Autoblog

REPORT: Cadillac CTS Coupe won't spawn convertible variant

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're nostalgic, the first car that may come to mind when you think about a droptop Cadillac is the old tail-finned Fifties Eldorado. A pink one especially. But since then, the American luxury marque hasn't had a whole lot of convertibles. There was the Pininfarina-styled Allante and the recently discontinued XLR, both roadsters, but if you think the General's luxury division is eager to get back into the open-air business, think again, as new reports indicate that there are no such plans on the horizon.

At least not based on the CTS, anyway. The series has spawned a sedan - including the all-conquering CTS-V - a wagon and even a coupe, but the guys over at Inside Line say they've got the inside line that no convertible version of one of Cadillac's most prolific models is in the works. Which is a bit of a shame, when you think about it. But you never know what's coming around the corner...

Gallery: Live: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Cadillac CTS Coupe won't spawn convertible variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

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

May the best car win. So says General Motors' Bob Lutz, and he's willing to put his Pilotis where his mouth is... so to speak. On a conference call last month, Maximum Bob challenged any journalist to a duel with the Cadillac CTS-V, and, not surprisingly, the mantle was picked up right quick by the boys at Jalopnik.

Rules? Sorta. Any stock production four-door sedan is reportedly eligible to go up against the Big V, and the drivers will be lining up against the clock on October 29 at the Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, N.Y. While Jalop's Wes Siler was originally slated to go up against Lutz in a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, that car has since been switched out in favor of the Jaguar XFR (earning the ire of TTAC in the process).

Here's the best part: Anyone who happens to own a new comparable sport sedan, such as a BMW M3 or M5, perhaps a Mercedes-Benz AMG sedan or the Audi S4 (not to mention the Mitsubishi Evolution), is welcome to submit themselves for consideration to take part in the festivities in New York. We're not sure how the participants will be selected or exactly what the racing will entail, but if you're interested in throwing your hat into the ring, click here. For what it's worth, we've driven the CTS-V around Monticello, and we figure the smart money is on the Daddy Caddy.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: CTS-V Challenge]

CTS-V Challenge opened up to any would-be Caddy killers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: Cadillac CTS-V coupe spotted again, so close... yet so far

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac

It hasn't been a secret for a long time that Cadillac is prepping a high performance V edition of its upcoming CTS coupe. It's also no secret that we're big fans of the CTS-V in the virtual Autoblog office. And yet Cadillac continues to tease us by putting camo on the nose and fanny of its two-door CTS-V prototypes. Why must they mock us?

The nose of the V coupe is pretty clearly visible in these images and is essentially much the same as we've already seen on the sedan down to its mesh grille.

Out back, it appears the coupe will carry the center mount exhaust pipes from the concept coupe of January 2008. However, the V gets big round pipes in place of the shield shaped unit on the concept. Mechanically we don't expect any significant changes from the sedan and frankly, that's just ducky with us.

[Source: LLN]

Spy shots: Cadillac CTS-V coupe spotted again, so close... yet so far originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More fodder for the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon rumormill

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac

The rumormill is going full-tilt with word that General Motors is about to get really serious about the "sport" in its Cadillac CTS Sportwagon. Here at Autoblog HQ, we certainly hope it's all true. After all, it's hard not to appreciate the current CTS-V, its mind-blowing supercharged LSA V8, and all the tire-immolating brawn it brings to the party. We also respect the extra dash of utility that comes with a touring or shooting brake body style, as exemplified with the Sportwagon.

In the wake of the published reports from our friends at Inside Line and Straightline, one of our readers sent us a copy of what he claims to be an email exchange between himself and GM's Bob Lutz. Reader Bob emailed Lutz, telling him that if General Motors offered a CTS-V wagon with a manual gearbox, he would buy one. Lutz reportedly responded with:

"Since we do market the V with a 6-speed manual, and since a V-wagon is in the plan, we'll be selling you a car in one year!"

