Autoblog

REPORT: Cadillac pinning its hopes on 'sub-CTS' model and new flagship sedan

Chris Shunk — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill

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.

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SEMA 2008: STS Twin Turbo C6 Corvette a matte monster

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Click above for a high-res gallery of the STS C6 Z06

The Squires Turbo Systems twin-turbo C6 Z06 gives the former most-powerful Vette model a boost to 700 horsepower at a very reasonable 7 pounds of boost, which, depending on how sorted the Bilstein-shocked suspension is, could give it a good shot at sticking with a stock ZR-1. The most unique thing about this car is that STS mounts the turbos remotely, at the rear of the car. That placement keeps the engine bay freer and adds a host of technical perks like lower temps under the hood and cooler oil going to the turbo. And according to STS, some customers have even gotten better gas mileage. Strangely, though, for all of that new performance, the brakes look untouched. Check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: STS Twin Turbo C6 Covette

SEMA 2008: STS Twin Turbo C6 Corvette a matte monster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac replacing DTS and STS with one vehicle, entry-level model coming

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac

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.

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Cadillac nixing the barges, introducing new BRX CUV and RWD sedans

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Cadillac

For eons, the image of a Cadillac ingrained into our minds was that of an XL cruiser wafting down the highway consuming asphalt and small rodents without complaint. That perspective is set to change, as Cadillac plans to drop the slow-selling STS and DTS models, and instead focus its efforts on creating another CUV, a new mid-sized sedan and an entry-level RWD offering.

The plans to redesign the SRX crossover have been nixed due to poor sales, and in its place a new V6-powered, five-passenger CUV, likely to be dubbed the BRX, will go on sale in 2009. More importantly, Cadillac plans to focus its sporting credentials by expanding the CTS lineup to include both a wagon and a coupe, all in an effort to sway consumers interested in the segment-leading BMW 3-series.

Going after the Bavarian boys won't be easy, so in addition to the expansion of the CTS line, Cadillac's replacement for the STS and DTS will take aim at the BMW 5-series, with a high-performance RWD sedan. That, coupled with a proposed entry-level sedan will round out the new Cadillac lineup.

Although the Automotive News article doesn't cite a timeframe for this somewhat radical proposal, we'd expect to see some of Cadillac's new wares popping up in quick order, beginning in Detroit next year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Cadillac nixing the barges, introducing new BRX CUV and RWD sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac releases media material for 2008 STS

John Neff — Mon, 07 May 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac

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.

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

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

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.

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Buick Lucerne comes equipped with new safety tech

Dan Roth — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Buick, Cadillac, GM

You don't need no stinkin' Volvo to experience BLIS(s) -- for 2008, the Buick Lucerne is fitted with lane departure and blind-spot warning systems. The Lucerne offers classic GM big-sedan ethos, with lots of content, wide, cushy seats and restrained, handsome styling. Now, when you're motorvating down the interstate, listening to your Buick 8, an amber lamp will illuminate in the gauge cluster, and a chime will toll three times to indicate you're about to encroach on someone else's road space. If one of the ever present morons on the road decides to hang out in your blind spot, the Lucerne uses proximity sensors behind the rear fascia to detect the car and warn you with an indicator in the side mirror. Buick's safety gear will also be offered on Cadillac's STS and DTS, making GM Luxury that much safer. Now if they could just develop a "blinker on for the last 60 miles" warning system, or a "stay the hell out of the fast lane if you're doing 53 1/2 MPH" light in the cluster, we'd be good. Okay, okay, we'll admit, the stereotyping is stale. Maybe we're just mellowing with time, but we appreciate the merits of a Lucerne.

[Source: Edmunds]

Buick Lucerne comes equipped with new safety tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Arlington, Va. has just concluded testing on some 75 vehicles' head restraint systems and after performing a simulated rear-end impact of 20 MPH, only 22 of the systems received the top score of "good."

At the head of the class was Audi's A4, S4 and A6, along with the Chevy Cobalt, Ford Five Hundred (Taurus, whatever) and its Mercury counterpart, Honda's Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Jag S-Type, Kia Optima, Merc E-class, Nissan Sentra and its lesser sibling the Versa, Subaru's Impreza, Legacy and Outback, as well as Volvo's S40, S60 and S80 (no surprise).

The flunkees included the Acura TSX, BMW 5-series, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Caddy CTS, DTS and STS, Chevy's Aveo, the Honda Fit and Accord, Infiniti's M35, the Jaguar X-Type, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac's Grand Prix, plus the Toyota Avalon and Corrolla.

Considering that the IIHS estimates that the injuries sustained to the back and neck in these types of collisions costs insurance companies around $8 mbillion dollars per year, their interest in the matter is obvious. Whether or not consumers will include this in their purchasing criteria is another matter however.

[Source: IIHS]

Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 2008 Cadillac STS gets a revamp

Alex Nunez — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Cadillac

Click for high-res photo gallery

GM's assault on NYC's Jacob Javits Center continues apace. With HUMMER and Buick already well-represented, the luxury division, Cadillac, gets in on the action as well. The facelifted 2008 STS gets a most welcome makeover outside. The new corporate grille design featured on the '08 CTS finds its way onto the nose of the STS, and it looks great. Also making an appearance are the trendy side extractors also featured on the Escalade and CTS (and Hyundai Tiburon).

