European Bias CTS-V Smokes Audi RS4 on Top Gear
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by 96STSGUY
What's next a Top Gear review of the Z06 saying it too American, too fast, handles too well and let me see, there's something about the Z06 I don't like, can't put my hands on it, it just feels cheap. Bollicks as you say in Europe. 
An S65 on the Autobahn would be a much safer place to be than a Z06 at 200mph... and those people ACTUALLY use their cars at those speeds when they buy cars of this caliber.
There lies the difference. You'll probably never understand it though cause you live in the US and probably have never been in Germany... I have.
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I've been in Germany, England etc
I've driven in Germany/England and The Caddy's would perform in Europe as well as America, I just can't beleive no MB owners can see a Euro-bias against American cars, especially in this Top gear Review.
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From: Palm Beach, FL
'03 Yukon XL Denali, '06 Eclipse GS
Originally Posted by CE750
It's more than just speed.. I mean I was at the track the other day and there was a Dodge Neon that ran in the 11's, and a Toyota Supra with 1300 hp that ran in the 9's.. Both ugly as heck, and build like crap from a luxury standpoint.. Anyone can make a car fast.. and for the most part, most cars today are FAST ENOUGH.
But the SINGLE biggest problem with American cars is their workmanship/fit and finish, an materials used.... they are one step better than the former Soviet Union cars of that by gone era.
I went thru my friends $74,000 Cadillac Escalade with the following observations in just a matter of 5 minutes:
-Plastic wood, very, very cheap
-carpeting doesn't feel nice, fit around the entire car is poor at best
-leather seats stitching looks like it's about to come apart at various "unseen" corners of the seats.
-dashboard / interior plastics are comparable to the plastic I see on my son's $10 toys from Target
-electronic displays are using 1980's technology LED type displays, not color LCD.
-Door slam sound is filled with rattles.
-Wheel wells are made of cheap plastics, especially for a heavy duty vehicle
That is what's wrong with American cars.. along with the crappy styling that goes over the top more often than not.
But the SINGLE biggest problem with American cars is their workmanship/fit and finish, an materials used.... they are one step better than the former Soviet Union cars of that by gone era.
I went thru my friends $74,000 Cadillac Escalade with the following observations in just a matter of 5 minutes:
-Plastic wood, very, very cheap
-carpeting doesn't feel nice, fit around the entire car is poor at best
-leather seats stitching looks like it's about to come apart at various "unseen" corners of the seats.
-dashboard / interior plastics are comparable to the plastic I see on my son's $10 toys from Target
-electronic displays are using 1980's technology LED type displays, not color LCD.
-Door slam sound is filled with rattles.
-Wheel wells are made of cheap plastics, especially for a heavy duty vehicle
That is what's wrong with American cars.. along with the crappy styling that goes over the top more often than not.
As an owner of a Yukon XL Denali, I have to agree with all you've listed. This vehicle was close to $60K, just about the same pricing as an SLK55. Hell, I understand it's bigger and all, but that shouldn't constitute whether GM should go cheaper as they (the vehicle itself) get bigger. It's supposed to be a "luxury" SUV however it doesn't feel any more special than the average, mildly equipped car. I can't see why GM can't be a little more creative than share components with other branches such as Chevy, Ford, Cadillac, etc. when it comes to body construction, tail lights, same bland interior, to name a few. I would expect at least fake leather wrapped for the dash instead of plastic!
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From: Orlando, FL
g
Originally Posted by MBE55AMG
As an owner of a Yukon XL Denali, I have to agree with all you've listed. This vehicle was close to $60K, just about the same pricing as an SLK55. Hell, I understand it's bigger and all, but that shouldn't constitute whether GM should go cheaper as they (the vehicle itself) get bigger. It's supposed to be a "luxury" SUV however it doesn't feel any more special than the average, mildly equipped car. I can't see why GM can't be a little more creative than share components with other branches such as Chevy, Ford, Cadillac, etc. when it comes to body construction, tail lights, same bland interior, to name a few. I would expect at least fake leather wrapped for the dash instead of plastic!
