2019 silverado's, sierras and CT6 auto's. 

To Quote: The original software fix helped address situations where the vehicles' anti-lock braking systems would become disabled, which in turn would prevent electronic stability control from activating. Unfortunately, the early version of this fix appears to have introduced yet another software glitch. This new gremlin skews things in the other direction, potentially activating the brakes when they aren't even needed. 

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/01/29/gm-brake-recall-do-over/

OUCH, GM ?

Clearly the QA plan was NOT the best on this software release.

Crazy seeing their internet ads everywhere now as they push selling the New Old Mustang builds.

https://revologycars.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI67v_lsup5wIVCbF-Ch2WiQzIEAEYASAAEgJLSPD_BwE

[surreal1272]

So recently bought another DSLR camera after a three year break. Got a Canon 6D Mark II and took a few sample shots with the new lens I picked up today. More to come because I am digging the hell out of this camera and the Flex makes a great test subject.

 

[G. David Felt]

@surreal1272 Awesome pics, my son and I also have Cannon DSLRs and they Rock!

The Flex is looking good!

[ocnblu]

 

[G. David Felt]

How is that auto related? ?

Ahhhhhh juices that is it, everything has to be properly lubed! Got it!  

[ocnblu]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

How is that auto related? ?

Ahhhhhh juices that is it, everything has to be properly lubed! Got it!  

It's certainly random

[Robert Hall]

On 1/28/2020 at 6:44 PM, Robert Hall said:

Looks like I have a random unplanned road trip I have to take this weekend.   Wasn't planning on going anywhere this weekend..

Finally got most of the details nailed down..got a dog sitter for the weekend, a flight Friday afternoon from Cleveland down to West Palm Beach.   Then driving my sister's Chevy Trax back to Ohio...

[G. David Felt]

7 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

Finally got most of the details nailed down..got a dog sitter for the weekend, a flight Friday afternoon from Cleveland down to West Palm Beach.   Then driving my sister's Chevy Trax back to Ohio...

So she is staying there and not coming back with you? Wow, long lonely road trip with out a companion.

Mexico has bought Mustang GTs to use as drug interceptor auto's according to TheDrive.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/32003/mexican-police-department-adds-ford-mustang-gts-as-drug-interceptors

Have to say there are some funny stories out there today, The Range Rover driver who tried to drive his auto up a ski slope drunk. Arrested for DUI at 59 years of age in Vermont.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/32005/range-rover-driver-hit-with-dui-after-driving-up-magic-mountain-ski-slope

OUCH, Nissan announced today employee cuts of 20,000 in the US as the auto maker circles the drain in attempting to stay open and functional. This is on top of the announced last month of a 12,500 head count reduction globally. Wonder who might buy them up?

https://www.thedrive.com/news/32004/more-bad-news-at-nissan

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

So she is staying there and not coming back with you? Wow, long lonely road trip with out a companion.

No, she's coming back w/ me. it's a crazy story...she drove down just after New Years to start a 4 month contract project (she's a management consultant).  Planning to stay there in an extended stay hotel instead of her usual weekly flying back and forth, wanted to get away for the winter.   But she broke her foot yesterday morning in a freak accident, pretty much impossible to get to her office, can't really drive, having trouble w/ crutches.   Can't fly with a broken foot. So she wants to come to Ohio to recuperate and the client is going to let her work remotely...better to be with family than by herself with a broken foot..

The Trax has Sirius XM and I've driven it around Arizona in the past, it's not as nice to drive as my Jeep, but it's ok..and the weather doesn't sound like it will be that bad up I-95 and I-77...it just had an oil change, new wipers, etc.just past 20k miles. 

[USA-1]

11 hours ago, Cmicasa the Great said:

I just took delivery of 2020 CT6V, bought, because I may just keep this one considering the BW's possible iconic status. But it occurred to me that it doesn't matter that its no longer in production when a replacement car.. powered by electric is on the way. This would have been no different than any other car that changed its name or platform the next generation. 2019 CTS buyers for instance.. being upset when the name was changed to Ct5.. and let me tell U.. the CT5 is a GORGEOUS car in person..

GM should be as proud of it as it is any Corvette.. and I am a lover of both.

Engine performance and handling of the car is absolutely FANTASTIC. Seriously I can’t stress that enough. How the hell did they create a car that hands down is 8 inches longer in length and wheelbase..  and 2 inches wider.. and 300lbs heavier yet still handles as well and ACTUALLY MORE CONFIDENT than my departed race bred ’16 CTS-V.. not to mention because of AWD.. is as fast.

 

 

Congrats! Awesome cars, I drove a CT6-V last month at my Cadillac dealer and loved it. Like you said very planted and well mannered for the size. It drives like a much smaller car and I love that nearly instant boost from the Blackwing and constant pull during "spirited driving" I used to have a 2013 white diamond CTS-V Coupe and loved the car, but the new tech and Caddy design is sweet. Also checked out the CT4 and 5 at the local Auto Show here in Phoenix and they have a very impressive design inside and out with great fit and finish and leather, aluminum, wood or carbon fiber trim everywhere while having very supportive seats that aren't too soft or too hard with perfect side bolstering. Vette guy here as well and I get what you're saying about GM performance and/or luxury cars that are often underrated like the CT6, hopefully the 4 and 5 get more love than the outgoing ATS and CTS.

BTW, did you change out the amber front side marker lights to smoked or did the dealer do it? Looks awesome, the DOT required amber markers stick out a bit too much on these as well as the Vettes, smoked is the way to go.

[Robert Hall]

Congrats on the new car. Beautiful machine. I'm looking forward to driving a CT6 eventually...wouldn't mind a CPO one down the road.  I love the size and design.

I do like bombing around in the hoopie STS occasionally...