We called Cadillac spokesperson David Caldwell, presented him with the alleged Lutz email conversation, and asked him if the V-Series wagon is indeed officially a go. His reply?

"No, there's not been an 'official' or announced change in the status of this car. It's certainly a car we're thinking of, and one we know how to do. I can't really speak to what's inside your reader's email account. I don't doubt him....nor would I doubt Bob Lutz. "

So, officially (and unsurprisingly), there's no confirmation one way or the other from Cadillac. Another source within GM tells us there are at least two CTS-V wagons (one manual, one automatic) currently undergoing verification testing at General Motors. Given that the wagon was created mainly for the European market, and that the Europeans embrace performance models such as the Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon, it would certainly make sense to build a giant-slaying CTS-V Sportwagon. Even if Cadillac doesn't officially offer it to Americans, it's only a matter of time before someone in the aftermarket creates one from the parts bin.

More fodder for the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon rumormill originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon eats up cargo, swallows open road

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac, GM, Reviews, Luxury

2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

In Europe, the humble station wagon holds a big-time slice of the family driver demographic, partly because ridiculous petrol prices make big SUVs and crossovers far too uneconomical. Americans, on the other hand, have a fundamental problem with the station wagon. We're not sure if the wagon is uncool because it was our parents' preferred family vehicle or if the aesthetics of it are just too boxy for our fashion forward culture. The only subset of the American public who has consistently called for more wagons are automotive enthusiasts, though even we seldom seem to vote for the Griswald Family Truckster with our pocketbooks.

Cadillac is all too aware of America's disdain for the wagon, as evidenced by the fact that General Motors' luxury brand has never built a squat two box for the U.S. market. That changes for 2010 as the Wreath and Crest begins production of its 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon. This Caddy begins life with hot-to-trot sheetmetal and the underpinnings of the excellent CTS sedan, but does it have the chutzpah to change our less than flattering opinions about the station wagon? We gave the CTS Sportwagon some time in the Autoblog Garage to see if the first-ever U.S.-market Caddy wagon has the goods to make Americans stop their loathing and get to loading. Click on the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon

Continue reading Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon eats up cargo, swallows open road

Review: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon eats up cargo, swallows open road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:58:00 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: Sedan, 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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Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS Coupe spotted undisguised

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

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, 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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Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedan, Performance, Technology, Cadillac

Perhaps as part of a thoughtful move to combine two of the major aspects of the Autoblog lifestyle, Cadillac has just announced that it will offer full WiFi access in its CTS sport sedan beginning next month.

The dealer-installed option will cost $499, and Cadillac says the Autonet Mobile system will effectively turn the CTS into a 3G hotspot with speeds of up to 800Kbps. Naturally, there's a monthly charge associated with the service, but $29 a month for a stylish, leather-lined mobile command center doesn't strike us as too bad of a deal, especially when the WiFi is capable of handling multiple devices simultaneously. No word yet on whether existing CTS owners can retrofit their cars, but considering this is a dealer-installed add-on, we imagine it's possible. If not, there's always the aftermarket.

Now, if we could only get Cadillac to consider fitting a Nespresso machine, we'd have all the tools of the trade!

Continue reading Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list

Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM reveals production Cadillac CTS Coupe in Viability Plan

Drew Phillips — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:48:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a high-res photo of the production Cadillac CTS Coupe

Earlier today, General Motors presented its Viability Plan to the U.S. Treasury Department, outlining how GM plans to restructure, what it needs to turn around the company and how it plans to spend our tax dollars. If you took the time to look through the 117 page document (we're guessing not many), you might have caught a few interesting peaks into GM's future, including the first photo of the production Cadillac CTS Coupe. Prior to this, we've only been able to speculate on the final form from the various spy photos we've seen and the concept unveiled last year. The document also gives a few other details, including that production will start in 2010 and that at least one powertrain combination will be the 3.6L V6 mated to a six-speed automatic.

