Autoblog

Recycling Land Rovers for profit and country

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Land Rover

The old saying 'one man's junk is another man's treasure' couldn't be more true in the case of UK entrepreneur Peter Hobson and his vast collection of scrapped Land Rovers. Hobson runs a factory refurbishing old parts pulled from wrecked Land Rover SUVs and reselling them as spares.

"I've got the largest Land Rover parts store outside Land Rover," 60-year-old Hobson reveals about his store of spares, amassed over the last two decades. Some of the parts, like whole engines, cost upwards of £7,000 ($14,600) and then there are the complete cars. In all, Hobson estimates the value of his collection to be close to £25m ($50m).

So sought after is his services that he's even been hired by military groups around the world for the supply of armored vehicles. "I supply many armies around the world," Hobson boasts, with armies from Turkey, Jordan, Australia and a string of Middle-Eastern nations all listed as clients. Of course, Hobson's main client is the UK Ministry of Defence. It is a British company after all.

[Source: BBC]

Recycling Land Rovers for profit and country originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the real Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid MSRP please stand up?

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Hybrid vehicles still don't make much sense for automakers. The cost of the technology is more than what consumers are willing to pay and in many cases the fuel-saving benefits can be achieved with a simple diesel motor (at least in Europe). Because of this, coming up with the right sticker price can be a major stumbling block. Price it too high and no one will want to buy your hybrid, but discount it too much and money will be lost on every model sold.

GM got into a spot of bother recently when alleged prices for its new full-size hybrids SUVs were released on its website last month. The problem was that the listed prices "were too low" according to GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan. The Chevy Tahoe 4-Door two-wheel drive hybrid was listed at $47,915 and the four-wheel drive was listed at $50,720. The GMC Yukon two-wheel drive hybrid came in at $48,370.

The 'correct' prices are scheduled to be announced next week, though Popular Mechanics already have the two listed as $49,270 for the Yukon Hybrid 2WD and $48,815 for the Tahoe Hybrid 2WD. If that's the case, then the prices accidentally released last month weren't off by all that much.

$49,270 and $48,815, respectively

[Source: The Detroit News]

Will the real Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid MSRP please stand up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Models of a different sort

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Tokyo Motor Show

Click above picture to view complete gallery

After all the excitement of official reveals had passed and car company execs had gone back to their hotels, the lovely models of the Tokyo Motor Show were always around to brighten up a background. This year's standouts from last week's show were the girls gracing the Ferrari and Maserati stands, but some of the models from the tire companies were also easier on the eyes than most. Check out the extensive photo gallery below to see all of the good looking girls from the show.

Gallery: Ladies of 2007 Tokyo Motor Show

Tokyo Motor Show: Models of a different sort originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi's i MIEV Sport plug-in

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi

Click the above image for more of the i MIEV Sport

Mitsubishi's has given its cute and funky 'i' minicar a sporty makeover with a coupe-like shape and vents on the side to create the i MIEV Sport. Despite being the sports version, it uses the same electric plug-in technology found in the i MIEV, which means two in-wheel motors driving the front wheels, and one motor for the rear. The cab-forward design does make it look like a bubble car, but having navigated Tokyo's streets for the last few days we can totally see it fitting right in.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport

Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi's i MIEV Sport plug-in originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi previews next Galant in the Concept-ZT

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:48:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi

Click the above picture for more pictures of the Mitsubishi Concept-ZT

Mitsubishi's star at the show might have been the new Evo X, but the new Concept-ZT is the more important car as it previews the next-generation Galant, which is a big seller for the company. Styled like a large Lancer, the ZT features the same jet-fighter grille but is overall a more stylish and elegant vehicle. We particularly liked some of the small styling touches such as the side mirrors and detailed wheels. Under the hood is Mitsu's 2.2L diesel engine mated to a twin-clutch gearbox, which Mitsubishi seems to be introducing throughout their lineup.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept-ZT

Continue reading Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi previews next Galant in the Concept-ZT

Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi previews next Galant in the Concept-ZT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Exclusive up close and personal pics of the Nissan GT-R

Siddharth Raja — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Tokyo Motor Show, Supercars, Nissan

Click the above picture for more live shots of the Nissan GT-R

Forget about every other car you've read about at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. We were only here for one, the Nissan GT-R. Now that we've been seen the official specifications and the first batch of press photos, it's time to get up close and personal with this new Japanese supercar. While the rest of the global media was clamoring to get a decent shot of the sole GT-R officially on display at the show, Autoblog was given access to take photos of another GT-R hidden upstairs in an area usually reserved for VIPs. Enjoy these exclusive pictures and don't forget to check out our previous coverage on the GT-R. We're glad Godzilla's finally back.

