Autoblog

Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac

2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first generation Cadillac SRX brought General Motors' premium brand into the crossover segment, providing better fuel economy compared to similarly sized SUVs while also delivering significantly improved driving dynamics. We bought into that first-generation, rear-wheel-drive SRX when we reviewed it way back in 2007, but the luxury car-buying public apparently wasn't all that interested. Sales of the sharp handling SRX never took off, largely keeping Cadillac off of the luxury crossover gravy train long dominated by the Lexus RX 350.

Cadillac hopes to change its crossover fortunes with the introduction of the all-new 2010 SRX. This time out, the SRX is very different from the one it replaces, with a fundamental shift from a rear-wheel drive platform (with available all-wheel drive) to a front-drive setup (also with available AWD). Along with that shift in powered wheels, the 2010 model goes with smaller, more efficient powertrains. Cadillac doesn't try to hide the fact that the new SRX is gunning for the RX, but GM's designers and engineers didn't want to simply copy the strong-selling Lexus. Cadillac wanted its crossover to be more expressive inside and out, with state-of-the-art tech and superior driving dynamics. Does the new SRX have what it takes?

Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX

Continue reading Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market

Review: 2010 Cadillac SRX charts a new course for thick part of the market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac DTS to be replaced by XTS, which will be built in Canada alongside new Buick Regal

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac

The days of Cadillac's big DTS sedan are numbered as the plant that builds it will soon be shut down and re-tooled. The Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant that builds the DTS and Buick Lucerne will switch over to building the Chevy Volt in 2010 and the current products are both long in the tooth.

The National Post is reporting that the new Cadillac flagship will be dubbed XTS and will be produced at the Oshawa assembly plant. It will be built alongside an updated Chevrolet Impala, the new Camaro and the Buick Regal. The DTS is a front-wheel drive car, but the XTS is expected to the share the Epsilon II platform with the Regal and the new Impala. As such, it will likely get all-wheel-drive at least as an option. For its part, the Regal will likely be a re-badged version of the Opel Insignia. The report goes on to say that Oshawa will produce a hybrid version of one of those offerings - a gas-electric Regal model is a reasonable bet.

Earlier reports had pegged the next Cadillac sedan as a model that would supplant both the DTS and the slow-selling STS, and although the NatPost article does not speak to this, it is reasonable to assume that the new XTS will result in the phase-out of both model lines. The new model line was reportedly put on hold back in August of last year, but it apparently has once again been given the go-ahead.

The XTS is scheduled to be launched in December 2011, with the new Impala coming in early 2013. Thanks to Ben for the tip!

[Source: The National Post]

REPORT: Cadillac DTS to be replaced by XTS, which will be built in Canada alongside new Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus leads, Hyundai improves, while Infiniti drops in J.D. Power 2009 Initial Quality Study

Michael Harley — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Porsche, Suzuki

Click above for a gallery of the graphtastic images from J.D. Power and Associates

J.D. Power and Associates has released its 2009 Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Lexus has taken the top spot away from Porsche, the initial quality leader for the past three years. The annual J.D. Power study measures IQS based on problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100) -- a lower score means a lower rate of problem incidences and higher quality.

This year, the industry average is 108 PP100, demonstrating a steady improvement from 118 PP100 in 2008, and 125 PP100 in 2007. In addition to the marked improvement by the industry overall, many brands continued to perform well in 2009. Following Lexus and Porsche is Cadillac (which moves from 10th rank position in 2008 to third in 2009), Hyundai (jumping from 13th rank position in 2008 to 4th in 2009) and Honda (up from 7th in 2008 to 5th in 2009). Infiniti, second in last year's study, drops to 11th overall, while Suzuki posts the largest improvement in ranking, moving from 32nd place in 2008 to 9th in 2009. The complete J.D. Power press release and charts can be found after the jump and in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 J.D. Power IQS Results

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]

Continue reading Lexus leads, Hyundai improves, while Infiniti drops in J.D. Power 2009 Initial Quality Study

Lexus leads, Hyundai improves, while Infiniti drops in J.D. Power 2009 Initial Quality Study originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Under Fire: GM targeting metropolitan Cadillac dealers for closure?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Cadillac, GM

Cadillac is one of the core brands that will form the new General Motors, but the dealership network can't continue in its current guise, according to GM sales head Mark LaNeve. There are 1,422 Cadillac dealers nationwide, more than four times the number of Mercedes-Benz dealers and more than six times the number of Lexus dealers. That kind of saturation meant that in 2008, the average Cadillac dealership did one-sixth the business of a Mercedes dealer and one-tenth the business of a Lexus dealer.

