pow

I guess Mazda shoppers will have to go with UAW-made Tributes and Mazda6s now.

White 2012 Focus hatchback with normal plates... interesting. I think it would look more dazzling in a metallic color.

Actually, oil is NOT subsidized in the US, we just don't artificially inflate the price of oil. Oil is 2.5 times more expensive in the EU simply because it is taxed there for reasons ranging from the bogus believe in global warming I stopped reading after the emphasized text. Seriously, if you want to have any credibility please don't spout nonsense. If you're not familiar with the science, fine, but don't conflate ignorance with being right because global warming (now really called climate change because the effects go far beyond a warming of the planet) is real and indisputable by pretty much anyone with a grasp of science. Facts and scientific consensus are bogus when they threaten imaginary 7.2 liter V12s with theoretical specifications. It's the internet.

K, so I drove one for $25 today, an EX Turbo model. Lots of space, interesting looking, nice dashboard. It may aspire to be a luxury sports sedan, but it's definitely not one -- it just doesn't feel very substantial or particularly involving to drive. For a mainstream family sedan, it's fine. Definitely feels like an appliance, albeit a Michael Graves-designed one from Target. Granted it costs $2500 more, but I'd much rather have a CC. A TSX or Regal feels way more premium than this.

Don't discount the new A6 just because it comes standard with FWD. It has an aluminum intensive body, longitudinally mounted engine, and 55/45% weight distribution -- a very different animal from Epsilon II. And if the XTS were theoretically to come with a small diesel, it'd share the unit from the 9-5, which just isn't as good as the "world-class" (sorry) A6's. It's less powerful, slower, emits more, and consumes more. A longitudinal engine in a FWD car (ala Audi and Subaru) is actually more a liability than an advantage. It pushes the weight balance further forward than a transverse layout. In Audi's case they do it for the convenience of integrating AWD because the transfer case because integral and inline with the output shaft of the tranny. The Epsilon is a fine enough platform. The problem GM has is the groany, unrefined note of the 3.6 DI V6 and the acceptable by below average 6T70 (and 6T75) transmissions. Personally, I don't see the XTS as a flagship, but an ES350 competitor. It should have been a Buick, but the notion of a large, transverse V6 powered, FWD/AWD cruiser or the comfort oriented buyer is not a bad one. But regardless of what the Greenies think, transverse V6 with out without Hybrid assist is not really the gold standard (or the upcoming one in the ear future) for flagship luxury. Caddy deserves and can be well served by a stretched Sigma II with a 7.2 V12 option created by Siameing two 3.6 V6es and a quiet tuned Pushrod small block V8 as the standard power plant. If they want to add a V6 Hybrid to the mix, that's fine, but that will be the niche not the V8 powered car... let's face it, there are not that many Prius drivers upgrading to a Flagship Luxury car (S-class, 7-series, A8 or whatever Caddy has), and those pitiful few will probably buy a Lexus LS600h. A longitudinal layout allows for proactive, permanent AWD rather than a reactive Haldex system limited by its angle gear. And since we're talking about Europe here, the idea of a pushrod V8 or a 7.2 liter V12 as the high-volume powertrain is laughable. They could perhaps build one for Jeremy Clarkson to review, but the rest sold will be 30 MPG diesels. Even in the US where oil is subsidized, the six-cylinder 740i outsells the V8 750i.

