Autoblog

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

Codenamed internally as the GMX 206, the Cadillac CTS Wagon has clearly gone beyond the consideration phase within GM's hallowed halls and is actively being developed. This prototype was just caught by spy photographers and the profile is unmistakable evidence that the CTS will soon get some extra cargo space. Cadillac's plan to expand the CTS into a full-fledged lineup that can compete with the likes of the the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 hinges on producing more variants than just the sedan. The CTS Coupe Concept was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January, so it's no surprise that we're seeing the wagon in development now and we would expect a convertible version of the coupe eventually, as well. Sources say that Cadillac will build around 10,000 - 12,000 units of the CTS wagon at the same Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant as the sedan and coupe, with most of those being earmarked for sale in Europe. And we have to say that the Family Truckster has never looked so sharp.


[Source: Chris Doane for Brenda Priddy & Co.]

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

Cadillac has a winner on its hands with the new CTS. We've driven it, we like it and offering a coupe version for people that don't need to lug an extra couple of passengers around is a no-brainer. GM is hoping that the new CTS will bring sales of the sedan back to the levels set in 2005 and adding another model into the CTS fold will help seal the deal.

Dealers were shown the CTS coupe concept during the NADA conference and, according to reports from Automotive News, they were foaming at the mouth to get some of that two-door hotness into showrooms. Although there was no confirmation that it would be built, judging by the reception it's gotten from both dealers, the press and consumers alike, we know it's just a matter of time.



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

It's not the actual car referenced in the little chestnut "Freeway of Love," but this Mary-Kay pink 2008 Cadillac CTS signed by Aretha Franklin is hitting the auction block in Los Angeles today. The funds will benefit MusiCares, an organization set up by the Recording Academy (the Grammy people) to provide humanitarian support to musicians that need help. That doesn't mean getting a speech therapist for Ozzy, it's more like helping folks still trying to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Katrina. The event is part of the MusicCares 2008 Person of the Year tribute that will honor Aretha Franklin, and we'd much rather have a pink CTS than a Cimmaron, which was the entry-level Caddy during the song's day on the charts. We'd take it in black, and load R-E-S-P-E-C-T onto the audio system's hard drive immediately.

[Source: MusiCares via Inside Line]

Here's a way to create content long after an auto show has ended, dream up a list of editorial favorite picks. Well, what the hell, we might as well be meta and report on the anti-news. Here we go blithely. AutoWeek handed out its Editors' Choice awards for the North American International Auto Show at its Design Forum on Wednesday. We can debate the relevance, but we'd rather just talk about the cars. The four vehicles that AutoWeek thought were the bee's knees are as follows:

• Most Fun: Audi R8 V12 TDI
• Best Concept: Cadillac CTS Coupe
• Most Significant: 2009 Ford F150
• Best of Show: 2009 Corvette ZR1

As Linda Richman would say: discuss.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Update: Video of the CTS-V live reveal are available after the jump.

Click the photo above for a gallery of live shots

If you look at the picture above, you can easily imagine Maximum Bob shouting, "I told you folks that it'd be <bleeping> spectacular!" Those of course were not his exact words during the intro of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, but the sentiment was approximately the same.

We've already covered the technical details, but in case anyone has been disconnected from the world for the past week, here's what is important - 550 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque from the supercharged LSA 6.2L V8, huge Brembo brakes front and rear, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and a choice of a manual or automatic (each carrying six forward ratios). Huge Michelin Pilot radials wrap the 19" wheels, and inside are a pair of seriously sporty Recaro buckets with 14-way adjustment. If there has ever been a four-door embodiment of the Corvette spirit, this is it.

We've already started behaving well, just in case Santa is thinking of bringing us one next Christmas. Rest assured, though, that our behavior behind the wheel of the CTS-V would earn us several years of coal in our stocking along with a revoked driver's license - and it'd be worth it.

