2012 ZR1 with pilot cup tires takes on the Ring

[Schadenfreude]

Rumor has it (none of this came from work) that the XTS will have a 3.6 liter engine and a plug-in option for the upgrade engine. The ATS is likely going to have a base turbo Ecotec and an up engine of the 3.6. No one's even mentioned the V yet, but I'm going to bet (me, personally) it's going to have the turbo 3.6 or a new powerplant for the V model.

It's all speculation, but it's likely the XTS will not have a V8 option at this point.

The XTS can fit a V8, but it's unlikely that it will have one.  However, there is another version of the 3.6 that's on the table for that car for those of you who want more power.

It's undecided as of right now whether or not the XTS will get a V-series model. (After all, it is supposed to be a partial replacement for a DTS)

[68_427]

I don't doubt a performance version, given the wheels/brakes the test cars have been rolling around on.

[Schadenfreude]

The Gen V is dropping to 5.5 liters from 6.2. It's going to be one powerhouse of a motor, though. I wouldn't be surprised to see a turbo/supercharged version for both the Z06 and ZR1 models if they come out.

But I really have no clue about the Corvette. None at all. I'm not even going to pretend I do other than the engine size. It may even get a V6.

No V6.  Corvette team is trying to get the car on a diet. Engine displacement you mentioned is close; might be slightly smaller or larger though. The Z06/ZR1 won't come until a couple of years(at the earliest) after the C7 is debuted, too soon to be wondering what the engine choices may or may not be.

In terms of the interior: some of the renderings look fantastic, but as with anything, looks are just that: looks.  Fit and finish, and material quality are far more important.  And with the class of car the Corvette is competing with, it's extremely important that the Corvette has no compromises or mistakes made with it's interior. Zero.

[Schadenfreude]

I don't doubt a performance version, given the wheels/brakes the test cars have been rolling around on.

Some of the parts rolling around on the test mules are for another Cadillac that's going to be slotted above the XTS...

[68_427]

Nice, however I hope the flagship car doesn't have just any old Gen V engine.

[S204STi]

Will the V8 continue on with OHV tech?

[Schadenfreude]

Nice, however I hope the flagship car doesn't have just any old Gen V engine.

As of right now it doesnt. It'll have a V6, and if the engineers have their way, the V8 that was going to be used in vehicles to replace the Northstar before it was shelved. 

[Schadenfreude]

Will the V8 continue on with OHV tech?

The 5.5 is supposed to be; direct injection for starters with other things learned from the Corvette racing team.

[the Teuton]

Schadenfreude, I think I have something to PM you, but I am not sure how to do it. I heard something from one of our senior writers that may or may not concern your knowing.

[68_427]

Schadenfreude, I think I have something to PM you, but I am not sure how to do it. I heard something from one of our senior writers that may or may not concern your knowing.

Now is not the time to be secretive.

[Schadenfreude]

I don't doubt a performance version, given the wheels/brakes the test cars have been rolling around on.

And in regards to your ZL1 question: are you referring to the flywheel horsepower or the amount it puts on the pavement?

[the Teuton]

PS I thought Caddy said that every car would have a V or a Platinum model but not necessarily both.

[S204STi]

The 5.5 is supposed to be; direct injection for starters with other things learned from the Corvette racing team.

Cool.  It seems like a mightly little engine so I'm cool with that.

[Schadenfreude]

Schadenfreude, I think I have something to PM you, but I am not sure how to do it. I heard something from one of our senior writers that may or may not concern your knowing.

Go ahead and shoot me a message. I'll see if I'm able to assist you.

[the Teuton]

Now is not the time to be secretive.

Dude, my job is shrouded in secrecy. I wish it weren't, but I want to work where I work for a long, long time.

[68_427]

And in regards to your ZL1 question: are you referring to the flywheel horsepower or the amount it puts on the pavement?

The official number, as in the number they'll advertise.

[Schadenfreude]

PS I thought Caddy said that every car would have a V or a Platinum model but not necessarily both.

Correct. But in the case of the XTS, if you do a Platinum model, you may end up with a model that not many people would purchase (and may possibly be cannibalized by upper level models of the LaCrosse), and performance buyers may take issue with a V-series model since it's FWD/AWD.

[68_427]

Dude, my job is shrouded in secrecy. I wish it weren't, but I want to work where I work for a long, long time.