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Originally Posted by 96STSGUY
I've driven in Germany/England and The Caddy's would perform in Europe as well as America, I just can't beleive no MB owners can see a Euro-bias against American cars, especially in this Top gear Review.
HAVE YOU EVER DRIVEN THE CADILLAC SEVILLE STS IN UK?
Well, I did and I hated it!
It was 5 years ago and I still remember like if it was yesterday...after all, I couldn't believe how bad the car was...it truly was a disappointing driving experience.
The Seville cannot cope with British roads - too many corners and too many crests and dips which have it bottoming out and bouncing sickeningly every time. That said: The car was quiet on the motorway.
Cheap and tacky interior, Leather is too thin and the whole dashboard is too Plasticky. Suspension made of marshmellows: Wallowy, floaty ride - The car felt like a canal boat when negotiating corners, not to mention the suspension it was so Soft, the car leaned in every corner. The suspension is almost non existent, the car had to be set into any high speed corner, the steering is way too light and the car under-steers dangerously. The brakes were heavy and they lacked in feel.
BTW: Why they had to limit the Top Speed at a very wimpy 130 Mph? Ah yes...because at high speeds the car feels woolly and every time you put you foot down a bit, the 300 Bhp and the Traction Control gets in, in the same time - there was a fight between the Power and the Damn Traction Control: Very poor roadholding, the car may feels OK when you cruising along a 50 Mph limited Highway in Texas, but it feels like very twitchy when cruising the Autobahn and handles like a boat in a typical British Twisty B-Road.
Speaking in power: 300 Bhp and FWD? Torque steer all the way...How stupid is that! Only an idiot would have, the idea to make an "Overpowered front-wheel-drive car". At least Saab suspensions are stiffer and they have great Brakes and ESP Systems.
You need to make endless corrections to keep the Caddy in straight line, specially on the wet: Again the Traction control keeps trying to put the car in order, problem is: It constantly tries to put the car in order, why do I need this assistance all the time? I want to control the damn car, but I don't want a feel, like if I were driving a vehicle with suspension made out of wet sponge...
Have the guys at Cadillac ever driven a BMW, Alfa-Romeo or Lexus??? This car is so wide, it's almost funny. Cadillac probably think, that you just need to put the steering wheel on the right side of the car, and there you go: "You have an American suited for the UK taste". But, I'm afraid to say, that it's not that simple. The car is just too wide for some British country roads and village streets.
Last edited by Andaluz; Oct 30, 2005 at 05:13 PM.
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From: Palm Beach, FL
'03 Yukon XL Denali, '06 Eclipse GS
Originally Posted by NOTKTS
I'm surprised of the negativity... I mean is it really that bad??? Personally my biggest gripe is the fact that the 2ed row seats don't fold flat. They also don't have a sturdy or leather covered backs... Same goes for the 3ed row.
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From: Santa Clarita/Northridge CA
E350
I drove my First Escalade last night. I have to say one gripe about that car. The interior is not up to par with what it COULD have been. Noting that it handles very well at highway speeds, i was expecting floating but where ever i pointed it the SUV went. Also the ride is very very very nice.
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From: Palm Beach, FL
'03 Yukon XL Denali, '06 Eclipse GS
Originally Posted by NOTKTS
So true it's not even funny 
This thread made me take a close inspection of it.... 
What's the point
This thread made me take a close inspection of it.... What's the point
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From: Sunny Naples, FL
2018 GLS63 AMG
Originally Posted by CE750
An S65 on the Autobahn would be a much safer place to be than a Z06 at 200mph... and those people ACTUALLY use their cars at those speeds when they buy cars of this caliber.
