Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Cadillac gets green light for smaller, RWD sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/report-cadillac-gets-green-light-for-smaller-rwd-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/report-cadillac-gets-green-light-for-smaller-rwd-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/report-cadillac-gets-green-light-for-smaller-rwd-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Despite being priced to compete with the smaller BMW 3 Series sedan, the Cadillac CTS is as large as the German marque's 5 Series. Similarly, the STS competes with the 5 Series in pricing but matches the top-level 7 Series in size. Rumors of a smaller Caddy to zig alongside the benchmark 3 Series in size have been running rampant for over a year and now we hear the sedan may have finally been green-lighted. Expect the new entry-level Cadillac to be built atop GM's upcoming rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform. We have had nothing but good things to say about the latest Cadillac CTS, so we naturally have high hopes for the new, smaller Caddy sedan, which could also sprout a coupe and a convertible. To this point, GM has never quite hit the sweet spot with the premium division's smallest offering in Europe, the Saab 9-3-based BLS, and we are anxious to see how the new Alpha Dog can compete. Thanks for the tip, Rob!

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Cadillac gets green light for smaller, RWD sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha platformAlphaPlatformcadillaccadillac alphacadillac blscadillac ctsCadillacAlphaCadillacBlsCadillacCtsentry level cadillacEntryLevelCadillacgm alphaGmAlphasmall cadillacSmallCadillacMon, 15 Sep 2008 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/alpha-rwd-platform-set-to-invade-gm-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/alpha-rwd-platform-set-to-invade-gm-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/alpha-rwd-platform-set-to-invade-gm-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Citing suppliers and loose-lipped employees of General Motors as its source, Inside Line has learned that the rear-wheel drive Alpha platform will be making a big splash in the automaker's product portfolio soon. The Alpha will reportedly underpin a successor to the Pontiac G6 set to arrive in late 2010. Such a vehicle would do much to enhance Pontiac's unsubstaniated claim to build excitement, and would also augment the upcoming Zeta-based, rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan nicely. After that, the Alpha will take up residence beneath the next-generation Cadillac BLS sedan that's currently sold only in Europe. Once it makes the switch, IL expects the BLS to cross the Atlantic and slot in below the CTS in Cadillac's North American lineup. Next up would be a new rear-wheel-drive Alpha-based sedan for Saturn that would be positioned below the front-wheel drive Aura and above the Astra.

The Alpha infusion would occur in GM's lineup just as the aged front-wheel-drive W-body platform is phased out and replaced by the Epsilon II platform. The W-based Buick LaCrosse will make way for an Epsilon II successor that revives the Regal name, while the next-gen Malibu and Aura will move over to the new platform, as well. The Malibu may also be offered in a long-wheelbase version to appease current Impala customers who will still need a large, front-wheel-drive sedan once that car jumps to the rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform.

Regardless of whether any of these plans actually happen (nothing's written in stone in this business), it's clear that GM's push to globalize its platforms is on track.

[Source: Inside Line]

Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlphaAlpha platformAlphaPlatformCadillac BLSCadillacBlsChevy MalibuChevyMalibupontiac g6PontiacG6Saturn AuraSaturnAuraFri, 01 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST