GM Korea launches Cadillac BLS

GM Korea has released plans to commence sales of the re-engineered 2008 Cadillac BLS in the Korean market as early as tomorrow. The premium sports sedan is Cadillac's smallest offering in the current Cadillac line-up, and it targets the would-be BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class consumers.

The BLS made its first unveiling at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show and its Korean premiere in October 2006. The BLS was initially available only as a gasoline model. The 2008 BLS benefits from new changes including the introduction of a diesel counterpart. The BLS 2.0T has upped its ante with a new 2.0L turbo, which produces 25 more horsepower over its predecessor to an impressive 175. The BLS 1.9TiD benefits from a 1.9L 150 horsepower turbodiesel engine. The 2.0T is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission while the 1.9TiD is equipped with a 6-speed manumatic.

Carrying Cadillac's traditional torch of bountiful features, the BLS comes equipped with bi-xenon headlamps, LED taillights, premium BOSE audio system, 4-channel StabiliTrak system, and is available with a DVD touch-screen infotainment system with navigation. Both models wear 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2.0T gasoline trim will be priced at 41 million Won ($43 189USD) and the 1.9TiD diesel trim will sticker at 42.5 million Won ($44 769USD). And no, the BLS will not arrive in the US; at least not anytime soon. However, I direct you to your local Saturn-Saab-Isuzu dealer where a brand-spanking new Saab 9-3 is waiting. For those who don't get the jist, the BLS is a heavily rebadged Saab 9-3. Thank the guys who formerly built jets for this beauty.

[Source: GM Korea]

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2008 Cadillac CTS leads sales numbers of redesigned 2008 models

With the Buick Enclave being held in waiting lists across Buick dealerships, GM had only more initial successes with the release of the redesigned 2008 Cadillac CTS. The most anticipated redesigned models of 2008 have been unleashed to dealerships across the US and the CTS is facing the most success in contrast to its predecessor. The Cadillac CTS, the Honda Accord, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are just a few of the bunch of models that were redesigned for 2008.

Kicking Tires, a branch of Cars.com, compared the sales of the three models in September, to the month of August. August is the time when automakers throw in hefty incentives to clear out the models in preparation for its successors in the month coming up. The 2008 Cadillac CTS gained a 73.5% increase in September over the sales of the 2007 CTS in August. The 2008 Honda Accord faired a 31.2% increase in September over the 2007 Accord in August. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class also gained a 31.2% increase in September over its predecessor in August.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

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Price Attack Pt.II: Cadillac spills the beans on 2008 CTS official pricing

You gotta hand it to those who legally acquire information as important as this and post it up. A member over at Cheers and Gears, the forum that brought us shots of the Dodge Challenger and a little tale along with it, posted up the official pricing for Cadillac's 3-Series fighter, the CTS.

Scanning through the price list, the standard CTS with the 263hp 3.6L VVT V6 and a manual transmission will start at $32,245. Upgrade to the automatic on the base model for $1300 more. If you want auto standard, step up to the 304hp 3.6L VVT DI V6 for $34,995, which is not really a big premium to pay for a 300hp RWD sedan. Want to add a manual tranny onto your near-perfect family-friendly sports car? It'll set you back $1300 too. An AWD option, available on both trims, is a $1900 premium.

Not perfect enough? Cadillac will offer a wide array of packages including the Luxury Collection ($2600), Premium Luxury Collection with a hefty $8165, Performance Collection ($3300), Luxury Level One ($1000) or the Luxury Level Two with $2025. Jeez, two levels for one package? Continue reading to view the full packages list.

Don't forget the destination fees, taxes, etc. because remember, TheCarBlogger told ya so.

UPDATE: Very good news! It looks like our misunderstanding proved to exist here with the pricing we posted of the new CTS. The CTS equipped with the 3.6L VVT DI V6 powering 304hp, can be opted with the manual for a REDUCTION of $1300 from the standard price. So there, your dream family-friendly sports sedan has come cheaper than stated. Thanks 69Firebird400 for the heads-up. Start saving up!