To be fair, Cadillac has fewer cars on offer than Mercedes, BMW, or Lexus. Still, GM wants to gets its dealer volume numbers closer that of the competition - proportionally speaking - and that means more dealer closings. GM hasn't said how many, but to even get close to retail parity they'd be looking at many hundreds of closures, with many of them likely to be in metropolitan areas. Whenever those dealers are chosen, as with the others, they will be allowed to remain open until their franchise agreements on October 31, 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Under Fire: GM targeting metropolitan Cadillac dealers for closure? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Cadillac

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite recent products to the contrary, when much of America thinks "Cadillac," a lot of people still recall the land yachts of the '70s and '80s. Hoods and decks marginally shorter than your average aircraft carrier, and Sedan de Villes and Fleetwoods serving as hearses or transportation for those awaiting a ride in one. But something happened to Cadillac a few years back. After several failed attempts to compete with the Germans (Seville STS, Allante and Catera), General Motors began crafting a strategy to take on the luxury marques abroad. At the forefront of that movement is the Cadillac CTS and the pinnacle of their efforts is this, the CTS-V. To paraphrase and co-opt the grizzled Oldsmobile tag-line: "The 2009 CTS-V is not your grandfather's Cadillac." Not by a long shot.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Continue reading Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #129

Dan Roth — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Trends, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Etc., Tech, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #129 of the Autoblog Podcast is here! Chris, Sam, and Dan toss the ball around this week discussing the Lexus HS250h, the Toyota Prius's newfound chassis grace, the production version of the BMW 5-Series GT, Cadillac's sharp new SRX, and of course, a few questions. We even go back and update an answer to a question from last week. This installment clocks in just shy of an hour, so enjoy... and thanks for listening! As always, hit us up at Podcast at Autoblog dot com with any questions/comments/over-the-top praise! Thanks to reader/listener Dat for taking in the Podcast while at LeMons in Reno and sending us a pic!

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator... or listen to it right now!

Gallery: Autoblog Podcast at Reno LeMons

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #129

Autoblog Podcast #129 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: McNabb left GM premium post for Maserati position

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Cadillac, GM, HUMMER, Maserati, Saab

Mark McNabb loves a challenge. After working for General Motors for 13 months leading Cadillac, Hummer, and Saab, McNabb announced his resignation last week as of June 1. His destination, it turns out, is Maserati, where he'll replace former North American CEO Marti Eulberg, Who resigned last month after less than a year on the job.

At GM, McNabb ended up shepherding one of his brands and trying to sell the other two. At Maserati he'll have just one brand to lead and he'll be focused on selling its cars. Maserati sales have done their impression of a sinkhole, falling 48% worldwide and nearly 58% in America, taking revenue numbers with them. We find those numbers a little surprising, but perhaps the coming GranTurismo convertible will help things out. In the mean time, best of luck to you, Mr. McNabb.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: McNabb left GM premium post for Maserati position originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac SRX coming this summer, priced at $34,155

Michael Harley — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac

2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for our live reveal gallery

The second-generation 2010 Cadillac SRX will be rolling into showrooms later this summer with a base price of $34,155. Jumping into the crowded luxury crossover segment, Cadillac hopes to lure customers with the SRX's fuel efficient 3.0-liter direct injected V6, technical features, and versatility. Of course, they've thrown in a dose of Cadillac's "visual appeal and driving character," says Steve Shannon, executive director of marketing for Cadillac. "We believe the Cadillac SRX offers emotional appeal to a segment previously devoid of much of that," he added.

Joining the Cadillac SRX later in the summer will be the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. The Sport Wagon mirrors the CTS sedan in design and features, yet it offers nearly double the cargo space. The standard engine in the CTS Sport Wagon will be the same 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 as is found under the hood of the upcoming SRX. Check out the press release after the jump for more details.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac SRX Live

Continue reading Cadillac SRX coming this summer, priced at $34,155

Cadillac SRX coming this summer, priced at $34,155 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac/Hummer/Saab chief Mark McNabb resigns after just 13 months

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Cadillac, GM, HUMMER, Saab

Mark McNabb, the general marshaling the forces of General Motors' premium channel - Cadillac, Hummer, and Saab - is leaving the company in 10 days "to pursue other job opportunities."

Only 13 months into his stint, McNabb has presumably spent most of his time trying to figure out how to help his company get rid of two of his three brands, something that likely hasn't built much confidence for McNabb in terms of job security. In addition to uncertainty about what the future holds for the premium channel (Cadillac and GM itself), we suspect that the job's responsibilities are ultimately probably not what he he had in mind.

