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[More GM Cuts: Cadillac STS-V and Pontiac G6 GXP both gone for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/more-gm-cuts-cadillac-sts-v-and-pontiac-g6-gxp-both-gone-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/more-gm-cuts-cadillac-sts-v-and-pontiac-g6-gxp-both-gone-for-20/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/08/more-gm-cuts-cadillac-sts-v-and-pontiac-g6-gxp-both-gone-for-20/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Pontiac G6 GXP Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pluto, the Roman god of Hades, is currently on a tour of the General Motors product garage and he's taking a few cars with him from the land of the living. After sending the Impala SS and the Cobalt SS to the underworld, he has just added to his collection the Cadillac STS-V and Pontiac G6 GXP - neither car will live to see next year. Truth be told, these cancellations are coming straight from the automaker's 2010 Online Order / Reference Guide for dealers, and we're only finding out about them as people dig deeper and deeper into the document.

GM banishing the STS-V makes sense, since it was underpowered and overpriced compared to the CTS-V, and your typical STS owner probably wasn't looking to get to his doctor's appointment faster than the speed of light. The G6 GXP, meanwhile, is not only hideously ugly in both two- and four-door versions, but a 252-hp coupe costing $26,595 is not a great value proposition these days. Heck, that's $3,500 more than the new V6 Camaro! While we mourn their loss of life and horsepower, we doubt many will miss the cars themselves, and we wish them well on their appointments with the boatman at the river Styx.


Gallery: 2009 Pontiac G6 GXP


[Source: Motor Authority]

More GM Cuts: Cadillac STS-V and Pontiac G6 GXP both gone for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillaccadillac stscadillac sts-vCadillacStsCadillacSts-vcoupegmpontiacpontiac g6pontiac g6 gxpPontiacG6PontiacG6GxpsedanFri, 08 May 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Cadillac pinning its hopes on 'sub-CTS' model and new flagship sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-cadillac-pinning-its-hopes-on-sub-cts-model-and-new-fl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-cadillac-pinning-its-hopes-on-sub-cts-model-and-new-fl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/report-cadillac-pinning-its-hopes-on-sub-cts-model-and-new-fl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphacadillac ctsCadillac DTSCadillac STSCadillacCtsCadillacDtsCadillacStsconverjCTSgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmluxury sedanLuxurySedanstsFri, 10 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Duh: Cadillac shelves that whole V12 thing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/duh-cadillac-shelves-that-whole-v12-thing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/duh-cadillac-shelves-that-whole-v12-thing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/duh-cadillac-shelves-that-whole-v12-thing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillaccadillac ctscadillac cts-vcadillac dt7cadillac dtscadillac stscadillac vcadillac v seriescadillac v12cadillac v8CadillacCtsCadillacCts-vCadillacDt7CadillacDtsCadillacStsCadillacVCadillacV12CadillacV8CadillacVSeriesThu, 21 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Cadillac places DTS/STS replacement on hold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/report-cadillac-places-dts-sts-replacement-on-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/report-cadillac-places-dts-sts-replacement-on-hold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/report-cadillac-places-dts-sts-replacement-on-hold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for our high-res 2008 Cadillac STS gallery

It may be the end of the Big Cadillac. Not only has General Motors put plans for a DTS/STS replacement on the back burner, but apparently the flame is close to being extinguished as consumers are demanding smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles. Cadillac's banner year was 1954 (the year Elvis was driving a pink '54 model). Back then, the big Caddys represented wealth and success (and gas was only $.25 per gallon). Today, a 4,000-pound super-sized sedan averaging 15 mpg in the city cycle doesn't bode well with anyone. With plans for their replacement on hold, and the rumor that the DTS/STS my be combined into one new vehicle unconfirmed, GM is focusing on coupe and wagon versions of the CTS and smaller and more fuel efficient SUVs. For the record, we don't consider the just-announced $71,000 2009 Escalade Hybrid smaller and more efficient....

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac STS


[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Cadillac places DTS/STS replacement on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cadillac DTSCadillac STSCadillacDtsCadillacStscanceledcancelledceasedelayedendedproduction stopProductionStopTue, 12 Aug 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Stolen car vandalized, thief complains to cops]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/stolen-car-vandalized-thief-complains-to-cops/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/stolen-car-vandalized-thief-complains-to-cops/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/stolen-car-vandalized-thief-complains-to-cops/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In yet another indication that thieves may boast more skill and luck than overall intelligence, a 22-year-old Somers, Connecticut, resident in possession of a stolen Cadillac STS complained to authorities that someone had broken the window on "his" car. Of course, it took the police just a few minutes to determine that there were some serious holes in the thief's story, and maybe more than a small bit of air inside the young man's head.

Although the self-proclaimed "victim" was in possession of the Caddy's keys, there was no supporting documentation proving ownership, or that he was in the process of purchasing the vehicle from an Avis rental agency, as he claimed. In fact, just how the shady character expected to make those payments on a $50,000 car was in question -- his "employment" was all arranged through a local temp agency. Long story short, the rental agency just so happened to be missing one Cadillac STS, and it didn't take them long to press charges.

