Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Report: Cadillac developing soft-top convertible to fit between ATS and CTS

Cadillac may be having thoughts of jumping back into the convertible game. Recent history hasn't been kind to drop heads with a Wreath and Crest in the grille, but rumors kicking up on the web say that the automaker is planning to unveil a new convertible based on the company's Alpha platform.

Car and Driver reports that the vehicle will slot between the upcoming ATS and the next-generation CTS and that it will borrow very little sheetmetal from either of its siblings. Buyers can expect to find a folding soft top instead of the heavier retractable hard top favored by some competitors.

What's under the hood? Nothing's set in stone at the moment, though we'd guess any number of six or eight-cylinder options could pop up behind the headlights. Given that the model isn't set to debut until 2014, General Motors may get really wild and shove a turbocharged four-cylinder into the engine bay.

Regardless of powerplant options, the topless Cadillac will likely find itself squaring off against the Audi A5 Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet when it touches down. Stay tuned for more information, if and when it comes.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/c...tween-ats-and/

IS-SV

That's nice, but only a few incremental sales will result. Uggghhh a CTS convertible, but thankfully it won't be based on current gen which would look like crap...

mmarshall

ATS? CTS?

Slightly off-topic, maybe, but both Cadillac and Lincoln need to get rid of this ridiculous alphabet-soup, and go back to real names.

Back on the thread topic, I don't see any problem with a Caddy convertible. Back in 1976 (for those of you who remember it), Caddy did a run of the "last" American convertibles......the red/white Eldorados. People fought like tigers to get one, figuring they would be collector's items..........only to have the American convertible return 6 years later (1982) with the Dodge 400/Chrysler Lebaron. The rest is history.

ABC

a soft top? meh...

IS-SV

Back on topic in 2011 looking forward, proper execution of either soft or hard roof will work well in premium convertible market. There are plenty examples of both roof types selling well today.