McNabb came to GM after a second stint at Nissan - he had actually been with both Nissan and Infiniti for 20 years, before he jumped off to join Mercedes-Benz in 2005 as head of marketing. After moving over to become head of Benz sales, he returned to Nissan the summer of 2007.

There is no official word yet on where McNabb is headed or who will be his permanant replacement, but in the meantime, Stephen J. Hill, currently the general sales manager of the premium channel, will take over in the interim. Said a Cadillac spokesman, there has been "a lot of positive change here" under McNabb, "and we have a lot of product in the pipeline and so we're well positioned for the future."

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: Cadillac/Hummer/Saab chief Mark McNabb resigns after just 13 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

Cadillac's V-Day stunt driving exhibition - Click above to watch the video

Although things are understandably more than bit somber in General Motors' U.S. operations as of late, over in China, the mood is a bit more upbeat. The evidence? Check out this CTS stunt-driving exhibition held last weekend on Shanghai's Formula One circuit.

According to GM's Cadillac Notes blog, some 19,000 fans gathered to watch the show and celebrate the arrival of the CTS-V in China last weekend - this, despite the heat (with temperatures at around 86°, it was reportedly the hottest May 9 in over a century).

In any case, the professional Hollywood stunt team delighted the masses, as did GM test engineer supremo John Heinricy, who (aside from apparently not being all-the-way retired), marked the occasion by setting a record in the CTS-V for the quickest-ever lap (2:32.80) of the course in a production sedan. Heck, even Spider-Man showed up! Check out the high-res hijinks in our below. Thanks for the tip, Scot!

UPDATE: YouTube video of V-Day added after the jump.

Gallery: Cadillac V-Day in Shanghai

[Sources: Cadillac Notes; YouTube]

Continue reading Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO]

Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced a suite of recalls for the Chevrolet Camaro, Traverse and various body-on-frame SUVs and pickups (Cadillac's Escalade, Chevrolet's Avalanche, Colorado, Suburban and Tahoe, along with GMC's Canyon and Yukon).

The Camaro recall has been discussed before, but now we have the official language and affected unit numbers to share with you. The recall of 1,243 Camaros is due to the possibility of the positive battery cable rubbing against the starter motor housing. When the insulation is worn through because of that chafing, the system can short out and the car won't start (or continue running if the motor is already going). Dealers will reroute the positive cable to fix.

15,393 2009 model-year Traverse crossovers are being recalled for a parking brake cable link that is not to federal specifications. According to the official press release, the parking brake pedal may cause the cable link to snap. Dealers will replace the cable link connector for free. Oddly, the recall does not make mention of GM's other Lambda-based three-row crossovers, which include the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook.

Finally, 27,189 GM SUVs and pickups are being recalled due to potential faults with their fuel system control modules. The modules might have a seal problem that allows water in, which could then cause a short- or open- circuit, a development that could potentially trigger a host of warning lights or render the vehicle inoperable. Dealers will install a new fuel system control module unit at no cost. You can read all of the notices after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA - Camaro, Traverse, GMT900]

Continue reading GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues

GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZR1 Sedan: Hennessey releases 600-800 hp packages for 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 May 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Supercars, Cadillac

Hennessey Performance 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As far as we can tell, John Hennessey and his crew have somehow warped time and space to create the 36-hour workday. With all the products the Texas-based tuner is coming out with, there's no other explanation. So in addition to creating the 705-hp Corvette ZR700, 715-hp GTR700 and a duo of force-fed Camaros, Hennessey has decided to tackle the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - and in the process created a four-door ZR1.

The team is releasing four complete packages for Caddy's M5-fighter, ranging from a 610 hp version all the way to a twin-turbocharged 800 hp variant. You can check out each package, including horsepower, torque, mods and performance times, along with corresponding videos, after the jump. And we've also got a gallery of the fire-breathing CTS-V below.

Gallery: Hennessey Performance 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading ZR1 Sedan: Hennessey releases 600-800 hp packages for 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

ZR1 Sedan: Hennessey releases 600-800 hp packages for 2009 Cadillac CTS-V originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Trucks/Pickups, Cadillac, GM, GMC, Australia

Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With Pontiac's death official, Holden stands to lose around $1 billion annually with the demise of the Pontiac G8. However, Holden doesn't plan to go quiet into night. The Aussie automaker has drawn up plans to offer the rear-wheel drive Commodore platform to Cadillac and GMC.

