Autoblog

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

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

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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Rendered Speculation: Cadillac BLS Convertible

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Cadillac

It's been widely reported that execs at GM, including Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, are keen to expand Cadillac's lineup with several new exciting models. Gone are the days of the emphasis on luxo barges, replaced instead with a focus on smaller and more dynamic cars like the new CTS and, to a lesser extent, the Europe-only BLS. Most are predicting Cadillac will eventually launch new coupe and convertible versions of the CTS, but what if there was a new cabrio version of the entry-level BLS?

This new rendering gives us a pretty good idea of what that car would look like, and, to be honest, it doesn't look all that bad. Cadillac is said to be developing a new RWD small sedan to replace the BLS, and, if a coupe and convertible version were offered, we're sure it would have some success in the U.S.

[Source: CWW Car Design]

Rendered Speculation: Cadillac BLS Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Cadillac BLS Wagon has got back

John Neff — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Europe, Cadillac

click above image for high-res gallery of the Cadillac BLS Wagon

Big derrieres can be hot if they're attached to the right body. We're talking about cars here, specifically wagons whose ample rumps allow you to haul more cargo while hardly carrying the stigma of a libido killing minivan. Wagons are still very popular in Europe, so Cadillac had the bright idea of building a wagon version of its BLS, a front-wheel drive entry level luxury car that's a Saab 9-3 beneath its skin. Don't call this a Sport Combi though, as the BLS gets it own sheetmetal, and the wagon unveiled in Frankfurt wore it well. It looks very much like a first-gen CTS that's been starving itself.

Cadillac is hoping that by offering European customers more choices, it will sell more cars, so in addition to the Wagon it's also offering Stabilitrak as standard equipment and two new engines for the BLS in Europe next year. The first is a 1.9L two-stage turbodiesel producing 180 HP and 295 ft-lbs., and the second is a 2.0L Flexpower engine that produces 285 HP and is able to run on E85 ethanol. Since the BLS is largely sourced from Saab, it should come as no surprise that the Flexpower engine is really one of the Swedish automaker's Biopower engines.

Check out GM's tiny press release after the jump and view our full gallery by clicking below.

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac BLS wagon

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Cadillac BLS Wagon has got back

Frankfurt 2007: Cadillac BLS Wagon has got back originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM bringing more 'Green' to Frankfurt, new Opel concept to bow

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:53:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Green, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Opel, Vauxhall

During this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September, GM will be taking the wraps of its latest eco-minded concept, in the form of a new Opel-branded vehicle. The E-Flex-equipped concept will feature an electric motor that sends power to the wheels, which can be charged via either a household power outlet or the concept's ultra-efficient diesel mill.

Along with the aforementioned concept, GM will be unveiling a Opel/Vauxhall Corsa equipped with a 1.3-liter common rail diesel that produces 75 HP and releases 119 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer traveled. The show stand will also hold the E85-capable Cadillac BLS and the HydroGen4, a Euro-spec version of the Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle.

[Source: Reuters]

GM bringing more 'Green' to Frankfurt, new Opel concept to bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Motor Show: Cadillac BLS wagon is coming

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Europe, Cadillac

Click the Cadillac for high-res photos of the BLS wagon

Since its introduction in Europe early in 2006 the Cadillac BLS has made the old Cimarron look like a roaring success. Reportedly, sales had reportedly failed to break into four figures by the end of 2006. But GM isn't giving up on the small Caddy yet. Since the BLS is based on the Saab 9-3 it seems a no-brainer to add some of the other Saab options to the BLS lineup.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Cadillac introduce a BLS station wagon that will be available for sale starting in November. The BLS will also add the turbocharged E85 flex-fuel Saab BioPower engine as a new option at the same time as the wagon. A new 1.9L two stage turbo-diesel four cylinder with 180hp will be a further option.

[Source: General Motors]

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac BLS wagon

Continue reading Frankfurt Motor Show: Cadillac BLS wagon is coming

Frankfurt Motor Show: Cadillac BLS wagon is coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #60

Dan Roth — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin, Cadillac, Ford