Gallery: 2008 Nissan GT-R close ups

Tokyo Motor Show: Exclusive up close and personal pics of the Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Practical performance with BMW's M3 Sedan

Siddharth Raja — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Tokyo Motor Show, BMW

Click the above image for more pictures of the BMW M3 Sedan

There hasn't been a BMW M3 sedan since the E36 generation, but that doesn't mean BMW has forgotten how to build a fast saloon car. The M3 Sedan takes everything good about the M3 coupe and adds two doors to the mix, allowing you to better justify the purchase with your significant other. BMW has thrown out the standard headlights on the sedan and replaced them with the lights found on the coupe, giving it a more sporting design in the process.The basic specs are all the same as the coupe, but you should check out our previous post on the M3 Sedan to find out more.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3 Sedan

Tokyo Motor Show: Practical performance with BMW's M3 Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Live shots of the BMW 1 series tii concept

Siddharth Raja — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:10:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Tokyo Motor Show, BMW

Click above image to view live pics of the BMW tii concept

BMW's 1-Series tii concept was just revealed and we can now bring you live shots of this stunning coupe from the floor of the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. The tii is based on the recently launched 1-Series coupe, but is a leaner, meaner, more hardcore version of the entry level Beemer. The enhanced bodykit and carbon fiber parts give it a purposeful stance that just exudes motorsport, as well as lowering the car's weight and making it aerodynamically sliippier. On the inside, we especially dig the white steering wheel and Alcantara trimmed interior. Click here for the original post on the tii, or check out the gallery below for pics of the car shot live.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

Tokyo Motor Show: Live shots of the BMW 1 series tii concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: Audi metroproject quattro concept

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:37:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi

click above image to view more high-res images of the Audi A1 Concept

Audi's new city car concept might look OK in the official press images, but it looks even better in person with its imposing grille and sleek yet muscular lines. There's also a lot of attention paid to the details of the concept such as LED headlights, aluminum roof arches and those stunning rear lights. One detail the concept could do without, however, are those garish chrome wheels. The metroproject quattro doesn't look significantly smaller than the A3, but it's likely this show car is a little larger than the production model will be anyway.

Underneath, Audi has developed a hybrid drivetrain for the metroproject. A TSI (turbocharger + supercharger) engine drives the front wheels, while the electric motor sends all of its juice to the rear, making it a pseudo-AWD car. Also of note is the mobile electronic device that's embedded in its dash. It's basically Audi's version of an iPhone that actually does more than Apple's own Crackberry, including allowing the owners to access some of the car's systems remotely.

When we asked Audi CEO Rupert Stadler whether the production model would come to the U.S., he simply replied "Why not?", so there's a good chance we'll see this come Stateside at the A1 soon after it begins production in 2009.

Check out the full press release from Audi on the metroproject quattro concept after the jump and our complete gallery of official and live images from Tokyo below.

[Lead photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images]

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro concept

Continue reading Tokyo Motor Show: Audi metroproject quattro concept

Tokyo Motor Show: Audi metroproject quattro concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Motor Show: VW drops the up! space in Japan

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:09:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Tokyo Motor Show, Volkswagen

click above image for more high-res pics of the VW up! space Concept

Volkswagen is looking to conquer the cheap car market with its new family of small cars, tentatively referred to as the up! cars. Having previously shown the first up! concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen usedTokyo to devut the minivan version of the up!. Called the 'space up!' concept, it's 23cm longer than the previous three-door hatchback up!, has a longer wheelbase and is slightly taller. The larger dimensions and improved packaging help the space up! fit around "4.5m of legroom in a vehicle just 3.68m long", or at least that's what VW execs kept insisting at the press conference.

The concept also features suicide doors and can seat four people, including two children thanks to its built-in child seats. With the engine in the rear of the car, there's space in the front for stowing gear, as well as a handy tailgate in the back for more substantial equipment. Though the official shots don't do the design justice, in real life the concept is entirely plausible for production. Check out our live shots of the space up! in the gallery below.

Gallery: Volkswagen up! Space Concept

Tokyo Motor Show: VW drops the up! space in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM passes Toyota for global sales in Q3

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Automotive News reports that General Motors' global sales so far this year have inched the automaker past its cross-pond rival Toyota. The Japanese juggernaut managed to move 7.05 million vehicles during the the first three quarters, while GM sold 7.06 million.