Instead of sitting behind the wheel of America's finest luxury marque, the vandal finds himself sitting in jail today, unable to post bail of just $3,500... it may be time to call the agency for another temp position. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

[Source: Courant]

Stolen car vandalized, thief complains to cops originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaddycadillacCadillac STcadillac stsCadillacStCadillacStsCriminaldumb criminalDumbCriminalJailStolenThiefFri, 04 Apr 2008 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Cost of owning a car crests $1/mile on some models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/08/cost-of-owning-a-car-crests-1-mile-on-some-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/08/cost-of-owning-a-car-crests-1-mile-on-some-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/08/cost-of-owning-a-car-crests-1-mile-on-some-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

We've all seen the ads in the newspaper or in commercials that say you can get a new car with zero money down and only $299 per month. Quick math tells you that even after taxes and destination, you're only paying about $4,400 the first year to own a brand new car. A recent study by consulting firm Runzheimer International shows that a new car will cost you considerably more in overall operating costs. At 15,000 miles per year, the cost of insurance, gasoline, fees, depreciation, and maintenance can drive the overall cost near $20,000 per year.

The 2008 Cadillac STS was tops in this year's test, costing buyers $19,537. The Lexus LS460 was close behind at $19,372. Big vehicles cost quite a bit also, with Ford's E-350 XL SuperDuty tallying a $16,543 bill followed by the Chevy Tahoe LS 4x4 at $15,789. There were some relatively low cost vehicles as well, with the first year costs of a Toyota Corolla CE coming in lowest in the test at $7,933 and a Ford Ranger XL pickup that hits $9,929. If these numbers seem high, it's because the highest liability in a new car balance sheet is depreciation, and new cars can lose thousands the day they're driven off the lot. Every mile on the odometer brings the resale value lower, and if your new car carried lots of incentives or it's a rental car favorite, its residual plummets even further.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Cost of owning a car crests $1/mile on some models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cadillac STSCadillacStsChevy TahoeChevyTahoeLexus LS460LexusLs460new car buyingNewCarBuyingResidual valueResidualValueToyota CorollaToyotaCorollaSat, 08 Dec 2007 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Cadillac replacing DTS and STS with one vehicle, entry-level model coming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/17/cadillac-replacing-dts-and-sts-with-one-vehicle-entry-level-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/17/cadillac-replacing-dts-and-sts-with-one-vehicle-entry-level-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/17/cadillac-replacing-dts-and-sts-with-one-vehicle-entry-level-model/#commentsFiled under: ,



The rumor that the Cadillac DTS and STS will be nixed has officially been confirmed in an interview with the brand's general manager, Jim Taylor. Sales of both models are down for the year, and Taylor admits that one premium-luxury sedan will be developed to compete in the segment.

In the Automotive News interview, Taylor and his superior, Troy Clarke, GM's president of North America, also confirmed that a new entry-level model, designed to slot in below the CTS, is a distinct possibility. Both execs feel that Cadillac's brand image could sustain such a vehicle, likely to be priced in the $28,00 to $32,000 range.

No time frame was given for either new model, but Mr. Taylor also mentioned that a high-end, ultra-luxury flagship is still alive and well.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Cadillac replacing DTS and STS with one vehicle, entry-level model coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillaccadillac ctscadillac dtscadillac stsCadillacCtsCadillacDtsCadillacStsctsdtsentry-levelflagshipstsMon, 17 Sep 2007 00:31:00 EST<![CDATA[IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/iihs-tests-reveals-that-money-doesnt-always-buy-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/iihs-tests-reveals-that-money-doesnt-always-buy-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/iihs-tests-reveals-that-money-doesnt-always-buy-safety/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click the image above for a gallery of all the IIHS contenders.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just released its most recent round of crash tests, rating everything from the Kia Amanti to the BMW 5-series in one fell swoop. With a focus set on more luxury-oriented vehicles, the IIHS tested six new models to destruction, and walked away with results for front, side and rear impacts.

Topping the list, were the 2007 Acura RL, Kia Amanti and Volvo S80, all of which earned top marks. The S80, not surprisingly, garnered the Institute's Top Safety Pick for overall crash worthiness, rating good in all three categories, plus having standard stability control. The BMW 5-series didn't fare as well, getting a "marginal" score on the side impact test, despite being equipped with side airbags.

Mercedes asked the IIHS to retest the 2007 E-Class after only scoring an "acceptable" rating when test previously. After re-engineering a number of interior bits, the score remained the same, although the Institute noted a slight improvement, but not enough to affect the overall score. IIHS president, Adrian Lund, remarked that the E-class could have earned the Top Safety Pick award if the side impact rating had increased.

The IIHS also retested a revised version of the 2007 Cadillac STS, which included reinforced B-pillars, front door trim and a modified side torso airbag, which resulted in an "acceptable" rating.