Although GM's CEO, Fritz Henderson, has confirmed that the G8 won't live on, there's a chance it could be used by law enforcement in the States, and with Cadillac's recent attempts to inject more RWD models into the mix (save the Epsilon II-based sub-CTS), the Zeta architecture could be used for a new line of Caddies.

More interestingly, with GMC safe - for now - from sharing a grave with Pontiac (not to mention the inevitable liquidation of Hummer, Saab and Saturn), Holden could make a case for importing the stillborn G8 ST 'ute to the U.S. as a fuel-efficient alternative to GMC's otherwise big and thirsty pick-ups. Where there's a niche, GM normally likes to fill it, and while the case for the Zeta-based Cadillacs could be made -- particularly as GM seeks to downsize the platform to aid its survival -- the G8 ST's revival seems far less plausible.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

[Source: GoAuto]

REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac to base new sub-CTS on front-drive Epsilon II platform

Noah Joseph — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac

2008 Cadillac BLS Wagon - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just a year ago, the future of Cadillac's line-up looked pretty bright. By 2010, the CTS would spawn coupe and wagon versions, the "super-Theta" platform SRX would replace its Sigma-based predecessor, the Escalade would get a Lambda-based replacement and the Converj would come to market. Cadillac was also tipped to launch a new small sedan to slot in below the CTS using the new rear-drive Alpha platform, plus a new larger sedan to replace the aging DTS and STS models. However while the CTS derivatives, the new SRX, Escalade and Converj are all still in the works, drastic cutbacks at GM have meant the Alpha and DTS/STS successor have been canned. In their place, the next-gen. CTS is expected to grow larger, while a new front/all-wheel-drive sports sedan is now tipped to enter into the mix.

In order to make the Alpha compact rear-drive platform feasible, GM would have needed to spread development costs across several of its divisions, but many of those brands - chiefly Pontiac and Saturn - are now facing the axe, while its European assets Saab and Opel are on their way out the door. So what is a downsized GM planning for Cadillac instead? Using the next-generation Epsilon II platform, the replacement for the European-market BLS is tipped to come home to roost, positioned between the new Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac CTS. With its advanced turbo-diesel programs also on hold, the General realizes it lacks the resources to produce a serious contender for the European market, so expect a decidedly more American approach when the new small Caddy hits the market late in 2011 as a 2012 model with a price tag of around $35,000.

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Cadillac to base new sub-CTS on front-drive Epsilon II platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #123

Dan Roth — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Hybrids/Alternative, Etc., Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, LLC., GM, Toyota, FIAT, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

What better way to kick off your weekend than a new podcast, full of incisive commentary and rapier wit, delivered by well informed, articulate experts? Instead, we bring you Episode #123 of the Autoblog Podcast. Chris, Sam, and Dan hash it out for this installment, covering such gems as the Toyota's expectations for the new Prius, Bill Gates and his fantastical patent and the Fiat/Chrysler deal, as well as other assorted gems as the conversation rambles. Friday's the perfect day for 70 minutes of the Autoblog Podcast's dulcet tones, so enjoy, and thanks for listening! Drop us a line at podcast at autoblog dot com, and hit our Twitter feed, too.

Follow the jump to subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, add the show to your RSS aggregator or listen to it right now!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #123

Autoblog Podcast #123 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors reportedly approves Cadillac Converj for production *UPDATE

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Cadillac, GM

Cadillac Converj - Click above for a high-res image gallery

At the Detroit Auto Show in January, General Motors surprised the crowd with a concept coupe called the Cadillac Converj. Built on the same Voltec platform as the Chevrolet Volt, the Converj was seen as a way for GM to leverage the pricey ER-EV drivetrain in a vehicle that could sell at a premium price, recovering some of the development costs. According to Motor Trend, the Converj has been given the green light for production in 2011, a year after the Volt launches. When we talked to GM's Bob Kruse at the Detroit show, he indicated a production Converj would likely use the same powertrain as the Volt, although it could have different calibrations to allow somewhat higher performance than the Chevrolet.

If the Converj does move forward, the proportions might have to change in order to use the same under-structure as the Volt. However, the larger stumbling block to building the Converj is money - or a lack thereof. Unless some kind of deal is struck between the Treasury and Energy Departments to allows GM to tap into ATVM loans, there won't be enough cash in GM's coffers to build the Converj.