Podcast #60 finds us reminiscing about the Geneva Motor Show. We spend a while talking about what our team saw at the show - standout vehicles, best and worst, most surprising (good and bad) to see in person versus pictures. John presses Damon for information about how some hotly anticipated cars such as the Mazda2, Audi S5, and the M3 looked at our first opportunity to be up close and personal with them. A good long time is spent covering Geneva before we turn our attention to Ford's sale of Aston Martin. Debate ensues over the move and whether it was a smart one for Ford. Speaking of smart moves and Ford, the bonuses that Alan Mulally breathlessly memo'd Ford employess drew some of our ire, as well as some of our ennui. We'll see how it shakes out, but perhaps the workers would have rather seen their paltry share go back into unbeatable product. We wrap up by alighting on all the doings over at Cadillac. The BLS wagon has just dropped, and there are rumors of a CTS Coupe and Wagon to really give BMW a run for its money. Of course, the sordid affair of the on again, off again $100K plus Caddy (and we don't me an XLR-V) elbows its way into the conversation before we trot off into the sunset. Enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #60 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Decision on CTS siblings coming soon

Dan Roth — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Europe, Cadillac

PHOTOS UPDATED

Cadillac is already on the upswing here in the US, and has been for some time. The image repair that GM has been able to carry out is impressive, and the rebirth is poised to enter phase two. GM Vice Chair Bob Lutz and Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor both commented at the Geneva Motor Show that Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are in their gunsights, and that a 3-series-esque family of models could emerge from the CTS. A wagon version of the CTS is getting serious consideration as Cadillac looks at taking the fight to European turf.

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

Continue reading Decision on CTS siblings coming soon

Decision on CTS siblings coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac BLS wagon revealed!

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:04:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Cadillac

Click image for photo gallery

Cadillac's just released images and info on its newest European offering: the BLS wagon. Derived from the Saab 9-3, the BLS tries hard to distinguish itself as a Cadillac, with restyled headlamps, fascia and grille. In the back the tailgate gets a thin crease down the center, while the taillights adopt a similar Caddy-centric design.

Sales are supposed to begin this fall, with the BLS coming equipped with either a 2.0L turbo four, a 2.8L V6 or a 1.9L diesel, all pulled straight from the Saab lineup. Pricing is expected to be around £21,500, with DVD sat-nav, Bose sound and other optional equipment sending the price skyward.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Cadillac BLS Wagon

Continue reading Cadillac BLS wagon revealed!

Cadillac BLS wagon revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Cadillac goes to Switzerland

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Cadillac

Click on the photo above for a gallery of high-res images of the 2008 Cadillac CTS

General Motors upper-crust Cadillac division has been trying to make some headway on the home ground of its rivals from Stuttgart, Munich and Ingolstadt for over a decade with only limited success, or outright failure if you consider the case of the BLS. Cadillac will be having a big European re-launch at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, showing a bunch of new and revised products. The new 2008 CTS that was unveiled to much praise in Detroit in January will make it's European debut in Geneva. The SRX cross-over has been something of a wallflower for Cadillac since it's initial introduction, gathering little attention or sales. A revised version will debut in Switzerland likely wearing a new grille, similar to the the one that adorns the new CTS, and definitely equipped with the upscale cut-and-sew interior. The SRX also inherits the six-speed automatic from its STS-V and XLR-V brethren.

[Source: General Motors]

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac CTS

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Cadillac goes to Switzerland

Geneva Preview: Cadillac goes to Switzerland originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS gets diesel power in Europe, wagons on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Green, Cadillac

In a move to make the new CTS more appealing to European luxury buyers (read: compete with the Germans), Cadillac will begin offering their mid-sized sedan with a diesel sometime after its initial launch in October of this year.

Automotive News' sources are claiming that Italian engine manufacturer, VM Motori, will be tapped to produce the oil burner, likely a 3-liter V6, producing around 250 HP.

Considering that GM expects to sell approximately half of it European CTSs with diesels, and only 464 sedans were sold in 2006, this decision is crucial to the success of Cadillac abroad.

Also of note: AutoExpress is reporting that the Saab-based BLS and the new CTS will get wagon variants in the coming years. Expect the BLS estate to debut in Frankfurt, while the CTS will be unveiled sometime in 2008. No word yet on whether or not we'll be seeing the CTS wagon in the U.S.

[Sources: Automotive News - Sub. Req., AutoExpress]

Cadillac CTS gets diesel power in Europe, wagons on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eurosport: Cadillac BLS Sport unveiled for Europe

Noah Joseph — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Cadillac, GM

GM's getting pretty serious about globalizing the Cadillac brand. You know they're serious because they're not just exporting cars built for American buyers to overseas markets, they're actually making cars specifically for Europe that aren't even available here, like the BLS. Based on the Saab 9-3, the BLS puts Cadillac's edgy styling in a European package, and now Cadillac is raising the stakes a bit with the BLS Sport.