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From: Irvine, California
C32 AMG
Originally Posted by SargeinAZ
The e55 is my favorite sports sedan, but Im pretty sure you can make a CTS-V faster at the drag stip if you wanted to. CTS-V is 52 grand or something, so you would have like 32 grand to put into it to reach the e55s base price. I dont know, but I think it can be done. Oh well, Id still take an e55 all day every day, even if a CTS-V has 1000 hp.
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From: Maryland
'14 E63S & '14 Audi SQ5
Andaluz:
The new STS-V is actually using a totally different platform...a rear drive one. Not sure how relevant your experience with the "old" model is?
Et al:
Ok the CTS-V is pretty fast around the 'Ring. Very impressive. However, when people start talking "well it costs $52K and I could make it go faster in a straight-line than an E55 for the $30K difference" we should also see how much is in the budget for other necessities to compare apples to apples.
How much will it cost to use a better grade of leather and carpeting throughout the interior? While we are at it, how about redesigning that awful interior all together? Upgrade the wheels and tires (245's all around). Okay, now the most important necessity...redesigning and rebodying the entire car..ok I do like the front air dam and grille. However, eveything else needs to go. That might eat up the entire "budget"...but maybe there is a few grand left over for a supercharger. Another route is send the car to Fisker and see if can do something with it...although could be costly... :p
Tom
The new STS-V is actually using a totally different platform...a rear drive one. Not sure how relevant your experience with the "old" model is?
Et al:
Ok the CTS-V is pretty fast around the 'Ring. Very impressive. However, when people start talking "well it costs $52K and I could make it go faster in a straight-line than an E55 for the $30K difference" we should also see how much is in the budget for other necessities to compare apples to apples.
How much will it cost to use a better grade of leather and carpeting throughout the interior? While we are at it, how about redesigning that awful interior all together? Upgrade the wheels and tires (245's all around). Okay, now the most important necessity...redesigning and rebodying the entire car..ok I do like the front air dam and grille. However, eveything else needs to go. That might eat up the entire "budget"...but maybe there is a few grand left over for a supercharger. Another route is send the car to Fisker and see if can do something with it...although could be costly... :p
Tom
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From: Orlando, FL
g
Originally Posted by MBE55AMG
Haha, that is ballin' to the extreme, my man. Very nice!
PS: If your ever in Orlando; drop me a PM and we could get a bite or something
And we really need to put together a CF/SF meet sometime 
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1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Originally Posted by CE750
It's more than just speed.. I mean I was at the track the other day and there was a Dodge Neon that ran in the 11's, and a Toyota Supra with 1300 hp that ran in the 9's.. Both ugly as heck, and build like crap from a luxury standpoint.. Anyone can make a car fast.. and for the most part, most cars today are FAST ENOUGH.
But the SINGLE biggest problem with American cars is their workmanship/fit and finish, an materials used.... they are one step better than the former Soviet Union cars of that by gone era.
I went thru my friends $74,000 Cadillac Escalade with the following observations in just a matter of 5 minutes:
-Plastic wood, very, very cheap
-carpeting doesn't feel nice, fit around the entire car is poor at best
-leather seats stitching looks like it's about to come apart at various "unseen" corners of the seats.
-dashboard / interior plastics are comparable to the plastic I see on my son's $10 toys from Target
-electronic displays are using 1980's technology LED type displays, not color LCD.
-Door slam sound is filled with rattles.
-Wheel wells are made of cheap plastics, especially for a heavy duty vehicle
That is what's wrong with American cars.. along with the crappy styling that goes over the top more often than not.
But the SINGLE biggest problem with American cars is their workmanship/fit and finish, an materials used.... they are one step better than the former Soviet Union cars of that by gone era.
I went thru my friends $74,000 Cadillac Escalade with the following observations in just a matter of 5 minutes:
-Plastic wood, very, very cheap
-carpeting doesn't feel nice, fit around the entire car is poor at best
-leather seats stitching looks like it's about to come apart at various "unseen" corners of the seats.