*UPDATE: GM spokesman David Darovitz has just told us: "The status of the Cadillac Converj concept has not changed - it's still a concept vehicle undergoing a review that has not yet concluded. "

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

[Source: Motor Trend]

General Motors reportedly approves Cadillac Converj for production *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac pinning its hopes on 'sub-CTS' model and new flagship sedan

Chris Shunk — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill

Cadillac Converj Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

Cadillac has a legitimate contender on its hands with the CTS. The luxury sedan is selling pretty well considering the down market, and it will soon be joined by wagon and coupe variants in the not too distant future. Beyond the CTS, though, Cadillac's car offerings have been less successful.

According to The Detroit Bureau, Cadillac is hoping to improve its standing by bookending the CTS with a smaller BMW 3-Series fighter and an all-new flagship. The website quotes Cadillac Marketing Chief Steve Shannon as saying that a sub-CTS is 24-30 months away. Cadillac designers are evidently working on sedan, hatchback, wagon, and convertible variants, although it is unclear what markets would receive what variants. Shannon believes the small Caddy could be the global sales leader for Cadillac, and diesel powerplants may be available at home and abroad. The question remains whether the sub-CTS would come in the form of the RWD Alpha platform GM is rumored to be working on, or a FWD platform in the mold of the Converj concept from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

For a while now, rumors have swirled that Cadillac would fold its slow-selling STS and long-serving DTS models into one new successor. The top-line Cadillac has always been too close in size to the CTS (which is itself larger than most of its cross-shops), and sales never really took off for either - at least outside of the livery market. GM is reportedly looking to change that with a new model that will better differentiate itself from the CTS in terms of size, price, amenities, and style. We've been hearing about a new replacement for some time, with most talk surrounding whether or not the project is on hold. Though the replacement sedan would be larger than the STS, Shannon insists that fuel economy would be a top priority considering the ever-tightening standards worldwide.

The real question for Cadillac is whether or not GM will be able to afford the new models. If the General goes into bankruptcy, nobody really knows what stands to get cut. Shannon optimistically says that GM's brand bloodletting could work in Cadillac's favor, though. With fewer brands to feed, GM's luxury division could finally get the attention it so richly deserves.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Cadillac pinning its hopes on 'sub-CTS' model and new flagship sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac, First Drive

2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for a high-res gallery

Cadillac invited a handful of local media to its Milford, MI proving grounds for an early "preview" drive of the second-generation SRX crossover. The first official media launch won't happen until late May, just ahead of the mid-summer on-sale date, but GM wanted to provide a sneak peak at the chassis and hardware underpinning the new SRX. Contrary to popular opinion, the SRX and the Saab 9-4X aren't built atop the Theta platform used for the Saturn Vue and Chevy Equinox. Both vehicles uses a mix of Theta pieces, bits from the Epsilon II platform and a host of new components to create a new premium crossover architecture.

Unfortunately, Michigan weather just didn't want to cooperate with the SRX. After an early event was cancelled due to unseasonably warm weather in February, GM decided to let us loose on a 50-mile local road loop to show off the SRX's new chassis control and vehicle dynamic systems. Read on to find out how it fared.

Gallery: Preview Drive: Cadillac SRX

Continue reading Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX

Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac pulling out of half of Europe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Euro, Cadillac, Chevrolet, HUMMER

It's going to be hard for Cadillac to live up to its longtime billing as "The Standard of the World" if the brand isn't available in much of it. Despite this, General Motors has decided to pull Cadillac from nearly half of the 25 European markets (not including the U.K. or Russia) in which it currently sells. Along with Cadillac, the HUMMER and Corvette brands will also be affected.

The problem isn't directly GM's fault, as the automaker relies on a Dutch-based third-party company called Kroymans Import Europe to distribute these brands across the Atlantic. Due to slow sales caused by the global economic downturn, Kroymans has found itself with an "acute liquidity shortage." In other words, it's out of money.

GM and Kroymans are currently working on a new distribution deal, but in the meantime, a court has appointed an independent administrator to take possession of the 3,500 unsold vehicles currently sitting on Kroyman's 165 European dealerships.

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

REPORT: Cadillac pulling out of half of Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS Coupe spotted undisguised

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Cadillac

The coming Cadillac CTS Coupe has been photographed almost naked, and as with the new Camaro, it is remarkably true to the concept. While this version in white is said to be a vanilla V6 sample, the CTS Coupe should be hot enough to effectively replace the outgoing XLR as the Caddy with the mostest when it's given some wheels large enough to match the body's presence. As for the timeline, the Coupe remains on schedule to arrive next year, preceded by the CTS Sportwagon, which will arrive this June. Hat tip to Matthew!

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]

Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS Coupe spotted undisguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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