The Institute made it a point to say that nearly every passenger vehicle now earns a top rating for frontal crashes, but side and rear impacts remain all over the board.

The full IIHS press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: IIHS]

Gallery: IIHS Luxury Vehicle Results - August

Continue reading IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety

IIHS tests reveals that money doesn't always buy safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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click above image to view new high-res pics of the 2008 Cadillac STS

The refreshed 2008 Cadillac STS was quietly debuted at the New York Auto Show in early April. By no one's measure is the '08 STS as significant a product for General Motors' luxury brand as the all-new 2008 CTS. Nevertheless, the bigger sedan needed an update to bring itself in line with the new Cadillac style. The new corporate grille is the most obvious exterior change, and it looks sharp on the schnoz of the STS. Fender vents are all the rage right now, and the new STS gets a pair of chrome side extractors that match ones found on the Escalade and new CTS. There are also new chrome door handles, rocker panels, body-colored rear fascia and polished 3" exhaust tips, as well as new 18-inch chrome wheels.

The interior is where the '08 STS falls short of matching what its smaller sibling will be offering later this year. We were hoping the car would receive the same interior shown in the long-wheelbase version of the SLS that will be sold in Chinese markets, but instead it got only a new steering wheel and revised center stack with aluminum and wood trim.

In addition to the styling tweaks, the '08 STS also gets GM's well-received 3.6L direct injection V6 that will produce 302 horsepower and 272 ft-lbs of torque, which is expected to improve on the outgoing engine's fuel economy numbers of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway. With a V6 like this, who needs a V8? The engine will be coupled with the 6L50 six-speed auto, and other new technology includes StabiliTrak electronic stability control, active steering, a Lane Departure Warning System and Side Blind Zone Alert System.

The full press release is after the jump, and all the new high-res pics have been added to the gallery below.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2008 Cadillac STS

Continue reading Cadillac releases media material for 2008 STS

Cadillac releases media material for 2008 STS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20082008 cadillac sts2008CadillacStscadillaccadillac stsCadillacStsstsMon, 07 May 2007 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/lutz-lets-a-bit-of-edmunds-survey-slip-gm-takes-13-first-place/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/lutz-lets-a-bit-of-edmunds-survey-slip-gm-takes-13-first-place/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/04/lutz-lets-a-bit-of-edmunds-survey-slip-gm-takes-13-first-place/#commentsFiled under:



Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 series5Series911a3a4acadiaAcadia awardsAcadiaAwardsacura tsxAcuraTsxaudi a3audi a4AudiA3AudiA4aurabmw 5 seriesBMW z4Bmw5SeriesBmwZ4bugatti veyronBugattiVeyroncadillac ctscadillac stsCadillac XLRCadillacCtsCadillacStsCadillacXlrchevrolet cobaltchevrolet corvetteChevroletCobaltChevroletCorvetteciviccobaltcorvettectsEdmunds Consumers' Most WantedEdmundsConsumers'MostWantedescaladeescalade esvEscaladeEsvford mustangFordMustangg35GM awardsGmAwardsGMC acadiaGmcAcadiahonda civichonda odysseyhonda s2000HondaCivicHondaOdysseyHondaS2000infinitinfinit g35InfinitG35kia rio5KiaRio5l2lexus ls 460LexusLs460lsls 460Ls460mazda 3Mazda3mustangodysseyoutlookporsche 911Porsche911porshce 911Porshce911RAV4rio5s2000saturn aurasaturn outlooksaturn skySaturnAuraSaturnOutlookSaturnSkySierraSilveradoskystssuburbanTacomatahoetoyota rav4Toyota TacomaToyotaRav4ToyotaTacomatsxvetteveyronXLRyukonz4Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Even better view of '08 Cadillac STS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/09/spy-shots-even-better-view-of-08-cadillac-sts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/09/spy-shots-even-better-view-of-08-cadillac-sts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/09/spy-shots-even-better-view-of-08-cadillac-sts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After being floored by how good the Cadillac CTS looked and felt in Detroit, we can't wait to see how the upcoming '08 STS will turn out, as well. With similar styling upgrades promised (foreshadowed by the new SLS), the STS could finally come closer to the performance and sophistication of its identified European competitors like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Thanks to BusinessWeek, we already know the interior will be a huge improvement. Lifted from the Chinese market long-wheelbase SLS, it looks polished and well-laid-out. And now we have a better look at how the exterior is shaping up, as well. KGP caught one in the wild and a nearly naked one at that. You can see the whole handsomely slab-sided flank from chrome fender vent to unadorned tail in the photo. It also sports different wheels and a shrouded, but noticeably different nose, as well. Look closely and you'll see a sharply detailed grille very similar to the on the new CTS.

[Source: LLN]

Spy Shots: Even better view of '08 Cadillac STS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cadillac CTSCadillac SLSCadillac STSCadillacCtsCadillacSlsCadillacStsFri, 09 Mar 2007 20:02:00 EST