ccap41

Top of the page bump..

I'm not sure what the Escalade has to do with the 7-Series or CT6's CAFE scores.What I DO know is that GM was producing half-ton pickups that were producing 25mpg highway with port-injected smallblocks and (if memory serves) four-speed automatics. And that was two truck generations ago. They have the tech in hand, it's just that the customers at the time didn't demand it. Overall corporate CAFE score. The Escalade sells really well and that is actually hurting their score. Not like it is going anywhere but they just need to make the big girl drink a little less. Or, make it bigger! No way was GM making a v8 half ton TWO generations ago that was getting 25mpg. With the bragging rights that they would tout in their commercials there is no way they wouldn't utilize it. When gas was $4/gallon down here(US) the consumer didn't want a truck that got 25mpg???? The Avalanche could do 21 - 22 on the highway back with a 6-speed, so I imagine a fairly basic Silverado 1500 V8 could do at least that and probably better. I probably should have clarified that the Silverado/Sierra in question was a hybrid. And it was the second-generation of GM's hybrid tech (they actually kicked things off with a mild hybrid version of the truck previous to that one). Point being: making a 5500-pound Escalade meet CAFE standards is going to be difficult, but quite doable. Ohhhhhh that does make more sense.. Didn't they have hybrid Tahoes also? I assume people just werent buying them because it seems like a great way to be able to keep massive vehicles around when the regulations get really strict. Supposedly Ford is working on a hybrid powertrain for their F150..

http://youtu.be/8O7ix9x_PKg http://youtu.be/FkZQ9eeq5Iw How do you imbed a video..?

I'm not sure what the Escalade has to do with the 7-Series or CT6's CAFE scores.What I DO know is that GM was producing half-ton pickups that were producing 25mpg highway with port-injected smallblocks and (if memory serves) four-speed automatics. And that was two truck generations ago. They have the tech in hand, it's just that the customers at the time didn't demand it. Overall corporate CAFE score. The Escalade sells really well and that is actually hurting their score. Not like it is going anywhere but they just need to make the big girl drink a little less. Or, make it bigger! No way was GM making a v8 half ton TWO generations ago that was getting 25mpg. With the bragging rights that they would tout in their commercials there is no way they wouldn't utilize it. When gas was $4/gallon down here(US) the consumer didn't want a truck that got 25mpg???? The Avalanche could do 21 - 22 on the highway back with a 6-speed, so I imagine a fairly basic Silverado 1500 V8 could do at least that and probably better. So you're saying they just went away from fuel economy because people didn't want it when gas was(and still is) $3-$4/a gallon? I know some don't care about gas prices but to think they would have went away from it starting 2 generations ago.. is extremely tough to believe. Also 21-22mpg with a 6 spd isn't quite the same as a 4 spd. Those older 4spds, which were so common for such a long time before 6 was the next 'norm', were all torque converter slip and lot a lot of power through them. And having only 4 forward gears.. no way were those churning out 25mpg at anything above 55mph(not sure when it gots to 4th gear but most seem to be around this point).

It depends on the quality and type of film but most films have an upper end life of 5 years. The only other con I can think of is that they are more easily damaged than paint (but only if you don't use PPF on it). Plus you can simply replace a "piece" right? like if I got chips on the hood or front bumper.. just replace them..?

Oh definitely. I've never driven a hybrid for any real amount of time but I can't imagine they drive as well as a straight gasoline engine. Hopefully all of these new hybrids at leas drive like real cars. If Caddy can get it into their lower models to get a jump on the competition that'd be great. The big MB already have hybrids, S Class and E Class, I don't know about BMW or Audi but none of them have hybrid C/3/4 right? I know it's easier said than done but if Cadillac could squeeze a hybrid powertrain into the ATS they'd be the only one in the class with one. Okay, I lied.. BMW has an "ActiveHybrid" 3 Series.. Theirs is more of a performance form though.

I love the idea of a wrap but with it very close in cost to a paint job.. I'd still wrap it and save the little difference. I like the idea that it protects the factory paint as well. so to go back to factory is possible whereas with paint..no. How long do the wraps last before there is peeling or fading or anything that's negative?

A buddy of mine got his a few years back but didn't stick it out. If you go that route it will be some time before you make money, but there is definitely money to be made. Just don't get impatient and give up on it if you do. My friend did it for 8 months I believe and basically just stopped.. Lucky dick. A guy I work with just got married..to a pharmacist!

I haven't been watcing any practice or qualifying sessions. I don't think they are even televised here.. I'd love to watch but I don't even think I can here. What channel are they on?

Pshhh who cares about making it into a sedan. Look at that thing! Leave it as it.. Give the ole S Class Coupe some competition. Make sure there is a big V8 under the hood.. Okay I guess with the talk of CAFE I could deal with a smaller twin turbo V8 or even a silky smooth twin turbo V6(but still gobs of power).

