2013 Cadillac XTS prototype hearse unveiled in Las Vegas

My opinion on what I saw in the link posted...

NONE of the current production looks good to me. Nothing.

Those mini-van hearses are horrific ! They shouldn't exist with a landau panel at all.

I agree that Cadillac logo in the center of the landau bar HAS TO GO !
Disgusting they put that logo on a hearse in that position.

The bows or landau bars look like they have lost all tradition and are just a wiggly line now.

CADILLAC to me has lost all it's former glory and is now just another SUV. Luxury car it is NOT any longer.
Once the pride of their owners. Now just like all the others.

I bet the hearses a few years old will be in use a lot longer than they expected them to be around with the replacements looking like what was introduce for 2013.

To a person attending a funeral these days, they likely don't care at all what the hearse looks like and will never care.

To us hearse addicts who admire, own, restore, collect, know a lot about these cars... the ones we own will be treasured all that much more now !!!

It may be a good thing younger kids are not getting into collecting these cars, as there will be nothing in the future worth collecting !

The ones we own now will be what everyone wants.


I don't know much about cars of today as everything I own is between 1960-1976 professional car wise and 1963-1990 collector car wise.

The ten cars I have now have their own distinct look and you can recognize them and know what brand they are as they pass by.

Cars today could be just about any brand, model, Import or domestic and you have to look real close just to be able to identify them.

A real shame verses the '50-'60-'70s when every brand had a true identity.


So to finish up this way longer post then intended...

I know what I like and the new hearses are not my style.

End of my ramblings,
Darren
 
Seeing these new vehicles only makes me more and more grateful for the PCS where I know my last ride will be in style,and class,just like me.:rofl:
 
Tony Blair said:
I wonder if the equity investment firm that owns Accubuilt is having the same thought.

Interesting. The fact that the lot is practically empty could be a good sign - that they have managed to sell off the remainder of the 2011 Cadillacs they had purchased to see them through the chassis drought. However, if this is the case, what are they doing now? The last time I was over there, there was no one around - the offices were devoid of people. The place was eeriely quiet. I wouldn't count on the owners knowing or realizing the danger the company is in. When was the last time you saw an investment firm make wise decisions or admit when they had screwed up. (think Sheller Globe or Indian Head) The firm that owns Accubuilt is Paladin Partners in NYC. These are the same people who fired Cuzzorcrea (who had turned the place around in the '90s), who hired Mr. Corona (who subsequently got rid of the large press, sold of all of the past model parts inventory and out-sourced many other formerly in-house operations) and fired the designer that was responsible for the '90s Masterpiece to hire a "weatherstrip" expert! Paladin Partners is an investment house without any feel for the business they are in with Accubuilt. It is a firm that hires a flock of MBAs that know even less about the professional car business that do those NYC suits. They are only interested in how much money they can make and when this doesn't look to be as profitable as they would wish - they'll dump the division or close it down (again remember Sheller Globe and Indian Head). This, and the Cadillac chassis problem, is what has led to the crisis that is now facing two of the most iconic brands in the country. Perhaps if enough of us - especially the funeral directors - wrote, called or e-mailed Paladin they may get the message. You can bet your bottom dollar that these people don't read this forum. I'd bet that the people at S&S, Superior and Eagle don't even look at this site. Too bad. Because there's some pretty savvy people contributing here - many of whom are potential buyers for these cars. If they continue to ignore history and their need for capable, competent and knowledgable professional car leadership, they do so at their peril and will most certainly end up on the ash heap of professional car history. Sermon over. Sorry about that.
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XTS prototype

Consider me unimpressed with the views we've seen so far of the XTS prototype hearse displayed in Las Vegas. I couldn't agree more with Keith's observations that the car is completely unbalanced; the same old trick of taking a standard-glass car, throwing a chassis extension and larger top at it and calling it a hearse. Just doesn't work. Yes, it is something new and different, but where's the creativity? The use of silhouette landau bows with large Cadillac wreath & crest insignias (which will likely be replaced later wtih coachbuilder-specific insignias) is not creative when so much more attention needs to be paid to the car's overall size and shape. As a funeral service professional, I must say that the purple interior lighting has to go. I understand that may have been a special touch just for the prototype car, but I would never buy a hearse that had purple interior lighting.

I also observe that the rear loading door does not appear to open much, if at all, past 90-degrees. Looks like there might not be enough room around the taillight assembly for a large enough hinge? This was a problem on the Mercedes-Benz hearse that was displayed at the NFDA convention in Chicago last fall also. I hope this does not mean that a traditional loading door on the Cadillac hearse will succumb to the hatch-style door.

Based on what I've seen so far, the one hearse-builder I'm at least a litlte bit hopeful for is Bennett. His initial design of an XTS hearse has promise, depending on how some of the dimensions and details appear in reality. Take a look at this picture and imagine the cowling tilted forward, even a bit, and the door posts tilted slightly outward. Incorporate some commercial glass, and even using a very small amount of top-hat, this could look like an elegant funeral coach. Make it an option if the customer wants (a) formal drapes that can be opened and closed, (b) airline-style drapes, or (c) no drapes. Once the proportions of the length, height, and window design are under control, interesting options like "Eterna" or "Royale" type styling could be incorporated.