UPDATE: Click here to watch video of live reveal!

click above for more high-res live shots of the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

The grand finale of GM's Cadillac press conference was the moment everyone had been waiting for. After a brief introduction from Bob Lutz, who ziplined in from his secret lair in the RenCen, the hotly anticipated Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept rolled onstage, with design head Ed Welburn riding 'gun. The Coupe blends the CTS sedan's face with a new, wedge-shaped 2-door body that finishes off with what Ed described as a "hint of Cadillac fin" in the arrangement of the taillamps. The concept's rear had a single central exhaust outlet whose shape is a nod to the chevrons used to dress up the current CTS interior. Speaking of the interior, the CTS was dressed in black with maize-colored sueded accents and contrast stitching. In another departure from the sedan, the 2-door CTS has sportier, deeper seats. Welburn was intentionally vague abour powertrains, saying it could be powered by a number of existing ones (i.e. the ones in the CTS sedan) as well as a diesel. The car, according to him, was born out of the extra efforts of his design team, who penned the Coupe for fun after the sedan was finished and never stopped refining it. It got to a point where the a concept was approved, and though no mention of a production version was made, this looks like a sure thing in our opinion. Video of the live reveal is available after the jump, as well as Cadillac's official press release.

We're back from the holidays with Autoblog Podcast episode #84. Kicking things off, we review what's been in John, Damon, and Alex's parking spots in the Autoblog Garage. After a Mazda CX7/CX9-Honda Fit-Audi S5-lovefest, we're on to real happenings. Things are ratcheting up as we head into the North American International Auto Show next week, and we'll have coverage from the show starting this weekend. Ahead of the actual show in Detroit, we've been watching as embargoes fall. GM has had all of its secrets revealed with the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, Hummer HX, and Saab 9-4X hitting the internets prior to their official unveilings. Also uncovered, the Hyundai Genesis, which clearly has the Germans in its sights, not to mention Lexus and Infiniti. We're not sure if we're excited or skeptical, but it's hard to argue with the value that the car will likely offer. And Hyundai's not fooling around, so we'll be adding our names to the list when they finally become available for sampling. Thanks for your 51 minutes, let's do this again soon, okay?

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The new Cadillac CTS has been snatching up awards and garnering praise since its launch last year, and now its got another trophy to place on its shelf. After the IIHS wrapped up its battery of batterings, the CTS joined the Institute's list of Top Safety Picks for 2008. Cadillac's entry-level sports sedan is sitting at the table with the Volvo S80, Saab 9-3, Audi A4 and A6 as another vehicle to receive the highest rating issued by the Institute after enduring front, side and rear crash tests, along with being equipped with electronic stability control.

The IIHS' full press release is posted after the jump.

With oil hitting $100 per barrel and customers clamoring for more fuel-efficient vehicles, GM is dropping coin to showcase its smaller transportation. Now is a good time for the General to tout its lighter fare, as the Detroit automaker has some real winners in its stable. The new Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS have received critical praise from the automotive press, and early sales receipts show that both vehicles are a hit with the public as well. In fact, GM is looking to increase Malibu production in a soft market due to brisk demand at Chevy dealers around the country. Saturn will also receive ad dollars, as newer products like the Vue could use a boost, and the hot new Astra will benefit from a coming out party.

GM is also concentrating more of its cash on web advertising, and it will also pony up ad dollars to tout Chevrolet as its environmentally friendly brand. While automotive enthusiasts know GM has come up with a string of solid vehicles, the general public may not be as informed. Nothing spreads the word quite like money.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

The editors of Motor Trend have tallied up the votes and crowned the Cadillac CTS their 2008 Car of the Year, GM's first since the Corvette won a full decade ago. The CTS beat an 18-car field including the Honda Accord, Audi TT, Subaru WRX, Chevrolet Malibu, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and others. MT was smitten with the Caddy's balanced handling, smooth-revving V6, exterior and interior design, and attention to detail. Our man Damon would certainly agree, who gave the CTS a thumbs up after piloting it around the Milford Proving Grounds. You can read Motor Trend's thoughts on the CTS here, or read their full evaluation of all the cars here.

Photo Copyright ©2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Motor Trend]