Of course, this news does not come without its fair share of controversy. GM's global numbers include vehicles sold in China with its joint-venture partner, which some analysts exclude. Toyota's numbers, as well, include sales of Daihatsu vehicles and commercial trucks built by its Hino division. Exclude these ancillary figures from divisions of which each company only owns a part, and in some cases a minority, and the results might be different. Nevertheless, the world's two biggest automakers are neck and neck in global sales so far this year.

The story for GM was very different back home. In North America, GM only managed to move 1.2 million vehicles in the third quarter, a decline of 6% compared with last year. Officials blamed reductions in rental fleet sales, rising fuel prices and concerns about housing for the slump, but not having a decent small car to sell likely didn't help either.

[Source: GM, Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Continue reading GM passes Toyota for global sales in Q3

GM passes Toyota for global sales in Q3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racing-spec McMerc 722 at speed on the 'Ring

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes' uber sports car, the McLaren SLR 722 GT, has been caught at the 'ring undergoing final testing for the 20-odd cars that are expected to be delivered to a very lucky few early next year. A pre-production model was spotted at the start of the month in Germany and this is likely to be the same car seen here.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the new hyper-performance Mac Daddy managed to complete the notorious Nurburgring Nordschleife or 'Northern Loop' in a blistering 7m 38s, but apparently can go even faster. Driving on the test day was McLaren test pilot Chris Goodwin, who was forced to take it slower than usual because of problems with the transmission. Further tests will continue between the 20th and 24th of this month near the village of Le Castellet in France.

The car features the same 650hp supercharged V8 from the 'regular' SLR 722 but has been put through an extensive weight saving program, which sees almost 660 lbs. shed from the vehicle's curb weight. It's thought this new model has been developed as a homologation special for an upcoming FIA GT race car ,but no official word has been given.

[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport]

Racing-spec McMerc 722 at speed on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jason Plato's firey review of the Caparo T1

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars

Earlier this month, Fifth Gear presenter and British Touring Car Championship driver Jason Plato was hurt behind the wheel of the high-performance Caparo T1 supercar while filming a segment for the UK television show. In this video footage of the incident, all looks swell as Plato takes the car around a track, but towards the end of the test, the flames start to build and the car suddenly comes to screeching halt.

Jason escaped without sustaining serious injuries; just some burns to his left hand and neck. According to Caparo, they've corrected the fault that started the fire, although no word was given whether or not this was a production model or a prototype.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jason Plato's firey review of the Caparo T1

VIDEO: Jason Plato's firey review of the Caparo T1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai wants unifying design theme, its own TT

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Hyundai has proven to the world it can build high-quality and reliable cars that rival mainstream brands like Toyota and Chevy. Now it wants to prove it can build an iconic sports car to boost its image and say to the world that Hyundai is exciting and dynamic. Speaking at last week's Sydney Motor Show, Hyundai's general manager of European design Raphael Bretecher revealed a desire to launch such a car.

"As a car designer I would like to make the icon, that is obvious," he said. "But this company looks at what is most profitable and that is what must be delivered first." Bretecher used Audi's TT as an example of what he envisaged a modern icon should be and explained how that one car embodies the entire Audi philosophy.

The only problem is convincing bosses back in Korea to think along the same lines. Another issue bosses need convincing of is creating a new global look for Hyundai, something Bretecher admits will take some time to implement. Pictured above is the Veloster concept car, which was displayed in Sydney. The concept was designed in Korea and gives a clue as to a new look that could unify future Hyundai designs.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

Hyundai wants unifying design theme, its own TT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pedestrian safety inspires EU to consider better brake requirement

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Every time we hear that the European Commission has come up with a new proposal for the car industry, the general consensus amongst the Autoblog team has been 'oh no, not another one.' This time around, the Commission's latest proposal actually makes sense to us and is something we'd like to see implemented in other parts of the globe. Officials on Monday proposed that all new cars be fitted with an advanced braking system that can detect an emergency and cut reaction times for applying the brakes.

The hope is that all cars from 2009 onwards will feature new Brake Assist Systems as part of a greater plan to protect pedestrians. The set-up works by releasing pressurized brake fluid into the braking system as soon as the driver touches the brake pedal, applying greater stopping power in an instant.

Up to 1,100 lives could be saved each year, according to European Union officials. The good news is that the auto industry is also backing the proposal and the costs involved are expected to be minimal.