-dashboard / interior plastics are comparable to the plastic I see on my son's $10 toys from Target
-electronic displays are using 1980's technology LED type displays, not color LCD.
-Door slam sound is filled with rattles.
-Wheel wells are made of cheap plastics, especially for a heavy duty vehicle
That is what's wrong with American cars.. along with the crappy styling that goes over the top more often than not.
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From: Collegeville, PA
05 E55, 03 Z4 3.0
Originally Posted by 96STSGUY
If you objectively watch the video, you will see the CTS-V clearly outperfoms the Audi, especially in the corners...hence the Audi sliding in the dirt. Additionally, the reviewer say he can't put his finger on it, but the car feels cheap? Cmon, if that isn't bias, i don't know what is. Another complaint is the chiming. Seems that they couldn't really fault anything in the car. As far as fit/finish, Americans definitely have different taste, i've seen audi/MB interiors (Brothers is MB owner) and I can honestly say it was as nice as any other modern car/ American or European. Americans like to be brash/make a statement. The Z06/V series Cadillac have proved that the Euro-files are snooty old fogies who time is past and i know many MB owners feel the same way. Ban me, for what speaking the truth. As far as my car (96STS) the Northstar is a great performer for a big Cadillac and it suits my purposes. Having fun at the 1/4 mile track and a daily driver with a nice V-8 rumble. Sorry your roads in Europe suck so bad, my point is that if you take the entire Top gear review, you can spot the obvious bias. What's next a Top Gear review of the Z06 saying it too American, too fast, handles too well and let me see, there's something about the Z06 I don't like, can't put my hands on it, it just feels cheap. Bollicks as you say in Europe.
While I would love to debate your posts, I fear that it would be like trying to reason with a drunk.
Enjoy your caddy.
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From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
I'm not surprised at the partial opinions of this board on American cars. It's a Benz forum after all, and most of us have more than enough pocket change to buy something that possesses quality, but come on, being a fan of American sports/pony/muscle cars, stop the bashing.
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From: Collegeville, PA
05 E55, 03 Z4 3.0
Originally Posted by 96STSGUY
Did anyone see the review of the CTS-V on Top Gear. The car completely smoked the V-8 RS4 Audi Quattro (especially funny is when the Audi went off the track around the twisties). The European bias to this car is because the car is so good, especially around the twists/turms and the 1/4 mile numbers are equally impressive. Why are the Euro-files so nervous? This brash American car gets around the ring quicker than the M3 and the E55. I think it's time to start taking notice of American engineering, especially with the V series Caddy's and the new Z06 that flat out kicks Porche/Audi/MB in the *****.
Gus
cruzajc1@yahoo.com
Gus
cruzajc1@yahoo.com
here is a caddy site comparing the C55 and a S4
http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answe...ews/candd-nov/
BTW the E55 beats it around the ring. what's funny is the C55 beats it to 100 and then the CTS-V sloooooooowly walks away.
Here is a link to the top gear track times, notice that the CTS-V caomes in behind the M3, S4 and the SL55 (and the E should be better but not listed)
http://www.topgear.com/content/tgonb...times/thestig/
it did beat the civic type r though.
for 53K I'd get the new 400+ hp M3 due out in a year.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 419
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From: Sunny Naples, FL
2018 GLS63 AMG
Originally Posted by StapleGun
I think you nailed most of it...summary Cadillac=crapillac
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Mercedes Benz
Originally Posted by MBE55AMG
E55 > All Caddies
Sorry.
It's a no-brainer.
Thanks.
You have been pwn3d.
Sorry.
It's a no-brainer.
Thanks.
You have been pwn3d.
its like being back in pre-k all over again. its not a forum its a freaking sand box.
Posts about being owned are useless and retarded. The CTS-V is a better sports sedan than the E55 any day of the week. In my eyes its pathetic how slow the E55 is around the ring given all that power. A cady beats it... go AMG POWER
But hey our car looks good right? Maybe im odd... but I drive my car not stand and look at it.
