GM's Cadillac Sixteen, Buick Velite: RIP
July 05, 2007
General Motors has scratched the Cadillac Sixteen and Buick Velite
concepts from any plans for future production.
GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, on the automaker’s Fast Lane blog, said environmentally friendly, high fuel-efficiency vehicles take priority over the Sixteen and Velite, which GM had hoped to produce.
Lutz said introducing the 16-cylinder, 1,000-horsepower Sixteen would “not be an extremely prudent thing to do” in terms of GM’s public image and would be “a display of a lack of sensitivity to environmental concerns.”
In fact, instead of offering a bigger Cadillac, Lutz said Cadillac needs to look at a vehicle smaller than the current CTS.
Even with a hybrid powertrain, Lutz said, the Sixteen would achieve no more than 13 miles per gallon at a time when lawmakers are considering a Corporate Average Fuel Economy of 36 miles per gallon by 2017 and 4 percent increases every year after.
Likewise, Lutz said the Buick Velite was “prioritized out” of GM’s 
future product plans as GM invests more money in vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt concept (expected to go into production), hybrids and fuel-cell technologies.
What does seem more likely is Cadillac bringing the BLS from Europe. Cadillac currently sells the Saab-based BLS sedan there and soon will add a station wagon. Smaller than the CTS, the BLW has been rumored, in its next generation, to be bound for the U.S.
Posted by Michelle Krebs at 7:33 AM under GM , News , Technology | Comments (2) | digg this | Seed Newsvine
The Sixteen and Velite brought hope to many people wanting to see something exciting and extraordinary from a company that doesn't have enough products that fit that description. Its been said over and over agin, the Sixteen would really bring Cadillac back to becoming the standard of the world. Yes it does have a great products now, but nothing that shines, fulfills desires nor spark emotions that people don't know they have. It was not long ago that the Velite was sure go for production. It was supposed to lift Buick from its current state of dullness and inadequecy to a brand with awe inspiring design and quality that were once its hallmarks. With GM prioritizing its investments towards more fuel efficient cars, I have a proposal that would fit in GM's prioritizing efforts.
Take complete and utter advantage of the marvelous and flexible Zeta platform. Use it for the Velite, that's common sense, I know. But here's the twist, offer it with a hybrid powertrain (part of the prioritizing efforts) and still offer its new line of efficient gasoline and (dare i say) diesel engines.
Oh of course! How could i forget about the Sixteen? Develop an updated version of the long wheelbase version of the Zeta platform (one that is used for the Holden Statesman/Caprice/Buick Park Avenue) that's suited more for luxury and offer the the whole package with a, Oh here we go again! a hybrid powertrain (prioritizing). The powertrain would consist of Hybrid V8s and V12s, and even diesels. Why not? GM might think it's too costly. Personally (and that it makes perfect business sense too) I'd rather lose money in the beginning if my high investment would turn into profit in the long term, and in GM's case, a much better image. With GM's near sighted vision, I recommend they get a stronger pair of lenses so that they see faraway matters and realities with greater ease.
Posted by: Abraham | July 08, 2007 at 2:29 AM
Buick should put the Velite together as a retractable hardtop convertible and get it out there in the market. Hardtop convertibles are hot and there is a niche in the market for Buick to take customers away from the BMW 335i and Volvo C70 for luxury and be a price competitor for VW Eos, and be a better option than the "cheaper and cheaper looking" G-6.
G-6 should go for a sportier look and Velite for a luxury convertible.
Posted by: S. Bowman | February 24, 2008 at 4:07 PM