Not Enough Multi-Millionaires to Go Around, Study Says
General Motor's Cadillac premium car division is not likely to create a new 'standard of the world' Bentley Arnage, Rolls-Royce Phantom or Maybach 57/62 competitor anytime soon, according to a Financial Times (FT.com) report.
 |
| In an attempt to raise the Cadillac marque to its once lofty levels of being on par with Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Maybach, the Sixteen concept car was an exercise in over the top luxury. (Photo: General Motors) |
After studying the possibility GM decided there were already too many vehicles in the USD$250,000 plus arena.
GM, hoping to draw some attention to the fact that the crested wreath brand was once considered on par with the aforementioned luxury brands, developed the Cadillac Sixteen concept car, complete with over the top luxury appointments and a 1,000-hp V16 engine.
 |
| GM has decided that there are already too many vehicles in the USD$250,000 plus arena and has put an end to the luxurious Sixteen concept. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Initially GM insiders were intimating that something close to the Sixteen could be produced, possibly with a toned down 12-cylinder powerplant and a more conventional front opening hood - the Sixteen concept's hood opens at both sides in a reverse clamshell, similar to cars of the depression era.
This is considered by automotive analysts as a wise choice for Cadillac, as many believe after the initial enthusiasm for the new Rolls-Royce and Maybach dies down the brands will be struggling to meet annual targets. The Bentley Continental GT should fare better, due to its much lower price point of USD$150,000.