Next generation Cadillac Seville.
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GM has been working on 2 new “fastback” Cadillac sedans based on the Ultium platform. The smaller model would replace the current CT4, and maybe even the CT5. And how about giving some new life to the old “Seville” name?
The Seville was quite a breakthrough for Cadillac when it first came out in 1975. However, in what could be described as a classic “fuck it” moment, designer Bill Mitchell decided to throw everything out the window for the 1979 second generation and design something completely different, and even weird…
Instead of a classic yet modern wedge design of the 1st generation, Mitchell decided to break the mold and design something that looked like a modern interpretation of some older British cars. That neoclassic rear-end design was called a “bustle-back”. It looked weird then, and I think it still seems a bit odd today. However, Lincoln followed with their own take on the bustle back with the 1982 Continental. And even Chrysler had one with the 1981 Imperial coupe.
The first-generation Seville was a hit. Creating a whole new segment for GM and others, the compact American luxury car. Bill Mitchell’s original design still looks good today and was quite a departure at the time, with its very angular notchback roofline. Something the Lincoln Versailles tried to copy a few years later. Over 215,000 of them were sold over its 5-year run. At over $12,000, the Seville was also Cadillac’s most expensive model.
That second-generation bustle-back Seville generation was also sharing its new FWD platform with the Cadillac Eldorado. (As well as the new Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado). That generation was never as popular as the first, with just over 198,000 units sold over 6 years. Was it because of the controversial design?
GM execs mentioned last year that we will see something “soon”. We haven’t seen a Seville since 2004, when it was replaced by the STS. (Seville Touring Sedan).
A new Ultium-based Seville could be the quietest and most powerful Seville ever produced. No matter what they call it, it will be great to finally see a brand-new Cadillac sedan.
The illustration above shows what a new Ultium-based Cadillac EV sedan could look like.
I wish Cadillac would go back to naming their cars.