Along with the CTS Coupe, the Viability Plan provides a look at GM's medium and long term plans. According to the document, a dry, dual-clutch transmission, a new range of four-cylinder gas engines, and additional extended range vehicles such as the Opel Ampera and Cadillac Converj are in the works for 2012, while a fuel cell and third generation hybrid system are planned for 2015. More details can be found on page 22 of the GM Viability Plan.

[Source: GM]

GM reveals production Cadillac CTS Coupe in Viability Plan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNET announces nominees for Tech Car of the Year

Chris Tutor — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, BMW, Cadillac, Dodge, Infiniti, Lincoln, Nissan

About this time last year, Cadillac's CTS added CNET's Tech Car of the Year to its increasingly crowded trophy case. Its entertainment system's recording capability was one of the things that impressed us, and, presumably, the voters. This year, CNET asks its readers to choose between three imports and two domestics, none of which are Cadillacs.

BMW's M3 Convertible DCT gets a spot on the ballot with its dual-clutch transmission. We wonder if the car's recent recall for transmission problems will affect its standing. The Nissan GT-R shows up again, as you might expect with its cabin full of g-whiz electronics, from the in-dash performance computer to the quick-loading navigation. Lincoln makes the list for its THX-equipped MKS and Infiniti's EX35 Journey gets recognized for its lane-departure warning system and park-assist cameras.

The biggest surprise, though, is the Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie. The pachyderm-sized pickup impressed the CNET judges with its UConnect multimedia system which includes a 30GB hard drive, Bluetooth hands-free system, SIRIUS TV and rear seat DVD player.

The winner will be announced the second week of January to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas.

[Source: CNET]

CNET announces nominees for Tech Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon beauty shots

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac

Click for a hi-res gallery of the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Few icons are as synonymous with the American automobile as Cadillac and the station wagon, so it may come as a surprise that Cadillac has never officially offered a station wagon to American customers in its 106-year long history. Sure, there was the SRX crossover that came rather close, and the enormous Escalade SUV, as well. Cadillac even offers the BLS as a wagon, but that's only for overseas customers. Depending on which way you look at it, the new Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon may not be it either. Even with its edgy styling, the extended-roof CTS blurs the line between wagon and hatchback.

The initial trio of CTS Sport Wagon shots released last month may not have shown the new Caddy's best side, but Cadillac has now put out a whole slew of new images which, in our opinion at least, better portray the sharp lines we took in at Pebble Beach and are sure to catch people's attention in mall parking lots and soccer fields of America after it goes on sale here next spring. Check out the new images in the gallery below, and our live shots from Monterey in the gallery below that to see for yourself.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Gallery: Monterey 2008: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon - Live Reveal

[Source: Cadillac]

Pics Aplenty: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon beauty shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac gets green light for smaller, RWD sedan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Cadillac, Rumormill

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.

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From the 'duh' files: Cadillac considering supercharged CTS-V Sport Wagon

Dan Roth — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Europe, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Put your checkbook away. As desirable as a CTS wagon in hot-rod V trim is, it's not here yet. The CTS Sport Wagon was developed as a way to offer the European market a configuration that's sure to sell, and it's headed to North America by the end of next year. When the Caddy wagon finally gets here, it will have the excellent 3.6-liter V6 providing power. Wagons aren't great sellers here, though, so the CTS Sport Wagon will likely be a niche model, dashing most of our hope that Cadillac will put its hottest powertrain in the two-box car just like BMW, Mercedes and Audi do.