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Originally Posted by CynCarvin32
I love this place
its like being back in pre-k all over again. its not a forum its a freaking sand box.
Posts about being owned are useless and retarded. The CTS-V is a better sports sedan than the E55 any day of the week. In my eyes its pathetic how slow the E55 is around the ring given all that power. A cady beats it... go AMG POWER
But hey our car looks good right? Maybe im odd... but I drive my car not stand and look at it.
its like being back in pre-k all over again. its not a forum its a freaking sand box.
Posts about being owned are useless and retarded. The CTS-V is a better sports sedan than the E55 any day of the week. In my eyes its pathetic how slow the E55 is around the ring given all that power. A cady beats it... go AMG POWER
But hey our car looks good right? Maybe im odd... but I drive my car not stand and look at it.
It's really hard to argue with teens still wiping snot from their noses.
Thread Starter
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Time To Get Along Now
Ok, as the starter of this post I will say that GM/Cadillac has a great product in the V-series car. I especially like that it is a euro-beater in many respects, but I just get pissed of when the euro-files bash a great American Luxury car and don't justify their reasoning (Top Gear..."I can't put my finger on it, it just feels cheap). That's a badge of honor to us when the Brits (who don't even make cars any longer) and Germans start trashing a car that perfoms better than their cars. I will say however that GM is starting to do what is right in vehicles with the new Z06 and the V series Caddy's. Give credit where credit is due. I will not pay an extra 20K for a badge. Personally, I think US cars are getting better in quality/performance and Europe is going the other way. Just my humble opinion. Don't mean to be a pest, but I am keeping my money in the USA.
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The Cadillac CTS-V may win the Audi S4 on the Track. But when comes to the reality in UK, the Audi takes the prize.
Who is going to be insane to buy a LHD car when you live in a country where they drive on the left? The Cadillac CTS-V may be great in America, but it's a loser in UK.
BTW: Why don't GM turn Saab into a true Luxury global brand isntead of Cadillac? Saab has a lot more potential to compete against the other Europeans, than Cadillac does.
Who is going to be insane to buy a LHD car when you live in a country where they drive on the left? The Cadillac CTS-V may be great in America, but it's a loser in UK.
BTW: Why don't GM turn Saab into a true Luxury global brand isntead of Cadillac? Saab has a lot more potential to compete against the other Europeans, than Cadillac does.
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Originally Posted by Andaluz
Hi everyone.
Another newbie has arrived.
Don't worry folks, I like Mercedes.
OK...so let's see what STS96GUY is on about...
1- It was an Audi S4 4.2 V8 340 Bhp. Not the RS4. The RS4 outputs 415 Bhp. And the RS4 differs from the S4, because it has 80% of the power driven through the rear wheels, while the S4 has 50/50 of the power both transfered to the rear and the front.
The Audi S4 Saloon costs £37.000 which is £8.000 less than the Cadillac CTS-V: £45.000 and you don't even get the steering on the right side of the car...tsk, tsk, tsk...how lame is that.
The Audi also offers an Estate version: The S4 Avant which costs £42.000.
Not to mention, the Audi looks better, it's better finished and it's got RHD. So, the Cadillac may be the winner on the Top Gear test-track, but in real life, I'm afraid to say the Audi S4 is the better (correct) choice.
2- We don't have any bias against your cars. I wonder, why every time an European publication slates an American car, you guys come with that "Media Bias" thing? Is not our fault, if you manufacturers are way too worried with unions and make cars during launch breaks...make a REALLY GOOD Product and you get good press, make a lame product and it'll get bad press.
There is no sort of conspiration against American products, generally GM products; But then that's what happen when you an Old fart running the company and the CEO got D ("D" from D!ckhead) in geography and doesn't know, that in UK we drive on the left!
