Autoblog

Cadillac confirms XTS and ATS, coming next year

John Neff — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:28:00 EST

Mark Reuss, North American President of General Motors, made official today what we already knew, that Cadillac's lineup is growing by two new vehicles. The new models are the large XTS luxury sedan and compact ATS sport sedan. Reuss made the announcement at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars, where he also released this teaser sketch of the ATS' profile that we made a little more revealing in Photoshop.

The XTS is based on the XTS Platinum Concept that debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show and will go on sale spring of 2012. It replaces both the STS and DTS in Cadillac's lineup and is expected to use the same Epsilon II platform that underpins the Buick LaCrosse, which means both front-wheel and all-wheel drive will be offered. The new XTS also means a $117 million investment for GM's Oshawa, Ontario plant where the company says 400 jobs will be created or retained because of its production. Currently the Camaro, Impala and Equinox are built in Oshawa.

The ATS, however, is the more exciting of these two cars. Slotted below the CTS in Cadillac's lineup, this compact, rear-wheel-drive sport sedan is aimed squarely at the brand's German rivals - mainly the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. GM even calls them out in its press release. Word is that Cadillac has been using the 3 Series in particular as its benchmark. The ATS also means new investment, in this case for the automaker's Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant. The plant will receive a $190 million infusion of fiscal love and get to keep or create 600 new jobs. GM pegs the on-sale date for the ATS as summer of 2012.

Continue reading Cadillac confirms XTS and ATS, coming next year

Cadillac confirms XTS and ATS, coming next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Cadillac ATS hits the test track

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

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

Report: Cadillac XTS confirmed for production

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, Sedan, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

Cadillac XTS Platinum concept unveiled at 2010 Detroit Auto Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in January, we watched as Cadillac took the wraps off of its big XTS Platinum sedan concept under the Detroit Auto Show lights. And while parent company General Motors insisted on slapping the word "concept" behind the car's name, we were pretty sure that the XTS we saw in Cobo Hall was very close to being production-ready.

Now, a new report from Motor Trend states that GM has, in fact, given the Cadillac XTS the go-ahead. When it hits the streets, the XTS will replace both the aging STS and DTS in the Cadillac lineup, and will feature a plug-in hybrid system mated to a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 - the system originally developed for the Saturn Vue. MT also reports that a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter V6 could be in the works, and that GM hasn't necessarily ruled out the option of shoving a big ol' V8 under the Caddy's hood.

GM is also working hard to ensure that the XTS's high-zoot interior remains intact for the production car (or, as close as it can get). Cadillac is hoping to offer some proper competition for top-end German luxury cars with the XTS, and we'll know how it fares when it hits the road next year, badged as a 2012 model.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

Gallery: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: Cadillac XTS confirmed for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cadillac distancing itself from parent GM to elude bankruptcy stigma?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Cadillac XTS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no way to misunderstand Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork on this: "The Cadillac brand is best communicated as Cadillac without GM." For proof of his intent all you'll need to do is swing by a Cadillac showroom where soon you'll be unable to find any trace of the words "General Motors" or any hint of marketing strategies like Red Tag Sales. Even Cadillac employees are changing their e-mails from @gm.com to @cadillac.com.

Cadillac's 2009 sales posted a slightly steeper drop than GM's overall decline, and this year the luxury brand is rebounding at about half the pace of GM overall, with a 14 percent rise vs. 31 percent for its parent. That doesn't mean we should assume that the perhaps unsavory associations with "Government Motors" is what's holding Cadillac back, but the brand doesn't want to leave anything undone in its quest to again be the best.

GM wants to move 140,000 Cadillacs this year, representing a 28 percent jump over last year's depressed figures. It's starting consumer research to figure out what buyers think of the brand, will soon reveal the first round of creative by its new ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty, and will introduce more leasing deals that luxury buyers are keen for. And neither it nor its dealers will bring up The Brand Which Must Not Be Mentioned. Hat tip to John!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

[Source: Bloomberg]

Cadillac distancing itself from parent GM to elude bankruptcy stigma? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Lincoln, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's a North American International Auto Show recap for Episode #161 of the Autoblog Podcast. Chris, Sam and Dan mull the top five of the show before speaking more in depth about some unveilings. The new Chevrolet Aveo gets us started before we move on to another sharply styled General Motors concept, the GMC Granite. We touch briefly on the Honda CR-Z, and then Toyota's FT-CH comes up next before we call it a night with the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept.

