Overclocker

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cadillac is stepping up its performance game, with plans for ultratuner versions of the CTS-V, STS-V and XLR-V, as well as the possibility of a new "Super V" lineup.

Cadillac product director John Howell told Inside Line the company is already feeling out the market for such products. No timetable has been set for when the beefed-up models would go into production, but Howell confirmed what has been widely rumored for some time — that Cadillac does not want to be left in the dust by such competitors as Mercedes-Benz or even its domestic rival Ford.

"We are considering tuner versions of the Vs and working with an outside company, like Mercedes does with Brabus or Ford does with Saleen," Howell told IL at the launch of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade and the XLR-V and STS-V here on Tuesday. "We need to look at it. We don't want to be left out."

Cadillac has not chosen a tuning house yet, but Howell said he would be inclined to select a "more European-oriented" company. "We don't want too much of a muscle-car image," he said. "Brabus is a possibility. McLaren is a possibility, as well as Alpina, Lorinser and Dinan. We want more refinement oriented, as opposed to racing oriented.

"Hot interiors would need to be a big part of it," Howell said. "And we could probably go to 20s [20-inch wheels and tires]."

Howell said, "Super Vs are under consideration, too. These would be models with some increase in power. They would take the bar higher in terms of handling and wheel and tire size."

He would not specify what kind of engine would go into the Super V lineup, but noted that the GM brand has "played with 12 cylinders in its show cars."

What this means to you: Cadillac wants to play with the really big boys, in terms of power and sophistication.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=109736#2

Incendiary

All those companies mentioned are already snatched up by BMW or Mercedes...

LexFather

Its an AMERICAN company, why go to EUROPE? How about a DISTINCTIVE AMERICAN flavor?

KNock on Saleens door. Hell Ruf just set up a shop in Dallas.

Overclocker

Mike, that is a great idea! I was mulling over the list of tuners Cadillac was considering courting and just didn't see a match. But Ruf could really work.

Right now, Ruf only does Porsche and does them very well. Cadillac wants to “play with the really big boys” and have “hot interiors,” I think Ruf could deliver. But this will be so niche for Cadillac I don't think it'll really matter who they pick. As long as they don't go bling!

TheRupp

Cadillacs are ALREADY bling. They set up the 2007 Escalade to come "bling" from the factory

I don't think they're aiming at the right thing here. Yes indeed it would be nice to run with the big boys, but you have to offer a better foundation before you can build up your motorsport division.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Wasn't Tim Allen the actor doing some cars for Cadillac? Why don't they have his shop do some cars. Here is a spread on a caddy he did a while back http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

Koma

iTrader: (3)

They need to work on selling the regular Vs first.