I'm not sure what the Escalade has to do with the 7-Series or CT6's CAFE scores.What I DO know is that GM was producing half-ton pickups that were producing 25mpg highway with port-injected smallblocks and (if memory serves) four-speed automatics. And that was two truck generations ago. They have the tech in hand, it's just that the customers at the time didn't demand it. Overall corporate CAFE score. The Escalade sells really well and that is actually hurting their score. Not like it is going anywhere but they just need to make the big girl drink a little less. Or, make it bigger! No way was GM making a v8 half ton TWO generations ago that was getting 25mpg. With the bragging rights that they would tout in their commercials there is no way they wouldn't utilize it. When gas was $4/gallon down here(US) the consumer didn't want a truck that got 25mpg????

This is a gorgeous car. And other than the mirrors I don't see what is unrealistic about it either. Maybe no bumper..? but there aren't really bumpers on cars at all anymore are there?

I think the only people who care about that aspect are Cadillac fans.. because whoever buys a 7 Series wants the car for what it is.. not for how much it weighs. Actually, the people who care are about this are enthusiasts. The people who will be wowed by the difference in weight of a 3600 lb 204 inch luxo barge are the actual people that Cadillac is able to give drives in their CT6 vs the 7series. As always I love how U assume that U kno the minds of luxury buyers without being a luxury buyer. That being said... the engine line up is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 445 hp and 480 lb-ft for the 750i xDrive, while the 740i uses a 320-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged I6. The CT6 will employ a 400 hp (most likely more by time of production) 400 lb-ft for the Platinum and a 335HP 3.6L NA V6 for the base model. Considering the minimum 4100-4900lbs the 7series will now lug around I think if physics and truth gave anything to do with it the Cadillac will be on top. The luxury of it is where the proof will be with either. I've driven and ridden in the current 7series always feeling like they were nice, but easily conquered. The look of the car is bland.. still.. and while the CT6 looks like a beefed up version of the CTS.. which IMO is gorgeous.. this new 7series looks like a beefed up version of a car further down the ladder. Not the 5 series.. but the 3. Interior??? That remains to be seen. We got a look at a pre-production interior for the CT6.. I was impressed. Enthusiasts aren't commuting around in a 7 Series.. They would gladly buy something smaller that is built around the "Enthusiast". And anybody can be a luxury buyer so to exclude somebody without knowing anything isn't very accurate. it's like assuming an enthusiast will be buying and driving a CT6 or 7 Series or S Class daily because they are "driver's cars". If they are buying these cars it isn't because of how sporty and athletic they drive(because none of them are at 204in wheelbase). It's for how luxurious and tech packed they are and can get after it if they want to. I have nothing against the CT6, btw. I think it looks great even if it looks similar to the CTS. I just don't care about how little it weighs nor will its customers. But like Drew said it helps them squeeze extra range out of the hybrids and gas models, the power goes further, suspension tuning can be done supporting less weight. But the buyer will literally just want it to drive fantastic. And, to me, all of the cars in this class probably drive superbly. I doubt any of them actually drive like an "averave car". I mean how many years as the S Class pushed 5000lbs and nobody gives a crap..? The S-Class pushing 5000 lbs is irrelevant in years prior. CAFE is coming.. and weight needs to go down for the years coming. Fuel efficiency will become a luxury feature in and of itself. People in this income bracket do care about fuel efficiency if for no other reason than they don't want to have to constantly get out of the car to fill it up. Foregone conclusion is that they don't, but that is silly.. as being wealthy demands that U stay wealthy. Watching money being pumped into your tank is depressing when not recreational. A daily commute that costs U $60 every 3 days is not attractive to anyone. Anyway.. One feature I do think is novel, but cool as hell is the 7Series ability to remotely park itself. Props for that $h!.. and every maker should be looking to do the same. Its just cool. I also like the Gesture UI. As long as it works it will be a very cool feature indeed. These are the only two real things I see as beating the CT6 in tech.. It will depend how available it is tho.. as if this is a feature (the two of them) that is only available in a extremely upper package.. then its pie in the sky. For instance if its a part of a $9995 package then I could see some completely leaving it off the menu car when they buy I completely agree that the manufacturers care about weight for the same reason you said, CAFE. And I said it in another thread that I still don't think the buyer of these cars will care about 1mpg. 3, 4, 5 mpg? Absolutely. For the exact reason you said. Wealthy for a reason and no need to waste money on fuel, of all things.

Congrats on the new truck! Now let's see some pics of her!

A lot of cars are duds next to that Buick! But, as it sits, it is only a concept so I can only take it with a grain of salt.