Doesn't sound fun.  You need a job like mine.  I can say wtf I want.

[68_427]

Correct. But in the case of the XTS, if you do a Platinum model, you may end up with a model that not many people would purchase (and may possibly be cannibalized by upper level models of the LaCrosse), and performance buyers may take issue with a V-series model since it's FWD/AWD.

I thought the platinum model did fairly well with the DTS, and that thing was ~$60K.

[Schadenfreude]

Doesn't sound fun.  You need a job like mine.  I can say wtf I want.

Second coming of Howard Stern?  

[the Teuton]

Doesn't sound fun.  You need a job like mine.  I can say wtf I want.

Oh, I can say whatever I want. I just can't post some stuff on the internet. Like I said, I'm still hoping I get a beat with Porsche.

[Schadenfreude]

I thought the platinum model did fairly well with the DTS, and that thing was ~$60K.

It was good considering the fact that most of the tooling for the car was already paid for.

[the Teuton]

Correct. But in the case of the XTS, if you do a Platinum model, you may end up with a model that not many people would purchase (and may possibly be cannibalized by upper level models of the LaCrosse), and performance buyers may take issue with a V-series model since it's FWD/AWD.

With a V, as much as I think making a Cadillac car with the powertrain from the OPC Insignia, 325 hp really isn't enough for a car that size. It would legitimately need 400 hp at the very least, and then you get into all sorts of issues with what's the point of the car, and it would still be overshadowed by the CTS and everything else. It'd have a turbo 6 and a transverse drivetrain instead of a honkin' V8. Not worth it.

You need to have a value proposition for a Platinum in that case. What more can Cadillac throw into it to make it worth $60k? Not much.

[68_427]

With a V, as much as I think making a Cadillac car with the powertrain from the OPC Insignia, 325 hp really isn't enough for a car that size. It would legitimately need 400 hp at the very least, and then you get into all sorts of issues with what's the point of the car, and it would still be overshadowed by the CTS and everything else. It'd have a turbo 6 and a transverse drivetrain instead of a honkin' V8. Not worth it.

You need to have a value proposition for a Platinum in that case. What more can Cadillac throw into it to make it worth $60k? Not much.

That's what the other 3.6L is for. 

You don't think GM is going to let Ford's Ecoboost play alone do you?

[Schadenfreude]

With a V, as much as I think making a Cadillac car with the powertrain from the OPC Insignia, 325 hp really isn't enough for a car that size. It would legitimately need 400 hp at the very least, and then you get into all sorts of issues with what's the point of the car, and it would still be overshadowed by the CTS and everything else. It'd have a turbo 6 and a transverse drivetrain instead of a honkin' V8. Not worth it.

You need to have a value proposition for a Platinum in that case. What more can Cadillac throw into it to make it worth $60k? Not much.

And lets be honest, for $60k, which would you rather have? A CTS-V, or an XTS Platinum? Aside from size differences, what would you rather have?

One other thing; if they make a CTS Platinum, there would be absolutely no need for an XTS version whatsoever.

[the Teuton]

The next CTS is essentially growing into what the STS should have been, so I'm still not sure I see a point with the XTS...

[68_427]

And lets be honest, for $60k, which would you rather have? A CTS-V, or an XTS Platinum? Aside from size differences, what would you rather have?

One other thing; if they make a CTS Platinum, there would be absolutely no need for an XTS version whatsoever.

I know right now it'd be a sonic blue CTS-V without question, but in the future it'd depend on my current situation and I can think of situations where I'd rather have the XTS Platinum.

[68_427]

The next CTS is essentially growing into what the STS should have been, so I'm still not sure I see a point with the XTS...

There are still people that want a DTS type Cadillac, even if we find it hard to understand.  Honestly for the XTS to be successful I don't think it can start higher than $45K, and at that price it better have tons of equipment and comfort features.

[the Teuton]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/30/motor-trend-gets-dirty-with-the-cadillac-cts-v-sportwagon/

We have this same wagon in our longterm fleet right now, and it makes me weak in the knees every time I see it.

[68_427]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/30/motor-trend-gets-dirty-with-the-cadillac-cts-v-sportwagon/

We have this same wagon in our longterm fleet right now, and it makes me weak in the knees every time I see it.

Needs to be Sonic Blue with matching interior.  Hottest combo on the earth for any Cadillac.