The hardware port would be mostly a snap. The supercharged V8 is ready to go and the CTS-V has been developed around that engine, so there's suspension and drivetrain parts already on the shelf, and the V has already set the style direction for bodywork tweaks. While we won't be holding our breath for a CTS-V Sport Wagon that can rip off 12-second quarters while hauling 120 cubic feet of stuff, Cadillac's David Caldwell points out that the pre-existing hardware would make it "a relatively easy add." A high price - though still less than the German SuperWagens - wouldn't help the sales case, and really, there's only like ten of us wagon freaks, anyway. It probably won't happen, but it could, and it would be quite a welcome respite from those high-CG truck-lookin' things.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

[Source: Inside Line]

From the 'duh' files: Cadillac considering supercharged CTS-V Sport Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Duh: Cadillac shelves that whole V12 thing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, I.C.E., Cadillac

750-hp 7.5-liter V12 from the Cadillac Cien concept

Here's a shocker: Cadillac has reportedly canceled plans for a range-topping V12 engine. Really, you don't say? Last we checked, General Motors didn't seem to have any problems extracting plenty of performance from its 6.2-liter supercharged and 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engines, and the majority of the development work has already been done for a Caddy installation. Additionally, we've heard some rumors of a possible twin-turbo version of GM's excellent 3.6-liter direct injection six, which could find a cozy spot under the hood of the next Cadillac sedan.

Cadillac is also said to be reconsidering its premium large sedan, where the V12 was originally intended to reside. In its stead, GM's classiest division will focus in on the replacement for the STS and DTS sedans. Also rumored is a new naming convention, as if the waters weren't already murky enough. Will the next Caddy sedan be known as the DT7? We sure hope not. Will it be based on the new Zeta platform? Well now... that decision would get our seal of approval.

[Source: Inside Line]

Duh: Cadillac shelves that whole V12 thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2008: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon revealed LIVE

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Cadillac trotted out the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon here in Monterey and after seeing it in person, we're fans. It's edgy, smooth, finned (the roof rails) and sleek all in the right proportions. And for the States-siders, the 263 hp V6 will allow the wagon to hold its own off the line. While there's plenty of room in the back (note: it is a sport wagon) the car itself is quite compact. A 6'4" colleague couldn't fit in the front seat without bumping his head on the panoramic roof. And for folks at about the 6'0" mark, things get really cozy in the back seat. But you didn't buy a wagon because you wanted a full-sized sedan, did you? If you're in the wagon market, check it out when it comes to a dealer near you.

We've assembled two high-res galleries below and two videos after the jump of Cadillac design and product directors discussing the design of the CTS Sport Wagon.

Gallery: Monterey 2008: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Continue reading Monterey 2008: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon revealed LIVE

Monterey 2008: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon revealed LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2008: Cadillac unveils 2010 CTS Sport Wagon

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res gallery of the Cadillac Sport Wagon

Please note the spelling, this a Cadillac and not a VW, therefore it's "Sport Wagon" rather than "SportWagen". What we have here is the result of a fission reaction on the Cadillac SRX. Seeing that the current "neither fish nor fowl" SRX crossover wasn't cutting it in the marketplace, General Motors' "Art and Science" brand has split its only CUV into two distinct vehicles. The old SRX was based on the CTS' Sigma platform but looked too car-like to be considered an SUV. At the same time it rode too high to be a car. Buyers who might have liked the wagon utility of the old SRX but are enamored with the style of the new CTS can now opt for the CTS Sport Wagon.

The Sport Wagon takes the largely acclaimed styling of the CTS and adds a rear hatch allowing much more stuff to be carried. The design team led by Clay Dean has done more than just graft a longer roof onto the sedan. They extended the roof-line back and the tail-lights up to the roof, as well as adding hidden rails in the roof line. The V shape of the grille is also replicated in the contours of the tailgate. The wagon ends up with 25 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the seats. Cadillac expects about 60 percent of CTS sales in Europe will be the wagon while only 20 percent of Americans will opt for the new body style when it goes on sale in the spring of 2009.