That would be a start anyway...

That being said, as the car appears in this photo, the roofline and side door glass & frames remind me of Superior Pontiac LWB cars from 1960-1964.

(Photo courtesy of hearse.com)
 

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Peeeewwwwwww!

Those are about the ugliest damn hearses I have ever seen! I see a big European influence in the design and since when did we start copying everything the Europeans do? What happened to America being the leader? They suck! :my2cents:
 
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Tony Karsnia said:
Consider me unimpressed with the views we've seen so far of the XTS prototype hearse displayed in Las Vegas. I couldn't agree more with Keith's observations that the car is completely unbalanced; the same old trick of taking a standard-glass car, throwing a chassis extension and larger top at it and calling it a hearse. Just doesn't work. Yes, it is something new and different, but where's the creativity? The use of silhouette landau bows with large Cadillac wreath & crest insignias (which will likely be replaced later wtih coachbuilder-specific insignias) is not creative when so much more attention needs to be paid to the car's overall size and shape. As a funeral service professional, I must say that the purple interior lighting has to go. I understand that may have been a special touch just for the prototype car, but I would never buy a hearse that had purple interior lighting.

I also observe that the rear loading door does not appear to open much, if at all, past 90-degrees. Looks like there might not be enough room around the taillight assembly for a large enough hinge? This was a problem on the Mercedes-Benz hearse that was displayed at the NFDA convention in Chicago last fall also. I hope this does not mean that a traditional loading door on the Cadillac hearse will succumb to the hatch-style door.

Based on what I've seen so far, the one hearse-builder I'm at least a litlte bit hopeful for is Bennett. His initial design of an XTS hearse has promise, depending on how some of the dimensions and details appear in reality. Take a look at this picture and imagine the cowling tilted forward, even a bit, and the door posts tilted slightly outward. Incorporate some commercial glass, and even using a very small amount of top-hat, this could look like an elegant funeral coach. Make it an option if the customer wants (a) formal drapes that can be opened and closed, (b) airline-style drapes, or (c) no drapes. Once the proportions of the length, height, and window design are under control, interesting options like "Eterna" or "Royale" type styling could be incorporated.

That would be a start anyway...

That being said, as the car appears in this photo, the roofline and side door glass & frames remind me of Superior Pontiac LWB cars from 1960-1964.

(Photo courtesy of hearse.com)
Click to expand...

Tony, I like the Bennet coach, that is the best looking yet, but you know me needs drapes.
As far as the purple Im sure it is just for the show. Are you saying you dont like the purple neon under and in my 85 Superior? :cry::cry:
 
"Are you saying you dont like the purple neon under and in my 85 Superior?"

Not saying that at all, my friend! Your car is personalized. The glow of purple from a new hearse might just be too much for those unsuspecting pallbearers... :rofl:
 
I beg to differ

Keith Snyder said:
Tony Blair said:
I wonder if the equity investment firm that owns Accubuilt is having the same thought.

Interesting. The fact that the lot is practically empty could be a good sign - that they have managed to sell off the remainder of the 2011 Cadillacs they had purchased to see them through the chassis drought. However, if this is the case, what are they doing now? The last time I was over there, there was no one around - the offices were devoid of people. The place was eeriely quiet. I wouldn't count on the owners knowing or realizing the danger the company is in. When was the last time you saw an investment firm make wise decisions or admit when they had screwed up. (think Sheller Globe or Indian Head) The firm that owns Accubuilt is Paladin Partners in NYC. These are the same people who fired Cuzzorcrea (who had turned the place around in the '90s), who hired Mr. Corona (who subsequently got rid of the large press, sold of all of the past model parts inventory and out-sourced many other formerly in-house operations) and fired the designer that was responsible for the '90s Masterpiece to hire a "weatherstrip" expert! Paladin Partners is an investment house without any feel for the business they are in with Accubuilt. It is a firm that hires a flock of MBAs that know even less about the professional car business that do those NYC suits. They are only interested in how much money they can make and when this doesn't look to be as profitable as they would wish - they'll dump the division or close it down (again remember Sheller Globe and Indian Head). This, and the Cadillac chassis problem, is what has led to the crisis that is now facing two of the most iconic brands in the country. Perhaps if enough of us - especially the funeral directors - wrote, called or e-mailed Paladin they may get the message. You can bet your bottom dollar that these people don't read this forum. I'd bet that the people at S&S, Superior and Eagle don't even look at this site. Too bad. Because there's some pretty savvy people contributing here - many of whom are potential buyers for these cars. If they continue to ignore history and their need for capable, competent and knowledgable professional car leadership, they do so at their peril and will most certainly end up on the ash heap of professional car history. Sermon over. Sorry about that.
Click to expand...

