[Carroll DeWeese]

Sunday night at the Detroit Opera House, GM unveiled an ultra-luxury Cadillac concept car. It has a 1000 hp and torque variable displacement by demand push rod engine. The car weighs under 5000 pounds. On a drive from California to Detroit, it got 20 miles per gallon. It is loaded with interior goodies, such as a Bulgari clock, Tuscan-leather covered seats, etc.

On a power to weight ratio basis, the Cadillac 16 is about equivalent to a 500 hp Cobra.

If the Cadillac goes into production -- probably starting with a 750 hp engine, according to Bob Lutz, vice-chairman of GM -- it will be the first US entry into the ultra luxury market. He indicates GM is seriously thinking about producing the car. The price would probably be in excess of $250,000, possibly up to $350,000. The appeal is to multimillionaires who would spend money on an ultra-luxury car instead of a second yacht or a third ski chalet.

I will take a Cobra, but it is nice to dream about having the money to be able to buy a Cadillac 16. As long as you do not need the "goodies", the Cobra is inexpensive. If your spouse complains about the cost of a Cobra, just point out that it is cheaper than a Cadillac 16.