The Auto Writer

Imagining the BLS

Sometimes I like to imagine myself working as an executive at a leading automaker with the ultimate decision on which models will be built, how they will look, and what options will be made available. A benevolent dictator whose decisions would be final, above reproach, and respected by all.

Then again, I can think of only one privately held automaker and a handful of executives who weld that kind of influence (Carlos Ghosn, the force behind Renault and Nissan, comes to mind), so bear with me — I must be losing my own mind.

Influencing General Motors, Particularly Cadillac

If I could influence the powers to be at General Motors, I would recommend some additional changes for their premium brand, Cadillac. Not too many changes, mind you, but just enough to introduce one new model (BLS) and do away with another one (Escalade). GM is already planning to combine the STS and DTS into one, new model so I have no advice to give there. Nor do I have anything other to say than to give my “kudos” on the expanded CTS line with a coupe and a sport wagon as well as the next generation of that lovely SRX crossover. What I really want to see is a car like the BLS made available for the North American market.

Looks like my dream is coming true.

According to Auto News, which broke this story on Monday, Cadillac is planning to build a new sedan for the North American market, a car sporting a four cylinder engine. The only debate left is whether to offer an optional V6 and I say, “End that debate now — by all means do!”

Shades of Cimarron if Cadillac makes this sedan seem like anything else in the GM fold.

Can We Forget the Cimarron and the Catera Now?

I’m old enough to remember when Cadillac successfully built their first small car, the Seville, in the 1970s, but I also recall the forgettable (and embarrassing) Cimarron of the 1980s, followed by the ho-hum Catera of the 1990s. It wasn’t until the CTS showed up in 2002 that my confidence in GM’s ability to build a smaller Cadillac was restored, making those Cimarron/Catera memories fade a bit. Truly, the current version of the CTS is a wonderful car, but I fear that what could be slotted below it would diminish Cadillac all over again.

Then again, hope springs eternal and a car like the BLS (now built for Cadillac and serving a primarily European market) could do wonders for Cadillac especially as people’s tastes shift from V8 power to most anything economical.

I just don’t want GM to repeat an earlier mistake (Cimarron) by not offering an optional V6 from the outset or even a V6 that isn’t Cadillac quality (Catera). Please, stay away from the dumb commercials too as they tend to insult people’s intelligence; if you need PR help, I’m available.