Sometime back, I asked a question in another thread concerning the hearse used for Joe Paterno and I received an e-mail through the site from an upper level manager at Accubuilt with very good info regarding my question. So, YES, Accubuilt people DO read these forums. I guess you owe me a "bottom dollar"!
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Rick Franklin said:
Keith Snyder said:
Sometime back, I asked a question in another thread concerning the hearse used for Joe Paterno and I received an e-mail through the site from an upper level manager at Accubuilt with very good info regarding my question. So, YES, Accubuilt people DO read these forums. I guess you owe me a "bottom dollar"!
Click to expand...

Color me amazed. I own you a bottom dollar. However, the reply you got was probably (I'm guessing here) from Joe Bunn - a PCS member, a genuniely great guy and probably the only real "hearse guy" left at the place. Thank you for setting me straight in this regard. I still stand by my theory that those empowered to make the real decisions regarding styling, models and so fourth probably don't read these forums or even know or care that they exhist. Somebody should rattle the cage at Paladin. It would be tragic if this company (and these iconic brands) disappeared or were to be purchased by someone ever thicker between the ears and less knowledgable than the current owners - if that's possible.
Click to expand...
 
Based on what I've seen so far, the one hearse-builder I'm at least a litlte bit hopeful for is Bennett. His initial design of an XTS hearse has promise, depending on how some of the dimensions and details appear in reality.

Tony's right. The Bennett design is clean, well-balanced and professional-looking. However, it's artwork - probably computer generated. Rance has yet to actually build one of these and when he does, if it looks as good as the artwork, I'm not sure he has the production capabilities to produce these in sufficient numbers to compete with the likes of Accubuilt and Eagle - which would be too bad.
 
The biggest issue for me is the windows on the side, rear doors. Rance Bennet's design has the traditional square "professonal" car windows, while the other has standard sedan windows. In my opinion, using the standard windows on the rear doors is a cheap way to make an ugly car. IF they would take the time to make new rear doors (squared off like the older professional doors) it would improve the looks.

As for Accubuilt people reading these posts...reading them and caring about them are two differnet things.
 
Keith Snyder said:
However, if this is the case, what are they doing now?
Click to expand...

I think it's safe to assume the production of MKT-based coaches certainly didn't fill the vacuum created when that final DTS coach rolled out of the building in Lima.

Keith Snyder said:
Paladin Partners is an investment house without any feel for the business they are in with Accubuilt.
Click to expand...

I would tend to agree with you. Their portfolio of companies is quite diverse and unrelated to coach building. I have a bit more confidence in Eagle/Federal's parent company. It seems to be more concentrated in vehicle manufacturing.

The NFDA Convention is about 2 months away. I'm skeptical about the coach builders being able to bring unique and innovative styling to the show this year. I don't get a sense they've had the XTS chassis long enough to design something that's going to be a home run and wow the customer.
 
HearseWorks

Keith Snyder said:
I'm not sure he has the production capabilities to produce these in sufficient numbers to compete with the likes of Accubuilt and Eagle - which would be too bad.
Click to expand...

I looked a at satellite photo of his factory. It does seem a bit small. By the way, one might get the impression from his website that he also plans to build a XTS-based limousine.
 
Tony Karsnia said:
"Those are about the ugliest damn hearses I have ever seen!"

This from a guy who displayed a beautiful light blue combination at a PCS International with the whitewalls turned inside! :D :1:
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I plead ignorance! I didn't know the other side was white. Looks a heck of a lot better now though. It won't be that simple of a fix for these new coaches. Ya can't fix ugly!
 
John Royark JR said:
Although I have never seen good shots of the FWD prototype, but I do have a brochure of one before they changed the wheelbase and you are correct they just dont look right.
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Keith Snyder said:
John....the car (dark blue or purple with a white roof) on that brochure was the prototype and show NFDA car! Looks like a daschound - too long and low. The company got that message loud and clear from members of the funeral profession that viewed the car at the NFDA convention in October of 1984 and went home and shortened the car. If you have the Superior book, the prototype or one of them is shown on page 406. You can also compare the prototype with the initial version of the shortened car (production) - on pages 406 and 407.
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Here is a scan of the prototype that John and Keith are speaking of.
 

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Jeremy D. Ledford said:
Here is a scan of the prototype that John and Keith are speaking of.
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Yeah, that's the piece of literature I was referring to. What a horrendous and costly mistake that was. You'd think that they would have realized it was too long even before they showed it to the public. That shows you the caliber of people they had approving things at the time - and, from a design and appearance perspective, they were smarter that those employed there today. The design and launch of that car by Superior (and a similar version badged as an S&S) at the NFDA was a complete fiasco that that actually drove prospects away and helped Eureka sell even more cars. Despite that, this was better-looking than much of what we're seeing today. I'd take the daschound over almost any of today's Keller and Wonder creations. At least the dog had commercial glass! Compare this to the FWD Eurekas introduced a year later!
 
Keith Snyder said:
Compare this to the FWD Eurekas introduced a year later!
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I know I would take one over the Eureka Cadillac FWDs any day. Eureka built nice cars, but I dont like the looks of their FWD Cadillacs at all. I dont know why, maybe its the high top making it look short and tall. I like the other FWD offerings from them.
 
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