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A legitimate S-Class competitor is nearly impossible to perfect...Mercedes, BMW, and the like have been perfecting this class of car for decades. If Cadillac produces anything in that price range, it's got to be its own beast, not a competitor. It must carve out its own niche, its own little market, as the blueblood rich will unlikely plunk down for an unproven candidate. It must excel in the normal categories, but do things very differently. This direction is very generalized, but hopefully that is the mindset that GM planners have at this point. And I'm against any Cien-like production sports car. I don't believe that a sports car is proper in positioning a rising luxury brand. Additionally, sports cars have a very short "appeal" life, especially in today's high-design marketplace. The next model year, some new, low-volume sports car will come out and last year's previous poster-seller will soon be forgotten. A true luxury 4-door is where it's at.

Wow, took them long enough to wake up. As previously stated, the lead time for this new process implentation is nearly a full product cycle. And likely, interior quality will be raised in phases, similar to GM, and we might not see a competitive Chrysler interior until the middle of the next decade. Ouch!

I'm paying $3/gallon again. A downside of living on the west coast. Through a historical measurement of oil prices, there is absolutely no reason - on the relative scale of things - for gas prices to be this high. 10 years ago, gas prices would not be as greatly affected by supposed fears of Iran or something mentioned overseas by a retired & senile Fed official. Back then, such "fears" would result in a rise of 10 cents, from 1.20 to 1.30...and yes, we'd still be complaining. However, oil companies are making record-setting profits and not investing anything into new refineries...on the guise that future demand will not suffice such an expansion. Government is increasingly tied to such companies...where's their incentive? An extremely paranoid view would point out the lowering of oil prices 3 months before the election...and there subsequent rise thereafter...but I can't back this up. Either way, something needs to be done with the high cost of oil - since there is no real reason to justify it.

Quite disappointing considering some previous Opel concepts. A derivative shape & style with clutter-inducing intakes abound to show some "risk-taking." Can't hide the fact that this concept evokes current Infiniti G35 & brings nothing new to the table. Stance isn't that great - and this is a concept! Interior is very production ready...promising.

Try out: The Smiths "How Soon is Now"

Great article! I like the fact that there is an initiative to be a leader in interior quality - now let's see some more follow-through! However, I'm not a big fan of key fobs, and wish they'd integrate the key & buttons into one unit - similar to VW, Audi, et al. Less stuff on the keychain you know what I mean? And they talk about fobs as an advertising piece - look at what VW's innovative key has done. Try something like that... Ambient lighting is a fairly new automotive feature that is still a bit on the gimmicky side. Designers have still got to work on placement/color/intensity. Recently drove the new MDX (which is absolutely amazing to drive BTW) which had small, blue lighting in the footwells. Footwells? Doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Lighting the stalks, door handles, and other controls does, as well as lighting certain jewelry pieces or points of design interest. Again, great article and very promising of GM interiors of the future.

Very unfortunate...cause of death will likely be combination of painkillers (an obvious addiction) and other prescription drugs. Or possibly heart failure from years of abuse...or her recent Paris Hilton Diet of Cocaine and Toothbrushes, sponsored by Trimspa.

Very questionable review courtesy Paul Eisenstein. Had to doublecheck the author to be sure...seemed to be written by a PR journalist.

Really glad they brought this over the pond with its beauty intact. The coupe is one of the best looking compacts in the world right now. I'm glad they didn't integrate the GMNA radio/hvac...would have looked out of place. The European controls look alot nicer, IMO, and blend in with the interior design much better. It appears they downsized the view screen, though. That screen looks awfully small, I hope visibility and legibility will not be a problem. Powertrain lineup is adequate, but competent. Considering the fact they brought this baby over here is good enough for me. After reliability has been proven, I'd seriously consider plunking down for the 3-door as a fun commuter car...and not have an ounce of shame for driving a Saturn (no offense to those who do). Now how bout that VXR or the giant windshield option?

Like some have said, it looks like a previous gen 3er. Which I liked. But the problem is, that was 1999. This is 2007.

Having lived in Europe for a short period of time, it seems like Cadillac's European strategy is not even close to half-baked. It just doesn't make sense. The Escalade & SRX have no reason for being sold in the European market right now. To get started in a new market, especially one with hyper-critical tastes, you've got to bring your best - and it's got to be tailored for that market. Keep in mind that gas is more than 3x more expensive out there, and Euros demand much more features and quality than the current Escalade and SRX offer. The BLS was a good idea to keep capacity going, but never really had a chance given its current platform. The next BLS should really benefit from an Epsilon-II or small-RWD platform, as well as some more risky styling (have you seen what the French do?) and a better powertrain. I believe the CTS will fair better than the current version, but not by much given its size. The CTS is like a full-sized car out there. It may also be a little understyled for European tastes... The biggest problem that Cadillac will have is perception...this was touched upon by the article above. American excess is really frowned upon throughout Europe...so you've got to have one hell of a product. The brand's success relies upon the next BLS, BRX, and possibly a smaller, niche entry.

I'm still waiting for someone to explain what happened to the rear-end. Seriously, the definition of "afterthought" in design.