We'll be back again next week with more Autoblog Podcast goodness. Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Etc.

We love auto show season, mostly for the chance to see all the coolest new cars and concepts that the world's best automakers have to offer. This year at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, though, there weren't nearly as many new models to point our DSLR lenses at... for rather obvious reasons.

As such, we've cut the typical Top 10 in half and compiled a list of the Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Keep in mind that there are a number of reasons why a vehicle might be interesting or important, and we've run the gamut to represent all different types on our list.

Interestingly, you'll only see Detroit-based automakers in our Top Five. That conclusion wasn't reached on purpose, we simply judged each new model on its own merits and this is how our musings turned out. For an added bonus, each of us in attendance picked our own personal favorite. So, without further ado, click here to see our Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

[Image: Bryan Mitchell/Getty]

Continue reading AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show

AB's Top Five Introductions from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept is anything but [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Cadillac, GM, Luxury

Cadillac XTS Platinum concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's just call this one the Cadillac XTS Platinum "Concept." For reals y'all, this is one of, if not the most production ready "concepts" we've ever seen. For its part, Cadillac stuck to the "It's just a concept" mantra. Though they might as well have all been nodding, elbowing and winking. If When the new XTS sees production it, will replace both the STS and the DTS.

For you tech geeks out there, this new Caddy is fairly intriguing. The all-wheel-drive powertrain is motivated by a plug-in two-mode hybrid consisting of the brand's 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 coupled to an electric motor. Cadillac was tight-lipped on the power rating, hemming and hawing before saying "around 350 horsepower."

That may not sound like buckets of oomph, but when compared to the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - the XTS's probable direct competitor - makes 295 hp. The XTS theoretically makes 295 pound-feet of torque, too. For those of you not geeked on the hybrid bandwagon, Cadillac's general manager Bryan Nesbitt posed an interesting hypothetical question, "Is the largest displacement engine the only symbol of luxury?"

As for the XTS itself, it looks like a big Cadillac., which if you stop and think about is is a good thing. Cadillacs should be big, and this sucker is large - within a couple of inches of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, according to both Caddy and our highly unscientific eyeball-based measuring system. We also thought the XTS was significantly better looking in person than in the preview pictures that broke last night. Supposedly there are lots of design cues borrowed from Cadillac's legendary Sixteen Concept, but aside from the grille we're not seeing it.

The XTS has its own mojo going on, especially when it comes to the interior. Here's where the Platinum part comes in. Nesbitt explained that Cadillac intends the XTS Platinum to be a "personal headquarters." We're not going to buy into the CEO and wannabe CEO pandering, but lordy is the interior fabulous. Featuring intricate laser-perforated stitching on the leather and synthetic-suede bits with sharp looking burled wood covering everything else, we have to say that with the exception of the Bentley Mulsanne, the XTS Platinum Concept has the best interior at the show. Call it the Cadillac of interiors. Video of the live reveal is available after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept is anything but [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept is anything but [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept ready to replace STS/DTS?

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury

Cadillac XTS Platinum concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the past decade, Cadillac has been transforming itself from a brand that built big, floaty old-school luxury cars for old-school customers into something much more contemporary to compete with the best premium brands from Europe. Unfortunately for General Motors, the process has been only partially successful. The Escalade has been a huge sales success for the brand and the CTS has achieved both critical and commercial acclaim. The STS and the first generation SRX, however, never quite struck a chord with the market and the DTS is just old.

