By Liz
More answers to your questions . . .
Test Cars:
The cars we typically build and use in development are kept for as long as possible, sometimes a couple of years. They often start their “life” underneath heavy camo, being driven and otherwise used in any number of ways. As time goes on, the camo sometimes comes off and we often adjust and update them to incorporate other features in need of testing. These can be features or systems for subsequent model years. Or, sometimes they can even turn into “mules." In any event, we never sell these cars, as they are often heavily altered, and, frankly, they’re just very tired! If they’ve outlived their usefulness in testing, they are scrapped. The photo above shows one of these in action in Germany last year.
Competitive Comparison:
Yes, we almost always have competitive cars involved in our driving tests, all the way through the process. It’s almost a constant. At different times and in different tests the competitors chosen might change. For instance, at times we’ll use a cross-section of comparable cars. Other times, we might select a competitive car for just one or a few attributes, such as a car we want to compare ourselves to only for ride quality, or seat comfort. We purchase competitive cars – a pretty large and ever-changing fleet of them – for exactly this purpose.
Emergency Brake:
For 2008, the emergency brake for CTS will be located in the same place as it was in the previous car -- in other words, a pedal. We find many consumers to be really focused on maximizing storage space (for things like cell phones, iPods, sunglasses, drinks, etc.) in the center console area. The ’08 CTS has even more storage and convenience capability in the center console between the seats – including an auxiliary audio port, a USB port, larger and better cupholders -- which we think people will really like. We are continuing to work on another solution altogether for the emergency brake for the future, so this one is a work in progress.
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Comments
Liz,
I'm sorry I just read your response on the parking brake in this thread, already having posted it in the previous thread. I would just like to say that I believe what you find consumers prefer (i.e. "focus groups") are wrong for this type of car. The person who is going to buy the CTS with a 6 speed manual is NOT going to care about i-Pods and cup holders. That goes against the very principles of what makes enthusiasts ENTHUSIASTS. Like I said, the brake on the floor is fine for automatics. But the people who buy the manual transmission aren't going to care about extra storage. BMW never even put cup holders in their cars untill just very recently. And even at that they are small and inconvenient - but who cares? Manual transmissions are drivers cars. People who drive these DO NOT want cup holders and USB ports - they want their parking brake on the center console, so please understand that is a very serious issue that must be addressed immediately.
Posted by: Joe | April 28, 2007 8:25 AM
I love my manual transmission cars (I have two of them) and, just for the record, I could care less where the parking brake is located. I care more about handling, engine response, etc. Put the brake wherever you please as long as you deliver where its important.
Posted by: Kev | May 1, 2007 8:17 PM
Liz,
I have to disagree, in part, with what Joe said. I am an enthusiast who will only buy a car with a manual transmission. I want cupholders and ipod connectivity (or a USB port). I often keep a bottle of water in my car and enjoy the ability to plug in my ipod when I'm on a long drive. That is not a conflict with my interest in driving a car with a manual transmission.
I think that the foot operated parking brake is a disappointment overall, but am not as passionate about it as Joe.
Posted by: Scott | May 2, 2007 10:01 AM
I like the iPod feature, and also that I hear that the 300 hp motor will be available for AWD, since I live in CO I'd like that, but I'm also disappointed that a manual will not be available with AWD. I only buy manuals and was very much looking forward to this new car. I guess maybe I'll still have to look elsewhere. I have never found an automatic that can stand up to me like a manual. I hope that is reconsidered. I realize your economic concerns, but how can the other companies that do offer it rationalize it when you can't? You say this is a drivers car but then don't follow through.
Posted by: Randy Haines | May 3, 2007 9:10 AM
The worst E-brake I have experienced is the Push-to-Set:Push-to-Release brake on 02 Lasabre. The routine goes:Boy is that hard to push,needs to be tighter,need to unlatch it before I can push it tighter. The next generation emergency brake for a car with automatic should be an auto brake set when in Park. It is used only to protect the brake pawl anyway and for safety you have your foot on the foot brake to get it out of Park.
Posted by: NormB | May 7, 2007 1:16 AM
Two things I have to add: Leave the e-brake on the floor to save space. Most people I know never even use it and it just takes up console room. ALSO, make the cupholder insert removable! Not everyone uses cupholders and certainly not all the time. I've had that on a previous car and it was a great provider of addtional console storage, instead of the mostly useless space wasted with 2 permanent circular holes.
Posted by: Freddy | May 14, 2007 6:47 PM
very disappointed that there wont be a manual awd.
Posted by: Jim | May 15, 2007 2:07 PM
I know several recent Cadillac models like the older Seville had parking/e-brakes that released automatically when the car was shifted into gear. Is this a possibility for the '08 CTS?
Posted by: Flybrian | May 20, 2007 2:28 AM
disappointed to know that I cant get a manual and AWD combination; cannot get most options including EZ key with leatherette; no bluetooth!!! - all of which our competition offers - is this going to change?
Posted by: Hari | May 21, 2007 8:43 PM
Why not just use an Electronic PArking brake (that way it is just a button).
I hear that is coming in 2009, and to some 2008's
Posted by: DuSpinnst | August 14, 2007 8:12 PM
I am totally impressed by what I have read and seen of the 2008 CTS. I share concerns about the car not having bluetooth accessability, as well as the emergency brake issue. All of my cars have had manual transmissions with hand brakes in the center console. If I purchase the CTS, I will probably get it with automatic transmission. No handbrake will be weird. In addition, I am concerned about the large sunroof being the only option. I like all of the features of the premium package except the large sunroof. I would like to replace the large sunroof with a standard sunroof or deleate this feature all together in exchange for a package discount. Great Car!
Posted by: Patrick | January 26, 2008 1:29 PM