In a current thread, the future of Lincoln is being discussed and the consensus is that a RWD luxury car from them will not happen. I believe Cadillac will continue to make the V series, so if you want a serious neck snapping, high HP, American made RWD car, you will be able to get one. I think Cadillac is on the right path here. They are thinking about sales outside the US, and if they can sell a bunch of these cars worldwide, it should insure enough cash flow to keep the V platform alive and well. I have to admit, the lines take a little getting used to, but I like it. I own a CTS, so I am partial to the angular look.
Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept
by Liz Kim Tuesday, November 30, 2010
What It Is:
The Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept is a mini-compact city car designed for use in compact urban centers.
Why It’s Important:
General Motors intends to make Cadillac its global luxury brand, and in many of its key markets the competition builds upscale urban runabouts like the Urban Luxury Concept (ULC). Additionally, EPA fuel economy standards are rising in America, and Cadillac needs something like the ULC in its lineup if it wants to keep selling Escalades.
Key Features of the Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept:
- Hybrid Powertrain – The Cadillac ULC is projected to get 56 mpg in the city and 65 mpg on the highway thanks to a hybrid gasoline powertrain. Stuffed under the ULC’s stubby hood is a 1.0-liter, turbocharged gasoline three-cylinder engine equipped with an electric assist system that is recharged through brake regeneration. A dry dual-clutch automated manual transmission and an engine start-stop system also help to maximize fuel economy.
- Art & Science Design – Take no more than a glance at the ULC, and you know it’s a Cadillac. Vertical lighting elements, creased sheetmetal, an angular greenhouse, and a huge Cadillac grille decorated by a giant wreath-and-crest badge mean the ULC ain’t subtle. It’s also got 19-inch wheels crammed into the wheel wells, and scissor-style push-button doors pop out and up to ease entry and exit in crowded parking spaces. Twin skylights bathe the cabin in natural light, helping it feel bigger.
- Four-Passenger Seating – Small on the outside, the Cadillac ULC is big enough on the inside to accommodate four adults. The front passenger’s seat can slide and recline, or it can fold in half so that the Orbit Baby Smarthub docking station that’s embedded into the seatback can be used to transport little ones.
- Next-Generation Technology – The Cadillac ULC does not have a traditional center stack of climate, audio, navigation, and entertainment controls. Instead, there’s an interactive divided electronic interface with a heads-up projection display, OnStar telematics with voice recognition technology, and touch pad switchgear. The design allows the driver and front passenger to access and view information independently, and safely, from one another. For example, the front passenger can surf the Internet without distracting the driver.
- Luxury Interior – Cadillac wanted a minimalist design for the ULC’s interior, and the integration of technology and controls helped make it happen. Two-tone blue and gray leather is complemented by upscale fabrics, wood inlays, brushed aluminum, and ceramic details, to create a luxurious yet understated cabin ambience.
The Vehix View:
You might look at the Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept, scratch your head, and ask WTH (What The Heck)? Cadillac faces several realities if it wants to stay in the game. First, it needs to be a global player, so it can’t continue designing and building cars and SUVs that work only for Americans. Second, it needs to figure out a way to meet rapidly approaching fuel economy mandates here in the U.S. Third, a new generation of future luxury car buyers has different priorities when it comes to defining the perfect automobile, and research indicates that technology and environmental responsibility are going to emerge as key purchase drivers in the years to come. So while you might be wishing Cadillac would develop an XLR replacement or a Mercedes-Benz S-Class competitor, Cadillac needs to address other market requirements, too. Compared to similar vehicles that are coming soon from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, this Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept is looking pretty good to us.
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Originally Posted by Cheeseheadbob
"Aarrrrr Type"
Bluerauder's Garage -- Pics and Other Info 
But I may just specify in my will that it won't be a CULC or a CLUC.
"Damned if I do, damned if I don't!"