Think so? How well does Dodge, Chrysler or Chevrolet do there? The Opel Antara wasn't a huge smash it in the EU, but compared to the Chevrolet Captiva, it might as well be a Toyota Camry. The only thing Dodge managed to sell was Caravans. Fiat has the right idea to rebadge Chryslers as Lancias. Edit: As I mentioned before, Ford is the exception to that rule because they've had a strong R&D and production presence in the EU for many decades. Their Fords are (rightfully so IMO) considered European cars because they have been design by and for Europeans. Opel, despite GM ownership since WWII, has that same deference directed towards it. Ummmmmmmmm... the Chevrolet Captiva outsold the Opel Antara in Europe. 2010 Antara sales: 10,976 2010 Captiva sales: 31,543 Again, more proof that it's not the "country of origin of the badge" but rather that vehicle's competitiveness in the marketplace coupled with the reputation of the company selling it. Chevrolet Europe (subsidiary of GM Korea) has 2,000+ dealers. If Cadillac wants to penetrate the EU market, then they will have to commit to a strong presence in Europe like Ford did. There are no shortcuts, and you can't just blame the customer for allegedly hating on US products. http://media.gm.com/content/media/intl/en/company_chev/sales_and_production_highlights.brand_chevrolet.html http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmeurope.info%2FMOPIDB%2Fdownload.htm%3F03C2211F5E0001D6D4D0b4a9E1E3b0a2b2A0E0C3D2C5c3D2Cc08611Dc02F4cD04C0A2a6D4bC1B082111EbIGdhfCj&rct=j&q=gm%20europe%202010%20sales%20figures&ei=xkCOTYbdKIuksQPu9LGRCQ&usg=AFQjCNE0jYJjkl4F-FwTTh1iBNMk_DaMCQ&cad=rja The Captiva and Antara are different vehicles, by the way -- Captiva seats 7 while Antara only seats 5. And Chrysler outsells Lancia everywhere in Europe outside Italy. Fiat just wanted to steal this US brand's success for their own failing brand.

If Cadillac has the RIGHT cars for the EU market, and they addressed all of those problems, I argue Europeans WILL buy it regardless of the "country of origin of the badge." But it takes time to build dealer networks, trust, etc. And I argue that GM doesn't have the money to successfully do that in Europe. Stick with China, which is still a growing market.

Because so many people include AUDI when cross-shopping such luxury sedan "driver's cars" as the BMW 3er, 5er or 7er or the M-B C-Class, E-Class or S-Class. I give up. Enjoy your XTS kool aid. My XTS kool aid is that I think it won't sell AND neither will the ATS nor CTS? What I'm saying is that even a Lacrosse can be at least 98% as athletic as a base A6. I'm thinking a Cadillac with Magnaride can do better. You don't seem to get that I don't think Cadillac should bother with the Europeans at all. It is a waste of money. Cadillac should concentrate on emerging markets where they don't think they invented the automobile and have never been surpassed since. No, I don't get that at all from your previous posts, since you've been doggedly responding to me throughout 5 pages of this thread although MY argument has always been that the time isn't right and it's a bad idea. So if we're in agreement, and I'm somehow missing something, why 5 pages of back-and-forth and trying to legitimize the XTS' existence by bringing up Citroen and AUDI comparisons? Citroen isn't for sale on these shores, so I cannot imagine what other point you'd be trying to make with your posts. You don't think me saying Cadillac could fuel it with bratwurst and the Germans still won't buy it wasn't clear enough? The drive wheels of the XTS ... or CTS... or ATS... matter little in how well those vehicles will do in the EU. The biggest hindrance to sales is the country of origin of the badge. That is born out by the fact that the FWD Citroen and A6 still sell over there for a lot more money than the RWD CTS. Again, you're overlooking the fact that Cadillac has ZERO brand reputation, no credibility, poor network of dealers, poor residuals, and ridiculous running costs that don't make sense to the average non-celebrity executive car driver. Ford does fine even with a US badge because it has all of that. You're conflating "country of origin of the badge" with the brand itself.

Don't discount the new A6 just because it comes standard with FWD. It has an aluminum intensive body, longitudinally mounted engine, and 55/45% weight distribution -- a very different animal from Epsilon II. And if the XTS were theoretically to come with a small diesel, it'd share the unit from the 9-5, which just isn't as good as the "world-class" (sorry) A6's. It's less powerful, slower, emits more, and consumes more. Well that's more a function of the diesel engine than the rest of the car. That diesel in the Audi would produce the same results. I discount the base Audi A6 because I've driven it for a week around Germany. It was not something to write home about.... as you see, I didn't right a review. The 3-series is a substantially better car driving wise. Yet the A6 sells. Yes, but where else would GM find a small diesel for the XTS? Good luck trying to buy one from Audi. It's going to be the 9-5's TiD. The base A6 you drove has been around since 2004. The new one is a world-class (sorry) E-segment sedan. Every review of the 9-5 I've seen says it's the best driving Epsilon II out there, yet every review also states that it lags behind the 5-series and A6 in driving dynamics.

