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If you're a big fan of the current Cadillac SRX, you'll be happy to know that the name will soldier on past 2010 when Cadillac's first CUV is replaced by the production version of the Provoq concept, which is often referred to as the BRX. Inside Line is reporting that GM execs decided the SRX name has enough cache with customers to continue using it instead of the rumored BRX. While the name will stay the same, the vehicle will be entirely new with a FWD platform shared with Saab that replaces the current RWD Sigma one that also underpins the CTS and STS. Engines are rumored to be a base 2.8L V6 and and the direct-inject 3.6L powerplant tuned to around 300 ponies. The new platform will also give GM the opportunity to use technology like its plug-in two-mode system in future Cadillacs without re-engineering it from the ground up.

[Source: Inside Line]

For eons, the image of a Cadillac ingrained into our minds was that of an XL cruiser wafting down the highway consuming asphalt and small rodents without complaint. That perspective is set to change, as Cadillac plans to drop the slow-selling STS and DTS models, and instead focus its efforts on creating another CUV, a new mid-sized sedan and an entry-level RWD offering.

The plans to redesign the SRX crossover have been nixed due to poor sales, and in its place a new V6-powered, five-passenger CUV, likely to be dubbed the BRX, will go on sale in 2009. More importantly, Cadillac plans to focus its sporting credentials by expanding the CTS lineup to include both a wagon and a coupe, all in an effort to sway consumers interested in the segment-leading BMW 3-series.

Going after the Bavarian boys won't be easy, so in addition to the expansion of the CTS line, Cadillac's replacement for the STS and DTS will take aim at the BMW 5-series, with a high-performance RWD sedan. That, coupled with a proposed entry-level sedan will round out the new Cadillac lineup.

Although the Automotive News article doesn't cite a timeframe for this somewhat radical proposal, we'd expect to see some of Cadillac's new wares popping up in quick order, beginning in Detroit next year.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

What the automotive press unanimously agrees upon is that Cadillac will be building a small crossover by 2009. Inside Line reports that the soft-roader, referred to as the BRX, will be based on the Theta platform underpinning the Chevy Equinox and feature a four-cylinder engine and sub-$30k price tag. Automotive News, however, reports that the BLX will mix Theta and Epsilon 2 architectures so that the BLX can accommodate a larger V6 up front. We'd go with Automotive News on this one as we find it dubious to think Cadillac would not offer a V6 option on a $30k ute, especially considering it can offer cylinder-deactivation on a V6 now to keep fuel economy in check. Sure, some automakers are getting away with equipping their CUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines in lieu of larger six-cylinder units, but GM has no such high-tech powerplant to offer.

The on again, off again decision to import the European-only BLS sedan based on the Saab 9-3 appears to be, well... on again and off again. Inside Line again reports the next generation BLS will be here in late 2009 and be built on U.S. soil rather than in Trollhattan, Sweden where the current car is assembled. Automotive News again disagrees, saying the "baby Cadillac" would be too close in price to the larger CTS. Time to flip sides and stand with Inside Line on the BLS rumors. The CTS is going to get larger and more expensivenext year, which leaves plenty of space for a small front- and all-wheel drive sedan in Caddy's lineup.

What we do know is that Cadillac has fresh product in the pipeline to address the entry-level end of the market. With this shift down market you can probably kiss the rumored super sedan based on the Sixteen concept goodbye, and the brand's V12 engine that's been tested in the Escalade is back on the shelf.

[Source: Inside Line, Automotive News]