AR Rewind #4 - Cadillac CTS Convertible

Rewind: This is the fourth in a series of posts where I dive into detail of the work completed for Edmunds InsideLine engagements.

Creative Brief: The Cadillac CTS-V coupe turned out great so the next logical step was a convertible. Even though GM 86'd the idea of a convertible with the new coupe, Scott wanted to run an article about how they should reconsider the move - especially after wasting so much time on the poor selling and mechnically maligned Pontiac G6 hard-top convertible. The brief was simple, bang out a profile shot of what a convertible might look like and get it out to press in just over 48 hours. We agreed to use the beautiful Buick Velite concept car as a starting point.

Execution Highlights - Front

• Donor convertible pieces came from the Buick Velite
• Swapped background color
• Custom brushed trunk/deck lid

Final Thoughts: This was a quick one and came together in just about a day. As with InsideLine's stance on the situation, I fully agreed that Cadillac made a mistake not considering a covertible. I think it would have sold very well and was necessary to compete with the German brands. They should have presented a full suite of models (coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon).

Original Blog Link: Supercharge Me: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Don't Wait Up for the Cadillac CTS Convertible

From Edmunds InsideLine: Given the upheaval at GM, we've doubted at times that we'd ever see a Cadillac CTS coupe, much less a wagon. Now both of those variations exist, and there's only one more CTS to wonder about: a convertible. The lines kind of work, don't they?

Click here to view this article.

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UPDATE: The link to this article no longer exists as Edmunds' Inside Line was discontinued in 2013. You can still view the original article via the Wayback Machine.

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Failure To Launch: Cadillac CTS Coupe Convertible

From Edmunds InsideLine: DETROIT — Don't look for the Cadillac CTS coupe convertible to hit showrooms any time soon. Despite the fact that the CTS Coupe Concept was a runaway hit at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, our sources say GM has already done away with plans to produce the sexy new coupe in convertible form.

If Cadillac is serious about the CTS coupe competing with the popular European and Japanese coupes, a drop-top Caddy seems to be a no-brainer. The BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 already offer convertibles, the Lexus IS has a convertible in the works, and top Nissan exec Carlos Ghosn confirmed this week that the G37 convertible is headed for production as well. While the CTS coupe's overall success isn't dependent on the availability of a convertible model, BMW enjoys a 10 percent boost from its 3 Series coupe convertible, and the A4 cabrio accounts for nearly 20 percent of the A4 mix.

Click here to view this article.

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UPDATE: The link to this article no longer exists as Edmunds' Inside Line was discontinued in 2013. You can still view the original article via the Wayback Machine.

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