Don't discount the new A6 just because it comes standard with FWD. It has an aluminum intensive body, longitudinally mounted engine, and 55/45% weight distribution -- a very different animal from Epsilon II. And if the XTS were theoretically to come with a small diesel, it'd share the unit from the 9-5, which just isn't as good as the "world-class" (sorry) A6's. It's less powerful, slower, emits more, and consumes more.

I do like the SX wheels, but apparently the Optima's driving dynamics aren't up to its sporty looks. The base model with the small wheels and grey interior trim looks pretty dumpy, and it's a shame that's the only model you can get a six-speed manual with. There's a $25 test drive offer going on, which I should probably take before it expires end of this month...

That's one of the few competitive advantages that US or Japanese cars have in Europe: a higher level of specification standard on every model. What Cadillac needs to be taken seriously by European customers, IMO, is lower running costs and higher residuals. If they figure out a way to make an ATS emit 110 g/km or less (Tax Band B and 13% company car tax) and be in insurance group 28 or less, then mainstream buyers will at least consider one as a realistic option. The current CTS gets 25.4 mpg (imperial) combined and 264 g/km. They need an ATS 2.0d Eco or something that gets 68.9 mpg combined and 109 g/km.

Yogurt soju? The hell do you get that? I love soju--great way to serve cocktails with only a 2-way license--but I've never seen it paired with yogurt. Katy Perry cannot sing. I'm not amazing amazing at all and I can sing better than she can. I'm totally judging you for that, by the way. It's good. They mix a tart, Yakult-like yogurt with the soju... makes it much more pleasant. I had at this place in Ktown: http://www.yelp.com/biz/gaam-restaurant-and-lounge-los-angeles

Those Audis are world-class vehicles far more advanced than any glorified 9-5 or LaCrosse. Audi may offer a FWD A6, but it's aluminum intensive, drives damn well in spite of its drive wheels, and shares nothing with a cheaper VW. The A6 I had 8 months ago was nothing special at all. Even the current Lacrosse could compete with a typically equipped A6 in actual highway performance and the Lacrosse gives up nothing to the A6 in terms of interior comfort. Yet again I'm accused of Kool-Aid pissing, but how many here can actually say they've spend time in a typical car in this class in Germany on the AutoBahn.... not the A6 that is an S6 in all but engine.... but the much more typical silver Chevrolet Impala equivalent they actually drive over there. Many of you seem to have this really glorified idea of what the automotive experience in the EU is. It is NOT all loaded 5-series/A6/E-classes with V8s. It is much more frequently 2 liter diesels, cloth seats, and in the case of my A6, no CD player. We don't know XTS pricing in the U.S. much less the EU... but consider this. The lowest price A6 that isn't a 2.0 diesel with 6-speed is 42,050€.... or about $60,000. That gets you a FWD, 200hp V6 gasser with such amenities as: 16" wheels Your choice of Gray or Black cloth interior No Bluetooth No CD No Sat Radio No USB No Sunroof Now, I'm not saying the Germans will buy an XTS, because they are rather stubborn about brands.... but... and I'm going out on a limb here, Cadillac could easily provide a car with more amenities, more power, and more comfort for $60,000.... seeing as they already do that with the Lacrosse. Let's compare price with something more akin to what the XTS would ship with: Audi A6, 3.0 V6 Quattro 295hp 18" Wheels Basic leather interior Acoustic blocking glass (a 1900€ option) Adaptive headlights We'll leave off the sunroof Wood trim interior (a 470€ option) Automatic multi-zone climate control (a 650€ option) Heated and cooled seats Bluetooth USB and you come out to a total of 67,090€ or $94,751, you think Cadillac cannot provide an AWD XTS for less than that? Now... again, the Germans still won't buy the Cadillac equally equipped, and here is where I illustrate that: The CTS 3.6 AWD and all of that equipment; currently priced at 55,000€ The Germans are known for being frugal.... but their love of home team brands trumps that. I'd take a base A6 with cloth seats and four-cylinder diesel over a fully-loaded Impala any day. Equating leather, wood, and engine displacement with luxury is a very American perspective. There's more to an E-segment "executive saloon" than its level of specification; in this segment, you expect a certain level of engineering and build quality beyond that of a lesser car. The prevalence of such cars, or the fact that many are destined to humdrum duties like taxi or fleet use (most luxury cars in Europe are company cars that come with a management position), doesn't discount the fact these vehicles are highly respected and convey some degree of prestige. A Golf would be the German Impala, not a 40,000€ A6 that few Europeans can afford. Infiniti and Cadillac have already tried to "provide [cars] with more amenities, more power, and more comfort" with US-style models that come standard with a high level of specification, but that's not how the European market works. Most consumers have skipped the temptation of free power seats and what have you because they don't want to be saddled with a flaky, unknown brand with no commitment to the European market that has poor residuals and a tiny dealership network. And for company car buyers, the running costs of, say, a CTS or M37 in the UK just don't make sense compared to an A6 2.0TDI: road tax is more than 3 times higher, company car tax is at 35% instead of 20%, and it's at the highest insurance band. Germans aren't stubborn about brands; they're just not stupid.