[Source: Detroit News]

Pedestrian safety inspires EU to consider better brake requirement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fifth Gear takes the MINI Clubman for a spin

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Mini

The MINI Clubman isn't a major breakthrough over the current Cooper but it does have one glaring distinction worth taking a closer look at and that's the suicide-style rear opening door. Fifth Gear's Johnny Smith shows us all there is to like and loathe about the new car in sunny Madrid.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Fifth Gear takes the MINI Clubman for a spin

Fifth Gear takes the MINI Clubman for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Custom-bodied Honda CRX Si

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:34:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Honda

Looking kind of like a cross between a Ferrari 550 Maranello and a Daihatsu Copen, this unique 1991 Honda CRX Si is the creation of Tabor Lovasz, the owner of Gulf Coast Motors in Toronto. The project involved a full upgrade to the original car's mechanical package including H&R springs with Koni adjustable shocks and a Ractive Superflow intake, but the focus of the car's development was its unique body.

According to its developers, the paint is the same silver used by Mercedes and the back window and electronic sunroof is borrowed from a Mazda Miata. The wheels look they came from a Porsche, as well. Other than that, the car is basically stock. There's roughly 78,000 miles on the clock and the original four-cylinder and five-speed manual is the same as when it was bought new.

Thanks to David for sending in the tip.

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Custom-bodied Honda CRX Si originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz first in California with diesel

Siddharth Raja — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Mercedes-Benz

click above image for more high-res pics of the MB E320 BLUETEC

You may remember that despite a promise back in January of 2006 that its E320 BLUETEC would meet emissions standards in all 50 states, Mercedes-Benz announced eight months later that its new diesel sedan wouldn't be sold in California and the contingent of states that have adopted its stricter emissions standard. Mercedes went back and tweaked the BLUETEC design and today marks the first day that the E320 BLUETEC sedan goes on sale in California. It's the first diesel powered model that meets California's strict emissions standards and certainly won't be the last. Mercedes-Benz is offering the car only as a lease vehicle for 2 years/24,000 miles for roughly $600 per month.

Merc chose to lease the car because only about 100 units will be available. This will be expanded next year along with the rest of the diesel lineup when the M, R and GL Bluetec diesels arrive in August. By January next year the E320 Bluetec will be available in all of the other states that have adopted California's stricter emissions standards. These include New York, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

The E-class is expected to go in for a redesign for the 2010 model year and will also be offered with a Bluetec diesel option when it arrives in mid-2009. Click here to view several spy shots of the next E-class including a couple of its interior.

[Source: Automotive News. sub. req'd]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC

Mercedes-Benz first in California with diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ralph Lauren's car collection in pictures

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

click above image for more breathtaking photos of the Ralph Lauren Collection

Most would recognize Ralph Lauren as the personality behind the famous Polo fashion label, but few would suspect that Lauren also has a car collection to rival the likes of Jay Leno or an Arab Sheikh. The native New Yorker is an avid car nut like many of us, only he has the means to afford most of the cars that we can only lust over.

Together with the Discovery Channel, Lauren has now opened the doors of his private collection to the public for a new documentary called Speed, Style and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection that aired over the weekend. We watched it... in high-def... it was awesome. Some of the more notable vehicles in the collection include a Bugatti Veyron, an ultra-rare McLaren F1LM (one out of only five cars), one of the first supercharged Bentley's ever created and two Ferrari 250 Testa Rossas.

Thanks to our friends at World Car Fans, we've assembled a gallery of Lauren's prized possessions. While not as fun as watching the cars idle around Lauren's property in high-def, the photography is still incredible.

[Source: Discovery Channel via World Car Fans]

Gallery: Speed, Style and Beauty: The Ralph Lauren Car Collection

Ralph Lauren's car collection in pictures originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No surprise Cadillac is planning RWD sub-CTS

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:37:00 EST

Filed under: Cadillac

Cadillac is keen to shed its image as a manufacturer of boring luxury barges, so we can expect to see some sporty and dynamic new cars pop up over the coming years at GM's premium division. The first of this new breed of Cadillacs will be an entry-level RWD sedan positioned below the CTS and based on the new mid-sized Alpha platform.

We first got confirmation engineers were working on such a car when the UAW published documents revealing plant allocations for GM's future products. According to the summary, GM will be building a vehicle based on Alpha, which sources revealed will be for Cadillac.

If we're lucky, a low-cost version of Alpha could also be developed for Pontiac and possibly Holden but no plans have been confirmed yet.

Other cars planned for Cadillac include a CTS coupe and wagon in 2009 as well as an all-new RWD sedan to replace both the current DTS and STS models. Officials are even reported to be looking at a hybrid vehicle with the E-Flex plug-in hybrid powertrain rumored to be a possibility.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

No surprise Cadillac is planning RWD sub-CTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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