A new SRX debuted last year, but now it's time to flesh out the rest of the lineup. The CTS in sedan, coupe and sportwagon forms is one of Autoblog's favorites. It's time to spread that goodness to both a smaller and larger sedan. Last August we saw styling concepts of both those cars, dubbed the ATS and XTS during a visit to the GM design studios. GM isn't publicly showing the 3 series-sized ATS just yet, but the XTS is debuting today at the Detroit Auto Show. The XTS Platinum concept is a preview of Cadillac's new flagship that's expected to start production in early 2012. Read on after the jump to learn all about it.

Gallery: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept ready to replace STS/DTS?

Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept ready to replace STS/DTS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Cadillac XTS production to start at Oshawa in early 2012

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Canada, Luxury

Detroit-bound Cadillac Concept Teaser - Click above to enlarge

Early next Tuesday morning, Cadillac will unveil a concept version of its new XTS flagship at the Detroit Auto Show. A report from Canada's CTV now says that production of the XTS will begin at General Motors' Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant in early 2012. Rumors of a Cadillac to be produced at the plant east of Toronto first began circulating last July. The XTS will join the Chevrolet Impala and Camaro as well as the new Buick Regal at the facility. The XTS is expected to be based on the Epsilon II platform but with all-wheel-drive.

The addition of the Cadillac and the Buick could necessitate an extra shift at the factory which would likely result in 750-1,000 of GM's previously laid-off workers being recalled. Last year, GM closed an adjacent Oshawa factory that had been building full-size pickup trucks.

[Source: CTV]

Report: Cadillac XTS production to start at Oshawa in early 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM exec confirms Cadillac XTS, GMC Granite, Chevrolet Aveo RS for Detroit via Twitter

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

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

The North American International Auto Show is typically the big show for Detroit-based automakers and 2010 appears to be no different for General Motors. Chris Preuss, GM's vice president of communications, has hit Twitter confirming that each of the General's four brands will have at least one vehicle to display at the Detroit Auto Show next month. As expected, Cadillac will unveil the 2011 CTS-V coupe along with a concept version of its XTS sedan, a model slated to replace the aging DTS in the next year or two. GMC will unleash the Granite, which, according to earlier reports, will be based on the Delta platform and the forthcoming Chevrolet Orlando.

Chevrolet figures to have a somewhat quieter show, with its big reveal being the Aveo RS, which we hear is all-new and very little like the narrow and unattractive B-Segment hatch GM is selling now. Buick will be chasing the ghosts of Grand Nationals and T-Types past with a performance variant of the 2011 Regal that may share a lot of parts with the 325-horsepower Opel Insignia OPC. We can hardly wait for January 11.

Gallery: Live: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

[Source: Twitter]

GM exec confirms Cadillac XTS, GMC Granite, Chevrolet Aveo RS for Detroit via Twitter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #140

Dan Roth — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Performance, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #140 of the Autoblog Podcast is going to just squeak under the wire for the weekend. It's late, and we're going to blame the new guy. Jonny Lieberman joined Chris and Dan for a few moments between bouts of Skype-drop-itis, and the trio started off blithely to discuss the Autoblog Garage and then the Ferrari 458 Italia before giving up on J-Leib for the night. Down a man, Chris and Dan carry on and cover the Cadillac ATS and XTS, along with the Chevrolet Volt's controversial 230 MPG city rating. In between, of course, is plenty of Autoblog inside baseball, including an especially good tangent where Shunk starts psychoanalyzing the team. We cap it off by answering a bunch of questions, and that's it. At least there's value there, as we continue for 80 minutes. Let us know what you think by sending a note to Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com, or hit up our survey, and iTunes users can also leave reviews at the Autoblog Podcast iTunes page. Thanks for listening, we'll see you again early next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #140

Autoblog Podcast #140 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cadillac XTS looks like Sixteen Concept, ATS aims at 3 Series with RWD

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury

Cadillac Sixteen Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

This morning at the media preview hosted by General Motors in its design dome, VP of Design Ed Welburn showed off full-size styling bucks of the next two models from Cadillac. Rounding out the lineup for GM's luxury brand will be the XTS and ATS. The ATS is a smaller car than the CTS and will take direct aim at the heart of the 3-Series. The model shown was a two-door coupe with a roof-line closer in shape to the CTS sedan rather than the extreme fastback profile of the CTS coupe. The overall design is an evolution of the current CTS with headlights that stretch back across the top of the fender line. Although no one would confirm the platform underneath, they did say it would be rear- and all-wheel drive, just like a 3. Earlier in the morning, new Cadillac general manager Bryan Nesbitt said the next generation CTS is already under development and would be new from the ground up. It seems reasonable to assume that it is being developed to allow for a shorter version for the ATS.