Those Audis are world-class vehicles far more advanced than any glorified 9-5 or LaCrosse. Audi may offer a FWD A6, but it's aluminum intensive, drives damn well in spite of its drive wheels, and shares nothing with a cheaper VW.

That's their problem, not ours. Let them build themselves into an unsustainable society--certainly won't hurt us any. That's if they're not competing for "our" oil.

How many Americans does it take to ruin a Saab 9-5?

I don't think drivers in China need any more encouragement to drive insanely. 100,000 people die there every year from auto accidents, and fueling this culture of auto dependency isn't something they can sustain.

GM must be watching Infiniti very closely, as Nissan is introducing that brand to Europe as well. It's hard to imagine a European consumer forgoing a proven brand for something completely unknown and unestablished. Cadillac would at most be a niche player, a car for celebrities with huge disposable incomes who don't care about practicality, running costs, residuals, emissions -- attributes that matter most to company car shopping execs, who make up the majority of luxury car buyers in Western Europe. It's more profitable and less taxing to grow in China. Sponsoring the CCP is likely easier than finding an F1 team in Europe to sponsor.

Karaoke is always made better with some yogurt soju. I'm partial to anything Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, or Ke-dollar-sign-ha. Don't judge me.

Looks like they'll be joining the rest of us in the race to the bottom.

I forgot about Focus. That would be on the top of my list, if I were to buy new and someone destroyed my poor Passat. But the real question everyone wants to know the answer to is if you have to replace your Passat, will you also replace the brontosaurus sticker by the fuel door? Hahaha, doubtful... especially on virgin paint. Hopefully my next car won't need a (fossil) fuel door at all.

From an email I got today: Dear Friend, Last Friday’s earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan was a tragic reminder of the earth’s destructive power. The death toll is expected to be in the tens of thousands. What is occurring, however, at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is no natural disaster, but a human-made one. You are no doubt reading reports of the situation in Japan. As of late-afternoon today, at unit two, an explosion has ruptured the primary containment vessel, and at two other units there have been partial meltdowns; emergency personnel have been evacuated; over 200,000 people have been evacuated from the area; radiation from damaged reactors has set off radiation detectors seventy-five miles away; the American fleet, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, is moving to safer waters, after 17 personnel tested positive for radiation exposure. The environmental community must be able to speak credibly about nuclear power, so, at minimum, a cursory knowledge of physics and medicine is helpful. In a nuclear reactor, heat is harvested to create steam, in turn, the steam spins the turbines that create electricity. The heat is created by an atomic chain reaction of neutrons striking and dividing uranium atoms. Fission divides atoms into small atomic components, thereby releasing tremendous energy in the form of heat. Loads of heat. A core of a nuclear reactor reaches temperatures of 5000 degrees Fahrenheit — half the temperature of the surface of the sun. This super hot chain reaction cannot be turned-off like a light-bulb. Once ignited, the atomic chain reaction keeps going. At Fukushima, the heat exchange between seawater and the uranium fuel rods is expected to continue over many years. But that’s not the end of the story, the radioactive decay of uranium fuels rods continue for hundreds of thousands of years, and remain deadly for the duration. Back to today. The reports are sketchy, but thus far it appears that there has been a full meltdown at unit two, and other radiation releases from the deliberate venting of vaporized coolant. Unfortunately, highly dangerous radioisotopes have been released into the environment, including cesium-137, strontium-90, iodine-131 and plutonium-239. In a failed effort to prevent a meltdown, utility workers had dipped fire hoses into the ocean and pumped in seawater to cover the reactor core. (Apparently, at unit two a valve stuck, leaving the rods are fully exposed, leading to a full meltdown.) The containment vessel has been breached. A horrible witches brew of radioactive contaminants is being unleashed. (The mixed-oxide fuel in Unit 3, uranium blended with weapons-grade plutonium, is also troubling.) Another worry is the decades-worth of spent fuel rods stored on site — these pools appear to be failing. The Fukushima meltdown not only impacts Japan but the entire world as well. The Chernobyl plume traveled around the globe and especially affected Scandinavia – over a thousand miles away the site. Chernobyl was responsible for tens of thousands of cancers. Here’s the problem — radioisotopes enter the food chain. The radioactive variety of iodine, I-131, is readily absorbed by the thyroid. It is a strong gamma emitter, and once perched in the thyroid, I-131 slices-up the DNA of healthy cells, converting them to malformed cancer cells. Other isotopes pose a threat. Strontium is metabolised in the body as calcium and cesium is absorbed as potassium. Once ingested, these cancer-causing radioactive agents become part of our bones. With the news of a full meltdown, wind patterns will likely deliver radiation to the West Coast in about five days. As I-131 has a toxic life of 80 days it is advisable for pregnant women and children to ingest potassium iodine (KI) to flood the thyroid with “good” iodine, thus keeping radioactive iodine out of the body. It’s important to note that KI only defeats I-131 and not the other deadly isotopes. On television this weekend we’ve seen a parade of nuclear industry spokespeople and medically-ignorant physicists downplay the health ramifications. The experts like to say it’s “fear” we have to worry about, not the radiation. Some are even bemoaning the loss of nuclear power as a means of thwarting climate change. (Never mind that virtually every environmental group opposes nuclear power and prefers safe clean renewable energy.) The fact is that radiation is never healthy. Rather than take industry’s word on it, I encourage you to read what medical researchers and physicians have to say. The National Academy of Science’s latest report on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation, BIER-VII, says that the smallest dose of low-level ionizing radiation has the potential to cause health risks to humans. Nuclear technology is so fraught with some many hazards, can we honestly engineer our way out of them? The answer is no. We’re dealing with 5000 degree temperatures, atomic chain reactions, and radiation that remains deadly for hundreds of thousands of years. Even Prometheus couldn’t handle this fire. For background on the unfolding incident I suggest the following websites: * Beyond Nuclear * Washington Post backgrounder * Union of Concerned Scientists blog * Institute for Energy and Environmental Research What can you do? 1. If you wish to stay apprised of the crisis, please let me know. 2. Activists along the Pacific coast are monitoring for radiation — let me know if you wish to participate. 3. Encourage local health officials to safely distribute KI pills in orderly fashion. - Jonathan Parfrey Jonathan Parfrey is executive director of the Green LA Coalition. For thirteen years he served as executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility in Los Angeles and currently serves on the board of directors of the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility. Links work on this page: http://greenlacoalition.org/resources/email-archive/thoughts-on-the-nuclear-disaster-in-japan/

Looks like GM-DAT sides with good old fashioned Chevy fascias front and rear.