3- Again, it's not our fault if "GM's global thinking" is TOTALLY FLAWED! Everywhere outside Detroit, the Cadillac name means less than DIDDLY SQUAT! Jesus...with GM half the time the attitude is "LALALALALA It's fine for me (where I live) it's fine for everyone else..." WTF is this about?!
If you want to launch your brand as a serious competitor in a premium segment, you need to at least GIVE THE IMPRESSION of caring about your market. Like having a dealership network for instance. And importing the car with the steering wheel on the correct BLOODY side of the car.
Like doing some research into what people expect and want, and trying to deliver it. People don't like to be treated like they will buy "any old cr*p we sell" for £40k because of a name. And right now, US names are worth next to nothing in the UK.
4- The Cadillac CTS-V may be faster than the BMW M3 and as Top Gear proved: It can outperform an Audi S4 V8 Quattro. Thing is though: While the CTS-V may work well in NA, it's totally Useless in Britain, chiefly because Cadillac doesn't sell the V-Series in UK and partly because the CTS-V is not imported officially through the 4 Cadillac dealers in UK and to make matters worse: They're only Left-Hand-Drive.
Like I said: Cadillac is not even established in Europe - it has been dropped here like a fish on a dry beach. Furthermore, the cars they sell are straight ports of what is sold in the USA, which were designed without any thought or insight into the European market.
Let's not forget that European taste differs a lot from American taste. GM announced the BLS - The exclusive Cadillac for the Euro market - which is nothing more than a Saab under an Ugly body, that looks like a Cadillac CTS squished together with a Toyota Avensis.
They don't have Diesel engines - look how Lexus floundered in Europe for years without Diesel engines. Finally they announced the next gen Lexus IS will have Diesel engine option.
5- Last time Cadillac sold cars in Europe, actually they only sold one model: The Seville STS - they FAILED MISERABLY. The Seville STS was a commercial flop and having driven a 2000 Seville STS (the one with the Northstar 4.6 32 Valve V8 and 300 Bhp) I could see why the car flopped: Because, it's RUBBISH! Yes, your precious car is nothing more than a hateful dinosaur which just doesn't make sense outside the US.
Chassis so hopeless that you can't use the only decent bit of the car. I've never driven a car that rolls this much through the corners, and who allowed the combination of 300 bhp and front drive?! Totally Ridiculous!
In the US with smooth, straight roads, the STS is probably a fine car. Come to the UK and things are different. Uneven surfaces, lots of tight corners, variable surfaces, odd cambers etc etc. Every time you open her up, the traction control goes nuts. What is the point? Not to mention the horrifc Torque Steer from those 300 rampaging horses going through the front wheels.
I driven a BMW M3 (E46) and the Bimmer was a lot more usable and it handled much better. Off course: 96STSGUY will claim "It's not Fair to compare a Luxury Sedan with a Sporty Coupe". I'm sorry: But didn't Cadillac say the Seville STS was the "American Sport Sedan" ? Yeah right...pathetic losers...The STS is only what it is named for-Super Touring Sedan.
6- No dissing American cars intended. I'm just pissed off, at this Bloke who comes to this great forum, and then start to insult European car owners and offend the British people. Please: Can anyone ban this guy?
Another newbie has arrived.
Don't worry folks, I like Mercedes.
OK...so let's see what STS96GUY is on about...
1- It was an Audi S4 4.2 V8 340 Bhp. Not the RS4. The RS4 outputs 415 Bhp. And the RS4 differs from the S4, because it has 80% of the power driven through the rear wheels, while the S4 has 50/50 of the power both transfered to the rear and the front.
The Audi S4 Saloon costs £37.000 which is £8.000 less than the Cadillac CTS-V: £45.000 and you don't even get the steering on the right side of the car...tsk, tsk, tsk...how lame is that.
The Audi also offers an Estate version: The S4 Avant which costs £42.000.