The XTS, on the other hand, is huge and carries a lot of the design first seen on the celebrated Sixteen concept (seen above and in high-res gallery below), which means it's stunning in person. Given that a V16 is out of the question, the hood is obviously much shorter than the concept's. The flanks have more curvature than the current DTS and a character line with an undercut lies just below the belt-line.

Welburn declined to give specific timing except to say that both cars were coming soon. We already know that DTS is ending production soon to make way for the Volt at the Detroit Hamtramck plant. There was also no indication of powertrains, although the ATS is likely to be powered by four- and six-cylinder engines. The XTS may use the next generation small block V8 that debuts next year.

Gallery: Cadillac Sixteen Concept

Cadillac XTS looks like Sixteen Concept, ATS aims at 3 Series with RWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cadillac flagship to use stretched CTS platform, two new Buicks on the way?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill, Luxury

Cadillac's on-again, off-again plan to replace the aging DTS and STS with one flagship product - which may or may not be known as the XTS - is reportedly back on track. According to Motor Trend, the original plan to use the Zeta platform of the Holden Commodore and Pontiac G8 has been shelved in favor a stretched version of Cadillac's own Sigma chassis that underpins the smaller CTS. If there's any truth to these rumors, we should expect to see the new Caddy for the 2012 model year.

The demise of the DTS also spells impending doom for the Buick Lucerne since the two vehicles are built atop the same platform at the Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant. MT reports that Buick will get two new models to replace the Lucerne, one of which may revive the old Invicta name from the 1960s. That mid-size sedan would replace the canceled Saturn Aura and be based on the Opel Insignia, which uses the same Epsilon II platform that's used by the 2010 Buick LaCrosse.

The second new Buick will reportedly be a notch smaller and will share its compact Delta guts with the Chevrolet Cruze but be fitted with the suspension adjustments pioneered on the Opel Astra. We'll just have to wait and see how that car goes along with Fritz Henderson's proclamation that he's 'not a fan of rebadging' if it ever sees the light of day.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Cadillac flagship to use stretched CTS platform, two new Buicks on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Cadillac DTS to be replaced by XTS, which will be built in Canada alongside new Buick Regal

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac

The days of Cadillac's big DTS sedan are numbered as the plant that builds it will soon be shut down and re-tooled. The Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant that builds the DTS and Buick Lucerne will switch over to building the Chevy Volt in 2010 and the current products are both long in the tooth.

The National Post is reporting that the new Cadillac flagship will be dubbed XTS and will be produced at the Oshawa assembly plant. It will be built alongside an updated Chevrolet Impala, the new Camaro and the Buick Regal. The DTS is a front-wheel drive car, but the XTS is expected to the share the Epsilon II platform with the Regal and the new Impala. As such, it will likely get all-wheel-drive at least as an option. For its part, the Regal will likely be a re-badged version of the Opel Insignia. The report goes on to say that Oshawa will produce a hybrid version of one of those offerings - a gas-electric Regal model is a reasonable bet.

Earlier reports had pegged the next Cadillac sedan as a model that would supplant both the DTS and the slow-selling STS, and although the NatPost article does not speak to this, it is reasonable to assume that the new XTS will result in the phase-out of both model lines. The new model line was reportedly put on hold back in August of last year, but it apparently has once again been given the go-ahead.

The XTS is scheduled to be launched in December 2011, with the new Impala coming in early 2013. Thanks to Ben for the tip!

[Source: The National Post]

REPORT: Cadillac DTS to be replaced by XTS, which will be built in Canada alongside new Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments