Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cadillac developing soft-top convertible to fit between ATS and CTS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/cadillac-developing-soft-top-convertible-to-fit-between-ats-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/cadillac-developing-soft-top-convertible-to-fit-between-ats-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/cadillac-developing-soft-top-convertible-to-fit-between-ats-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cadillac Emblem

Cadillac may be having thoughts of jumping back into the convertible game. Recent history hasn't been kind to drop heads with a Wreath and Crest in the grille, but rumors kicking up on the web say that the automaker is planning to unveil a new convertible based on the company's Alpha platform.

Car and Driver reports that the vehicle will slot between the upcoming ATS and the next-generation CTS and that it will borrow very little sheetmetal from either of its siblings. Buyers can expect to find a folding soft top instead of the heavier retractable hard top favored by some competitors.

What's under the hood? Nothing's set in stone at the moment, though we'd guess any number of six or eight-cylinder options could pop up behind the headlights. Given that the model isn't set to debut until 2014, General Motors may get really wild and shove a turbocharged four-cylinder into the engine bay.

Regardless of powerplant options, the topless Cadillac will likely find itself squaring off against the Audi A5 Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet when it touches down. Stay tuned for more information, if and when it comes.

[Source: Car and Driver | Image: Zach Bowman / AOL]

Cadillac developing soft-top convertible to fit between ATS and CTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha platformatscadillaccadillac convertibleconvertiblectsThu, 28 Apr 2011 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19927097/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/28/cadillac-developing-soft-top-convertible-to-fit-between-ats-and/19927097/article-detail.xml 19927097 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/cadillac-emblem-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/cadillac-emblem-630.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Cadillac ATS hits the test track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/22/spy-shots-cadillac-ats-hits-the-test-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/22/spy-shots-cadillac-ats-hits-the-test-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/22/spy-shots-cadillac-ats-hits-the-test-track/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Cadillac ATS mule - click above for high-res image gallery

Look what the spies have caught. Fresh from our time in the nothing-else-looks-like-it Cadillac CTS Coupe, comes these furtive shots of what we think is the upcoming Cadillac ATS. We've heard different rumors, but the dedicated BMW 3 Series fighter will either show up in 2013 as a 2014 model, or 2014 for the 2015 model year. Whenever it shows up, the ATS will be riding on a smaller version of GM's new/upcoming Alpha platform, the same basic RWD chassis that will also underpin the third generation CTS as well as the next Chevy Camaro.

We've taken a long, hard look at these spy shots, and have concluded that whatever sits under the CTS shell has had its wheelbase shrunk, leading us to believe this is in fact an ATS mule. The wheels are far too close to the passenger compartment. The other giveaway are the two places to insert fuel. At first we thought perhaps this is an XTS prototype and that the second orifice was (maybe) because of the new big Caddy's plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. However, we think the vestigial door in the photographs is actually there because of the shortened chassis of the ATS. Also, GM will be placing PHEV plugs on the driver's side for convenience. We've also heard nothing about an ATS PHEV, though an ATS Hybrid has been rumored.

As for the mule in these pictures, here's hoping whatever's under there is worthy of all six ducks.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Cadillac ATS

Spy Shots: Cadillac ATS hits the test track originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpha PlatformAlphaPlatformATSATS HybridAtsHybridCadillacCadillac ATSCadillac ATS HybridCadillac ATS muleCadillac CTSCadillac HybridCadillac PHEVCadillac XTSCadillacAtsCadillacAtsHybridCadillacAtsMuleCadillacCtsCadillacHybridCadillacPhevCadillacXtsGMspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotsXTS PHEVXtsPhevTue, 22 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19526733/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/22/spy-shots-cadillac-ats-hits-the-test-track/19526733/article-detail.xml 19526733 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ats630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/ats630.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1314716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/09/15/report-cadillac-gets-green-light-for-smaller-rwd-sedan/1314716/article-detail.xml 1314716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/112_0811_01zalpha_cadillacillustration_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/112_0811_01zalpha_cadillacillustration_opt.jpg <![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.

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