I've got to say that these new cars from DCX are just pathetic. Seemingly outclassed on every front, as well as being ugly, poorly designed and executed to boot. And I'm one to root for the underdog, especially when they have some momentum going. Quite a disappointment...MY 2012/3 cannot come soon enough.

A little off topic, but I kinda withheld my initial theory about the "afterthought" taillights. I think Chevy designers had to change them at the last minute (ie a year and a half ago) because of nearly identical lights from VW's Jetta et al. If you do a quick photoshop or just put your fingers on the triangular tops of the outermost rear lights, you can see that this design makes much more sense - and looks ten times better. I have a strong feeling that this must have been the initial design...and they had to weigh good looks over "copycatting." Still should go for a Chevy SS concept rear in the MCE, though.

I hope they're not doing a badge job similar in vein to the previous GTO, if so, it appears GMNA has learned nothing. Design is the ultimate seller. While nicely executed and clean-looking (with a nice interior to boot), this vehicle is stylistically dated and derivative - just like the previous GTO. GM needs to take time to inject some life into this design to make it a real Pontiac.

Agree completely with the O.C.'s initial impressions - great job up front, vanilla from the A-pillar back. Fantastic job on the grill. I really like the "bulbuous" look of the lower intake. Great headlight detail as well. I also like the way the cutline integrates into the side vent - very good execution. Interior is great - I can only pick out two minor things: real aluminum and more detailed gauges. Other than that, a real contender inside. The rear is a stylistic disappointment. Anyone notice how GM designers are not paying any attention to the rear? All seem to be vertical, flat, and simple-shaped taillights. See: Malibu, Impala, Tahoe, Cobalt sedan. The sides are very un-Cadillac - need more detailing, too curvy. Save that stuff for Pontiac. The engine/powertrain lineup is fantastic. Way to stay competitive with the 6-speed/300-hp engine. Marketing, courtesy Modernista, already needs some work. I already despise everything the firm has done for the brand thus far (this is not Mini!), and initial photography is terrible (see the overglossy creative on the Cadillac website). Hopefully Modernista tries to position this car well, instead of trying to appeal to some non-existent tongue-in-cheek audience. Overall, A-. Could use more balls, design-wise. And a new advertiser.

I like it. Much more risque than the Malibu IMO and a much better rear as well. Has a previous-gen 3er look to it, but brings up some clever ideas stylistically. Hard to say if that strong stance will make it to production. A nice, forward-thinking design, all in all.

Quite underwhelming. Interesting use of greenhouse, but that's about it. Boring, doesn't come close to wowing me. Some guys here at C & G could do much better!

Wow, actually looks kinda neat. Too bad it won't have any extra hp.

What struck me is that the overall design displays much improved execution and cohesiveness relative to recent introductions from Mopar. However, the overall design is disappointingly bland. The interior, especially the dash, suffers from similar gaffes of recent DCX introductions: tupperware quality, bad gaps, no style. This dash is so poorly thrown together, it's almost a step back in build quality. The engine lineup continues to be a weakness, as Chrysler is in desperate need of a new V6 - and the 4L ain't cuttin it. Overall, I give this a passing grade of a C.

Too much hype. What we've got here is a design that's similar in "wow!" factor to the Cobalt, Lucerne, AURA, and Tahoe. Definitely not a revolutionary, gotta-have-it design, definitely not worthy of the hype the press was giving it. The design itself is great though - adheres to all the Lutz (ahem, Tom Gale) design principles: great stance, tumblehome, flow & integration. Unfortunately it comes off as a little staid & derivative. But I do like it - too me it's on the same scale as the vehicles I mentioned above. The taillights are clearly an afterthought. Why not go for - what I feel - is one of the best automotive asses in the industry: the SS concept? The interior is a great improvement, but the instant feeling I get is that it doesn't look "solid." I can't exactly put my finger on it, maybe its the angle of the dual-cockpit trim, the skinny console, etc. Cheers to GM to getting rid of a bad thing - the pushrod 3.5. While great for reaching more target markets, it isn't the best engine in its price point. And if you're not the best, well, you know... What's unfortunate is that the 3.6L will need a significant power boost by MY 2010 to stay competitive. It can be assumed that in the L.T., the Altima's VQ wil easily reach 300hp, and Honda's could possibly match. What Chevy really needs is a design of '57 Bel Air significance. This is not it. It's good, but not great. For GM's sake, this better drive like a dream and have bulletproof quality...

Definitely a step in the right direction. Looks like something out of my personal sketchbook ;-) Really like the grille/light combo, something I've been toying around with in recent sketches. Some parts of this design still lack cohesiveness, though, similar to problems with the MKS of last year. Definitely lacking the execution of McGovern-era concepts, but again, a definite step in the right direction.

Nicely restrained, very classical "Mercedes." Doesn't really "wow" me, but designs like this usually stand the test of time. Character lines are slightly derivative of the Bentley Continental GT.

Steve Perry, where art thou? Should've capitalized on the now-waning Journey comeback phenonena, buddy.

Wasn't too jazzed about that initial shot, but the recent pic of the entire car looks great! The car has a real, solid, & cohesive look to it. Very promising...