Not to mention, the Audi looks better, it's better finished and it's got RHD. So, the Cadillac may be the winner on the Top Gear test-track, but in real life, I'm afraid to say the Audi S4 is the better (correct) choice.
2- We don't have any bias against your cars. I wonder, why every time an European publication slates an American car, you guys come with that "Media Bias" thing? Is not our fault, if you manufacturers are way too worried with unions and make cars during launch breaks...make a REALLY GOOD Product and you get good press, make a lame product and it'll get bad press.
There is no sort of conspiration against American products, generally GM products; But then that's what happen when you an Old fart running the company and the CEO got D ("D" from D!ckhead) in geography and doesn't know, that in UK we drive on the left!
3- Again, it's not our fault if "GM's global thinking" is TOTALLY FLAWED! Everywhere outside Detroit, the Cadillac name means less than DIDDLY SQUAT! Jesus...with GM half the time the attitude is "LALALALALA It's fine for me (where I live) it's fine for everyone else..." WTF is this about?!
If you want to launch your brand as a serious competitor in a premium segment, you need to at least GIVE THE IMPRESSION of caring about your market. Like having a dealership network for instance. And importing the car with the steering wheel on the correct BLOODY side of the car.
Like doing some research into what people expect and want, and trying to deliver it. People don't like to be treated like they will buy "any old cr*p we sell" for £40k because of a name. And right now, US names are worth next to nothing in the UK.
4- The Cadillac CTS-V may be faster than the BMW M3 and as Top Gear proved: It can outperform an Audi S4 V8 Quattro. Thing is though: While the CTS-V may work well in NA, it's totally Useless in Britain, chiefly because Cadillac doesn't sell the V-Series in UK and partly because the CTS-V is not imported officially through the 4 Cadillac dealers in UK and to make matters worse: They're only Left-Hand-Drive.
Like I said: Cadillac is not even established in Europe - it has been dropped here like a fish on a dry beach. Furthermore, the cars they sell are straight ports of what is sold in the USA, which were designed without any thought or insight into the European market.
Let's not forget that European taste differs a lot from American taste. GM announced the BLS - The exclusive Cadillac for the Euro market - which is nothing more than a Saab under an Ugly body, that looks like a Cadillac CTS squished together with a Toyota Avensis.
They don't have Diesel engines - look how Lexus floundered in Europe for years without Diesel engines. Finally they announced the next gen Lexus IS will have Diesel engine option.
5- Last time Cadillac sold cars in Europe, actually they only sold one model: The Seville STS - they FAILED MISERABLY. The Seville STS was a commercial flop and having driven a 2000 Seville STS (the one with the Northstar 4.6 32 Valve V8 and 300 Bhp) I could see why the car flopped: Because, it's RUBBISH! Yes, your precious car is nothing more than a hateful dinosaur which just doesn't make sense outside the US.
Chassis so hopeless that you can't use the only decent bit of the car. I've never driven a car that rolls this much through the corners, and who allowed the combination of 300 bhp and front drive?! Totally Ridiculous!
In the US with smooth, straight roads, the STS is probably a fine car. Come to the UK and things are different. Uneven surfaces, lots of tight corners, variable surfaces, odd cambers etc etc. Every time you open her up, the traction control goes nuts. What is the point? Not to mention the horrifc Torque Steer from those 300 rampaging horses going through the front wheels.
I driven a BMW M3 (E46) and the Bimmer was a lot more usable and it handled much better. Off course: 96STSGUY will claim "It's not Fair to compare a Luxury Sedan with a Sporty Coupe". I'm sorry: But didn't Cadillac say the Seville STS was the "American Sport Sedan" ? Yeah right...pathetic losers...The STS is only what it is named for-Super Touring Sedan.
6- No dissing American cars intended. I'm just pissed off, at this Bloke who comes to this great forum, and then start to insult European car owners and offend the British people. Please: Can anyone ban this guy?
2 - No media bias against American products? Get real!