I think the only people who care about that aspect are Cadillac fans.. because whoever buys a 7 Series wants the car for what it is.. not for how much it weighs. Actually, the people who care are about this are enthusiasts. The people who will be wowed by the difference in weight of a 3600 lb 204 inch luxo barge are the actual people that Cadillac is able to give drives in their CT6 vs the 7series. As always I love how U assume that U kno the minds of luxury buyers without being a luxury buyer. That being said... the engine line up is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 445 hp and 480 lb-ft for the 750i xDrive, while the 740i uses a 320-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged I6. The CT6 will employ a 400 hp (most likely more by time of production) 400 lb-ft for the Platinum and a 335HP 3.6L NA V6 for the base model. Considering the minimum 4100-4900lbs the 7series will now lug around I think if physics and truth gave anything to do with it the Cadillac will be on top. The luxury of it is where the proof will be with either. I've driven and ridden in the current 7series always feeling like they were nice, but easily conquered. The look of the car is bland.. still.. and while the CT6 looks like a beefed up version of the CTS.. which IMO is gorgeous.. this new 7series looks like a beefed up version of a car further down the ladder. Not the 5 series.. but the 3. Interior??? That remains to be seen. We got a look at a pre-production interior for the CT6.. I was impressed. Enthusiasts aren't commuting around in a 7 Series.. They would gladly buy something smaller that is built around the "Enthusiast". And anybody can be a luxury buyer so to exclude somebody without knowing anything isn't very accurate. it's like assuming an enthusiast will be buying and driving a CT6 or 7 Series or S Class daily because they are "driver's cars". If they are buying these cars it isn't because of how sporty and athletic they drive(because none of them are at 204in wheelbase). It's for how luxurious and tech packed they are and can get after it if they want to. I have nothing against the CT6, btw. I think it looks great even if it looks similar to the CTS. I just don't care about how little it weighs nor will its customers. But like Drew said it helps them squeeze extra range out of the hybrids and gas models, the power goes further, suspension tuning can be done supporting less weight. But the buyer will literally just want it to drive fantastic. And, to me, all of the cars in this class probably drive superbly. I doubt any of them actually drive like an "averave car". I mean how many years as the S Class pushed 5000lbs and nobody gives a crap..?

I think the only people who care about that aspect are Cadillac fans.. because whoever buys a 7 Series wants the car for what it is.. not for how much it weighs. What it weighs has a direct effect on how it performs. The CT6 has a 600+ lb advantage over the 740i. That means all of the various engines Cadillac will be putting in the CT6 will have that much less work to perform to move the car. That means better cornering and handling. While you are correct. I think I said it in a different thread it all comes down to how well they tune the suspension. It could weigh 2000lbs and still drive like crap, it would weigh 6000lbs and drive like crap. And that is why I don't think weight matters much "In this class" of cars. They are large cars.. the vast majority will not be taking them to their nearest road course or canon but they will want a superb ride for sure. No argument whatsoever on the acceleration advantages, and with that comes mpg as well. I completely understand that part for the manufacturer..again most people buying a 70k car aren't the most concerned over 1mpg. But they will want it to accelerate hard when they demand it.

I think the only people who care about that aspect are Cadillac fans.. because whoever buys a 7 Series wants the car for what it is.. not for how much it weighs.

Yeah. That's what I'm wondering here... I get what you guys mean as Maserati has the luxury level that if they build a competent SUV they should compete with Land Rover, but Jeep could bring the off road toughness to a competitor of Land Rover that Maserati could not bring. So many around here say Land Rover are the worlds best off road luxury SUV's, I believe Jeep could beat them at that game. Having Jeep do the vehicle also adds thousands of dealers to sell out of..compared to Maserati.. Even if they are as unreliable as a Rover, at least they could be taken almost anywhere.

Good info, thank you I thought they were the same wheelbase originally, less roomy from the low slung roof. I think the original CLS was one of the sexiest cars ever.. Now the A7 has taken its place.. The new 7 Series..looks like another 7 Series.. That's about all i have for it. It isn't bad, it isn't good, it's somewhere in the middle.

If it isn't obvious that their target clientel isn't the enthusiast by now..then I don't know what to tell you. Making an enthusiast vehicle vs making a luxury vehicle are completely different. Are you going to hound Buick for making only FWD vehicles when you consider them more lux than Lincoln? There is no need to hound Buick. Buick knows its role-comfortable THAT'S WHAT WE'RE GETTING AT! If the rest of the vehicle is well done then the powered wheels means absolutely jack to the people buying these cars. They aren't performance oriented driver's cars. They are meant to be luxurious. Although, I personally do not find Buick to be luxurious, that is the general target they seem to be going after. Just plain quiet luxury. And with 400hp on tap for all four wheels I don't see how it will be a slouch either.

If it isn't obvious that their target clientel isn't the enthusiast by now..then I don't know what to tell you. Making an enthusiast vehicle vs making a luxury vehicle are completely different. Are you going to hound Buick for making only FWD vehicles when you consider them more lux than Lincoln?

In the luxury department going RWD is the norm, it wouldn't differentiate it at all, like Cadillac. Standard AWD, that is a little diferent.

Okay, I thought they were almost identical to their "platform mates"(?). They are platform mates right? CLS-E and A7-A6? I guess I thought they were identical wheelbase-wise.

I've never friggin understood why people tailgate when there is PLENTY of room to make a pass! It can be so frustrating. All it does it piss off both parties. I want to drive a car with active cruise so bad! I'm just so curious how it actually feels when behind the wheel. I'm an avid cruise control user so the whole active cruise intrigues me. It just.. .workes. It makes driving in heavy volume at any speed much more relaxing. Nice...Nice... What kind of vehicle were you in that had it recently?