Gallery: 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Monterey 2008: Cadillac unveils 2010 CTS Sport Wagon

Monterey 2008: Cadillac unveils 2010 CTS Sport Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS coupe caught with minimal camo

John Neff — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Cadillac

Click above for new high-res gallery of Cadillac CTS Coupe spy shots

Past spy shots of the upcoming Cadillac CTS Coupe have shown the prototype wearing baggy pants on its butt that obscured exactly how much of the CTS Coupe Concept's rotund rear end would make it to production. These new shots from KGP Photography, however, show a prototype that's wearing only a form fitting body suit of checkered tape. They reveal that the overall shape of the CTS Coupe's hindquarters will neatly mimic the concept car, though small details have been changed for production purposes. The mesh vents that flanked the center exhaust tips on the concept have been replaced with red reflectors, for instance, and the license plate housing has been reshaped to accept plates from the U.S. or Europe and is now topped by a bigger strip of chrome. Another notable difference is the addition of a true B-pillar where the concept had nothing but glass. Still, the car is largely the same as the one we saw rotating on a stand in Detroit last January and will serve to fill out the CTS lineup along with a sport wagon that should be arriving shortly. Check out all the new spy shots in our gallery below, and pardon the bluriness in some shots as the photographers tell us they were taken through light fog from over a half mile away.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe - spy shots II

[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS coupe caught with minimal camo

Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS coupe caught with minimal camo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lansing reportedly set to manufacture Cadillac CTS coupe

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac CTS coupe.

News of facility closings and truck and SUV production cuts have been very sobering to GM's plant towns and the union workforce. While GM's live press conference was bad news for many, the General's Lansing Grand River plant had plenty of reason to smile. The facility received word that the CTS Coupe and Sport Wagon were green-lighted for production, giving the plant more variations of the strong-selling CTS. The two-door CTS should provide Cadillac a shot in the arm here in the States, but the Sport Wagon could be a wild card. The sporty family hauler will likely sell well in the wagon-loving Euro market, while also giving US buyers a fashionable alternative to the SUV. The CTS will supposedly receive a 2.9L turbo-diesel powerplant, which will give Cadillac a stronger presence overseas, while giving shoppers States an oil-burning alternative.

One potential downer for the plant is that the SRX will be moving to a front drive platform, meaning that production could potentially move to another plant. The SRX never sold in high volumes and it didn't have a market overseas. The CTS Sport Wagon will arrive in the spring, with the CTS Coupe following during the summer.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Wagon - spy shots

[Source: Lansing State Journal]

Lansing reportedly set to manufacture Cadillac CTS coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #96

Dan Roth — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Truck, Wagon, Crossover, Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Mercury, Saab

For three weeks in a row, now, we've brought you a new Autoblog Podcast courtesy of the B-Team. Here's episode #96 of the Autoblog Podcast, where Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth kibbitz over some morsels of recent news. There's the requisite trip to the Autoblog Garage to start things off, then we move into actual discussion points like the CTS Wagon, a gasp of life on the Ford Ranger front, the massive confusion around Cerberus and Chrysler, and Hyundai's nose-thumbing at Toyota's hybrid technology. Remember to send in questions, comments, and suggestions for ways to mark the passing of upcoming episode #100 to podcast at autoblog dawt com. See you next week!

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Autoblog Podcast #96 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DOA: Droptop CTS Coupe

Dan Roth — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Cadillac, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

We're all fidgety waiting for the arrival of the Cadillac CTS coupe, but GM has already axed a potentially popular variant of the two door entry-Caddy. Despite indications that GM's turnaround plan is making headway, resources still need to be allocated carefully, so we're guessing that an alfresco CTS Coupe didn't make a good enough business case to justify the cost to bring it to market. While it certainly cost GM money to make the CTS a two-door, significant investment would have been necessary to engineer and fine-tune the reported retractable hardtop the convertible would have gotten. Convertible buyers are often a little different than hardcore coupe purchasers, opening up another sales niche. GM also misses out on another challenge to BMW, which offers a Skyliner-ized 3-series. If there's enough clamor for a convertible CTS Coupe, GM may eventually commit to it as Cadillac takes aim at BMW with it's awesomeized CTS.

[Source: Inside Line, Photo: Inside Line]

DOA: Droptop CTS Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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