3 - The is a vast dealer network in Europe and once again, the steering wheel is on the correct side of the car. My local dealer sells Cadillacs and yes, I have seen STS's, CTS's, SRX's, and a XLR on the road. If people did not want these cars then why did they buy them?
What's the warranty on a Cadillac in Europe and what is the warranty on a BMW or MB?
4 - You mention the steering wheel being on the wrong side of the car again. Do you not realize that the EU drives on the correct side of the road?
European sales are from the docks in the states? I guess the local dealer's inventory is a fluke
Not established in Europe? So what country do they not have dealerships?
5 - The last time they sold cars in Europe? When did they stop selling cars in Europe? If you want to know why they don't sell a lot, look at the import taxes!
Yes, your precious car is nothing more than a hateful dinosaur which just doesn't make sense outside the US.
But then again, what do I know? I just live here?
Just a foot note...... since I can get any BMW or AMG at 10% off U.S. MSRP and free shipping to the U.S., I just might have to pick up something in the future even though the 1 year warranty is pathetic.
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Originally Posted by Loadtoad
1 - Yes, the V is 45k pounds but that is due to the UK's protectionist import taxes. The steering wheel is on the CORRECT side of the car, it's just too bad the Brits drive on the wrong side of the road.
2 - No media bias against American products? Get real!
3 - The is a vast dealer network in Europe and once again, the steering wheel is on the correct side of the car. My local dealer sells Cadillacs and yes, I have seen STS's, CTS's, SRX's, and a XLR on the road. If people did not want these cars then why did they buy them?
What's the warranty on a Cadillac in Europe and what is the warranty on a BMW or MB?
4 - You mention the steering wheel being on the wrong side of the car again. Do you not realize that the EU drives on the correct side of the road?
European sales are from the docks in the states? I guess the local dealer's inventory is a fluke
Not established in Europe? So what country do they not have dealerships?
5 - The last time they sold cars in Europe? When did they stop selling cars in Europe? If you want to know why they don't sell a lot, look at the import taxes!
Now this was funny! I have not gone a day without recieving a compliment on my car. I get tons of waves and thumbs up while driving the Autostrada. When I park the car at a store, I usually find people gawking at the car. They want to talk about it, sit in it, look under the hood and I have yet to recieve a negative comment. Met several M, AMG, Porsche, Ferarri, & Lambo owners praise it. Could it be that it is 1 car out of maybe 10 that are on the continent and it's the first one they have seen in person or might these auto enthusiasts actually appreciate a performance machine? Whatever the reason, EUROPEANS LIKE THE CAR!
But then again, what do I know? I just live here?
2 - No media bias against American products? Get real!
3 - The is a vast dealer network in Europe and once again, the steering wheel is on the correct side of the car. My local dealer sells Cadillacs and yes, I have seen STS's, CTS's, SRX's, and a XLR on the road. If people did not want these cars then why did they buy them?
What's the warranty on a Cadillac in Europe and what is the warranty on a BMW or MB?
4 - You mention the steering wheel being on the wrong side of the car again. Do you not realize that the EU drives on the correct side of the road?
European sales are from the docks in the states? I guess the local dealer's inventory is a fluke
Not established in Europe? So what country do they not have dealerships?
5 - The last time they sold cars in Europe? When did they stop selling cars in Europe? If you want to know why they don't sell a lot, look at the import taxes!
Now this was funny! I have not gone a day without recieving a compliment on my car. I get tons of waves and thumbs up while driving the Autostrada. When I park the car at a store, I usually find people gawking at the car. They want to talk about it, sit in it, look under the hood and I have yet to recieve a negative comment. Met several M, AMG, Porsche, Ferarri, & Lambo owners praise it. Could it be that it is 1 car out of maybe 10 that are on the continent and it's the first one they have seen in person or might these auto enthusiasts actually appreciate a performance machine? Whatever the reason, EUROPEANS LIKE THE CAR!
But then again, what do I know? I just live here?