While no V-Series, the Sport model upgrades on the standard BLS with 18-inch rims, dropped suspension and fine-tuned handling. Inside the wood trim is replaced by brush aluminum (aluminium, with an extra I, to our overseas friends) and sportier-looking instrumentation. In overseas markets, leather trim is not the must-have option it is in the US, so that remains an option.

Power comes from a range of engines including two-liter turbocharged four-bangers producing 175 or 210 horsepower, a 255-hp V6 or a 150-hp common-rail turbodiesel.

Shame we don't get it here, but somehow we don't think anyone will be complaining once the upcoming new CTS is unveiled. It'd be interesting, however, to see how the BLS Sport stacks up against its platform mate, the Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan.

(Interior shot after the jump.)

[Source: Edmunds' Inside Line]

Continue reading Eurosport: Cadillac BLS Sport unveiled for Europe

Eurosport: Cadillac BLS Sport unveiled for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch out 1-Series: Cadillac considering rear-wheel drive compact hatch

John Neff — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Budget, Hatchback, Cadillac

Bob Lutz has hinted that Cadillac may introduce an entry-level compact in its European lineup that fits below the Saab 9-3-based BLS sedan. The case for such a car is substantial considering the success BMW has had with its small 1-Series. Inside Line claims the car would likely be a rear-wheel drive hatchback built on a secret new rear-wheel drive platform being developed by Holden in Australia, although Lutz is quick to point out that it's not a version of the larger Zeta platform that underpins the Commodore and the upcoming Camaro. Rumours of such a small rear-wheel drive platform began back in 2004 when Holden unveiled the Torana TT35 concept at the Syndney Motor Show. Inside Line gets its anacronyms mixed up, however, when it refers to Cadillac's current entry-level model in Europe as the BLX. It's not, it's the BLS as previously mentioned. The BLX is the rumoured small crossover vehicle that Cadillac is preparing. Either way, this new premium compact would likely share its platform with one of these two vehicles. If it were the BLS, that car would switch from front- to rear-wheel drive and give Cadillac a companion to the CTS in its battle with BMW's small cars.

[Source: Inside Line]

Watch out 1-Series: Cadillac considering rear-wheel drive compact hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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African-American: Cadillac launches in South Africa

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Cadillac, GM

GM's on a mission to take over the South African market. Just one day after the first HUMMER H3s rolled off the assembly line at GM's Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth, General Motors today announced it's bringing Cadillac to South Africa.

The first models to be offered in "the rainbow nation" will be the overseas-market BLS (based on the Saab 9-3), the SRX crossover and the STS sedan. The Caddys will be sold through a direct distribution network, with new dealerships opening in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

GM also markets several Chevy models, Saabs, Opels, Isuzus and Suzukis in South Africa, and operates two manufacturing plants in Port Elizabeth. With all that love for the liberated republic, don't be surprised if GM shows up as a major sponsor when South Africa hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

[Source: GM]

African-American: Cadillac launches in South Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac set to fortify European lineup

Alex Nunez — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Cadillac

The all-new Cadillac Escalade will be the first vehicle to hit the ground in Europe as the American luxo-marque initiates stage two of its European invasion. It'll appear in showrooms at the end of the year, joined by the all-wheel-drive STS, which will be offered for the first time. Also in '06, the Cadillac BLS gets a 6-speed manual and the automatic is given a sport mode.

After the ball drops in Times Square, Q1 2007 will see the arrival of the SRX with its spiffy new interior and a rear-wheel-drive version. The rear-driver supplements the AWD version that is currently available on the Continent. The product blitz concludes with an attack by Cadillac's V-Series cruise missiles. The 448-horse, wind-in-your-hair XLR-V comes first, followed by the even more potent STS-V (476 hp) shortly thereafter.

Why is Cadillac throwing down the gauntlet with a bunch of V8-powered machines in Europe, where smaller cars and diesel power dominate the roads? Well, their stated goal of producing vehicles that equal or surpass the quality of their European competition is no secret. For them to do that, they're going to have to go play in the competition's backyard.

Besides, no one says a peep about the European automakers' vehicles that Cadillac is competing against, many of which are available with thirsty gasoline V8s of their own. For Cadillac to make progress on the other side of the Atlantic, they have to bring their best, which is precisely what they're doing. We'll keep an eye on how things go.

