Cadillac has released photos of what the production CTS Coupe will look like, and we are pleased to see it was faithful to the concept car. Sales are expected to start in Spring of 2010. Cadillac considers the CTS Coupe as the ‘centerpiece’ of the brand. Motivation of the CTS Coupe comes from a 3.6L direct injection V-6 rated at 304hp. A six-speed manual will be standard, with available 6-speed automatic. Buyers can choose from rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Expect a V-Series CTS Coupe later in 2010. No doubt a 6.2L 556hp V-8 should make this one fun ‘centerpiece’.
Lincoln Remains off the Mark
AutoNews recently reported that Lincoln is considering a smaller, premium model in addition to its current lineup. No details have been released, and it is not clear how serious Lincoln is about heading into such a segment, an area they have never approached before.
If Lincoln has shown us anything over the past decade, it has been consistency. By that, I mean uninspiring, uninteresting cars that few enthusiasts have any real interest in. How about offering automotive answers to questions no one ever asked? Does anyone recall the Blackwood? How Lincoln thinks it can solve its problems with a small premium car, I have no clue. What car would this proposed vehicle compete against?
In the 1980′s both Cadillac and Lincoln were more or less on par with each other, in that they generally offered weak, thirsty V-8 powered cars with poor quality to boot. The Greatest Generation bought these cars up as fast as they could, so why improve them? Lincoln showed promise with the Mark VII LSC, powered by the Ford Mustang GT’s 302 V-8. I tested one of the last Mark VIII LSC’s, and I was stunned at all the comments I got about the car during my week with it. A great tourer, I was comfortable blasting down the Pennsylvania Turnpike, or sitting in NYC traffic in rush hour. Then Lincoln discontinued the car.
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