There's plenty more to discuss, however, so follow the jump for the rest of the story.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading New York Preview: 2008 Cadillac STS gets a revamp

New York Preview: 2008 Cadillac STS gets a revamp originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:01:00 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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BusinessWeek spills beans on '08 STS interior

John Neff — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Cadillac, GM

click above image to view a gallery of concept interior components from GM

The entire Autoblog team was impressed with the 2008 Cadillac CTS when it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last month. "You have to sit in it," was the command heard most among the crew, and indeed the interior is as dazzling as the new sheetmetal. The CTS interior is the first example of how General Motors' renewed focus on interiors is paying off in ways more noticeable than just better buttons for the radio. BusinessWeek has published an article that details many of the individual interior components being redesigned and rethought at GM, including said radio controls, the steering wheel, seats, key fobs and more.

It's a good read, but as many astute auto enthusiasts noticed, the accompanying slide show includes a pic of an interior that appears to be that of the 2008 Cadillac STS. Actually, the interior shown is the exact same one with a different steering wheel that debuted inside the long-wheelbase SLS now beind sold in China. We called it back in November that the Chinese SLS interior would likely show up in our own domestic market STS, and this new pic seems to indicate that's correct. Hopefully this means we'll also get the highly detailed CTS-like grille from the SLS and its other exterior tweaks. For that matter, we wouldn't mind a long-wheelbase version of the STS on this side of the globe, either.

Check out the gallery of other concept interior components that GM has been working on.

[Source: BusinessWeek via GMInsideNews]

Gallery: Concept GM interior components

BusinessWeek spills beans on '08 STS interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show: Cadillac XLR, STS and DTS Platinum Series

Alex Nunez — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Sedan, Cadillac

Click to enlarge

Where the Cadillac V-Series moniker focuses on high performance, the Platinum Series tag being introduced in LA this week places the emphasis on luxury. Now, we believe that this emphasis should be the brand standard anyway, and not just a trim package, but if this represents a step towards bringing Cadillac to the next level, where we hope it's headed, then so be it.

Available for the XLR, STS and DTS, the Platinum Series trim level sets the cars apart by bestowing them with specific paint colors, badging, and interior appointments. The XLR, for example, sports an exclusive and attractive Liquid Amethyst paint color and healthy doses of chrome added to its grille, bespoke wheels and other trim bits. Climb into the Cashmere leather seats and you'll notice the "Platinum" badging on the doorsill, more wood trim, and hand-stitched leather covering the upper dash and door panels. Unfortunately, based on GM's press release, it appears to stop short of the full-blown "Cut and Sew" interior available on the SRX, but we'll wait until our guys in LA get up close and personal to make that call.

Keep reading after the jump for the rundown on the STS and DTS Platinum Series, plus more photos and the official release from GM.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading LA Auto Show: Cadillac XLR, STS and DTS Platinum Series

LA Auto Show: Cadillac XLR, STS and DTS Platinum Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 12:01:00 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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Cadillacs and Saabs get recalled by NHTSA

Joel Arellano — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:36:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Crossover, Cadillac, Saab

Yesterday, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued two recalls, one for Cadillac and the second for Saab:

The Cadillac recall, which affects the 2005 model year SRX SUV and STS sedan, points to an incorrect welding of the toe links in the rear suspension. The problem could potentially cause a crash. 23,000 Cadillacs may have been affected.

The Saab recall affects the 2001 Saab 9-3 (pictured). The NHTSA bulletin states that fuel lines and fittings in the vehicle were damaged during manufacturing. 11,000 vehicles may have been affected.

[Source: NHTSA via KUTV]

Cadillacs and Saabs get recalled by NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Cadillac STS

Erin Mays — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Cadillac

The spyshot shutterbugs over at The Car Connection have caught the 2008 Cadillac STS in testing. The revamped offering shows some signs of following its big brute of a brother, the Escalade. The two share a good bit of the same design language, complete with wide-set headlights and bold chrome grille. On the tail end, traditional red taillights have been replaced with clear lenses, with an array of orange and red LEDs. Look for similar design trends in the new SRX and CTS as well.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: 2008 Cadillac STS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Mar 2006 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Department of Energy says: 'A cool butt is a hot way to save gas'

Erin Mays — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets

The Department of Energy says that having a hot booty isn't necessarily a good thing. In fact, it argues that ventilated seats (like those of the Cadillac STS that pull away warm air and moisture), could save as many as 522 million gallons of gas if all cars on the road were equipped with the technology. How so? The DOE reasons that if drivers' rumps and backsides are kept comfortable, fewer people would find it necessary to turn on the air-conditioning... thus saving money and the environment.

The catch? Vented seats generally only come on higher-end models, and are often high-cost options bundled in with other features.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Department of Energy says: 'A cool butt is a hot way to save gas' originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Mar 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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