(Cadillac press release after the jump)

[Source: Cadillac via Inside Line]

Continue reading Cadillac set to fortify European lineup

Cadillac set to fortify European lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Sep 2006 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac will build small crossover, maybe import BLS by 2009

John Neff — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Cadillac

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]

Cadillac will build small crossover, maybe import BLS by 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Aug 2006 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab confirms 9-4X CUV to replace 9-7X SUV

John Neff — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Crossover, Saab

Saab U.S.A.'s General Manager Jay Spenchian told Ward's Auto that a Saab CUV, reported by nearly all members of the press to be called the 9-4X, will replace the Chevy Trailblazer-based 9-7X SUV after the end of the decade. The Trailblazer is expected to be discontinued by 2010 and Spenchian said that the introduction of a Saab CUV would likely overlap a bit with the 9-7X.

Spenchian, however, wouldn't reveal what platform on which the Saab CUV would ride. Ward's reports that the new CUV could be built on the same platform as an upcoming Cadillac CUV destined only for the European market. Dubbed the BLX, this Caddy CUV would be built at Saab's Trollhattan plant that currently can't keep workers busy building only the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS sedans. Such a move would move production of Saab's new people hauler back to Sweden from its current point of production, Moraine, Ohio, where the Chevy Trailblazer is built.

The Saab 9-4X will be priced right on top of the 9-3, which ranges from $25,570 to $43,320, and will be sporting Saab's new design language previewed on the Aero X concept.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Saab confirms 9-4X CUV to replace 9-7X SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac BLS a bust in Europe?

John Neff — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, GM, Saab

Despite lowering expectations for its Euro-only BLS sedan all the way down to around 7,000 to 10,000 units annually, it appears Cadillac was still a bit too optimistic with the car's chances for success in the old country. The FWD sedan that's based on the Saab 9-3 and built alongside the Swede in the company's Trollhatan factory has sold a little over 400 units after being on sale since April, with the month of May being its first full sales month. Trollhatan has slowed its production of the car down to 30 units a week. When the BLS launched the factory was producing that many cars per day. At this pace GM/Saab is on track to produce only 1,560 cars a year, a number well off any of GM's original targets. Despite the slow start, the BLS is still the best selling Cadillac in Europe so far this year. The BLS has also been fairly well received by the European automotive press and dealers are reporting many requests for test drives, so don't count out Cadillac's chances for success in Europe just yet.

Thanks to Ulf for the tip and translating the original source from Swedish.

[Source: Ekonomi & Politik]

Cadillac BLS a bust in Europe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac BLS taken for spin in old country

John Neff — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Cadillac, GM, Saab

(Photo by Lee Brimble)

The BLS is the first ever euro-only Cadillac, the purpose of which is to sop up some extra capacity at Saab's Trollhattan plant where the 9-3 is having a tough time keeping workers busy. Basically a reskinned and retuned 9-3, the BLS had us hoping that Cadillac had a unique and compelling offering for the European market in which GM is currently doing pretty well. Unfortunately that doesn't seem the case.

A review of the BLS is up on Inside Line in which Alistair Weaver rips the car a new one knocking it for its bland interior, disconnected handling and subpar diesel. While calling the BLS a bad car outright, Weaver shows that it doesn't have the pedigree to go up against the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. Cadillac appears aware of the car's shortcomings as its sales expectations are extremely low. Only 400 units, for instance, are expected to find a home in the U.K. this year. The BLS isn't going to be sold in the U.S., but apparently we're not missing much.

[Source: Inside Line]

Cadillac BLS taken for spin in old country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BLS set for sale in Europe - Caddy lowers expectations

John Neff — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Cadillac

The Cadillac BLS represents many innovations for GM's luxury brand. It's not only the first Cadillac designed and built in Europe, but it will also be the first Cadillac available with a diesel engine. Based on the Saab 9-3, Cadillac expects the FWD BLS to make up around 70-percent of its European sales, according to the Detroit News. That may sound like a lot, though Cadillac has just lowered its target volume for sales in Europe from a previously mentioned 20,000 units by 2010 to a more attainable amount - 10,000 units. That volume includes Cadillac's other models that will be on sale in Europe - the CTS, STS, SRX, XLR and Escalade.

Cadillac is perhaps taking note of the inherent difficulty of breaking into the European luxury market, which is dominated by BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Lexus has learned this lesson the hard way, selling a mere 29,000 units in Europe last year after having been on sale there for 17 years. Cadillac's hoping there are a few thousand Europeans bored enough with the Teutonic styling and billet craftsmanship of the German brands that they're willing to try something new. The BLS, which goes on sale in April, is that something new.

[Source: The Detroit News]

BLS set for sale in Europe - Caddy lowers expectations originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Apr 2006 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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