[Source: Autoblog]


Luxury Collection (PDP) - $2600
Luxury Level One Package (Y40)
Seating Package (Y44)

Premium Luxury Collection (PDQ) - $8165
Luxury Level One Package (Y40)
Luxury Level Two Package (Y41)
Seating Package (Y44)
Audio system with navigation (UAV)
UltraView sunroof (C3U)
Wood Trim Package (B19)
Wood Trim Package (B20)
Universal Home Remote (UG1)

Performance Collection (PDR) - $3300
18" All-Season Tire Performance Package (Y42)
Seating Package (Y44)

Luxury Level One (Y40) - $1000
Theft-deterrent alarm system
AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 playback with Radio Data System (RDS) and Bose 8-speaker system
Rainsense wipers
Accent lighting
17" x 8" machined-faced wheels

Luxury Level Two (Y41) - $2025
Heated/ventilated front seats
Split-folding rear seat
Power rake wheel and telescopic steering column
Universal Home Remote
EZ Key passive entry system
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist

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Rumors emerge of the fate of the Cadillac DTS and STS

It seems to be a growing trend these days where the American automakers are experiencing their worst, whereas the imports are doing abundantly well. Motor Authority is reporting that Cadillac might be the next victim in this streak with the STS and DTS sedans. The front-wheel drive DTS is predicted to be the first one planned to go, despite being one of the brand's top sellers.

Automotive News is reporting that Cadillac might be downsizing their future cars, and focus more around the CTS. The STS might also be sent off to death row, in place of a long-wheelbase CTS. Coupe, convertible, and estate versions will likely be in the pipeline as Cadillac is focusing more into a diverse line-up, while keeping smooth production and development strategies.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Cadillac Escalade EXT chosen as most likely stolen luxury vehicle

Despite their low numbers and high-tech security features, luxury vehicles still rank highly in a list of America’s most likely stolen autos with the recently updated Cadillac Escalade scoring worst among the luxury makes. The results come from the US Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), which tracks per-vehicle thefts and ranks them according to “the relative average loss payments for theft per insured vehicle year filed under comprehensive coverages.”

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continued- Article, full list

A vehicle that scores below 100 in the HLDI tests experiences only average theft losses, while anything above 100 is deemed higher than average. The HLDI found six of the seven most stolen luxury cars scoring between 209 and 431. Cadillac’s $55,000 Escalade EXT pickup came out with a whopping theft loss score of 1,728, topping the list for the fourth time in a row. “The overall results show the Escalade has not only the highest rate of claims but also very expensive claims when they are filed,” said HLDI senior vice president Kim Hazelbaker.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a vehicle is stolen in the US every 25.5 seconds and costs consumers more than $8.6 billion annually.

1) Cadillac Escalade EXT: Theft loss rate - 1,728 ($55,045)
2) BMW 7-Series: Theft loss rate - 431 ($78,900)
3) (equal third) Land Rover Range Rover SUV: Theft loss rate - 351 ($77,250)
3) (equal third) Lincoln Navigator: Theft loss rate - 351 ($46,575)
4) Lexus GS Sedan: Theft loss rate - 243 ($44,150)
5) Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Theft loss rate - 227 ($86,535)
6) Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Theft loss rate - 209 ($95,575)

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Exotic Cadillac supercar a go, again?

During an interview with David Sedgwick of Automotive News, Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman, revealed that plans to offer a Cadillac in the $150,000 to $180,000 realm are still on the table. Although production of the 2003 Sixteen concept has come up in previous conversations, within GM, it has always been more of a styling exercise, built to influence future Caddy designs. That said, the General has researched the idea and came away impressed with the business case.

[Source: Autoblog via Automotive News]

Continued- Article

Another option would be the production of a vehicle similar to the 2002 Cien concept (pictured) that Lutz maintains would cost less to produce, but would sell in smaller numbers.

If such a vehicle would come to fruition, expect power to come from a V12, a V10 or even a hybrid powertrain. The latter may be more appealing, as Lutz admits that federal fuel economy standards are going to have a great deal of influence on future models and GM's focus is beginning to turn towards more efficient vehicles.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/12/100k-caddy-a-go-again/

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Cadillac BLS Wagon revealed

Car's website just released images of Cadillac's 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.

[Source: Autoblog via The Car Connection]

Continued- Article, one more image

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.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/12/cadillac-bls-wagon-revealed/

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Spy Shots: 2008 Cadillac STS

A new prototype for Cadillac's facelifted STS has been spotted by spy photographers, revealing a new chromed fender vent, among other new styling cues. The STS's new blingy feature will join similar applications on the Escalade and the upcoming CTS.

Check the link out for more shots of the new STS after the jump.

[Source: LeftlaneNews]

Continued- Article, link for more images

The fender vent was brought into vogue by BMW, and has since become an expected styling cue among nearly all luxury brands. The fact that it has also trickled down to such cars as the Ford Taurus and Focus apparently hasn't yet dampened the enthusiasm for its use among the design community.

A camouflaging bra covered the nose of this prototype, but the grille appears to be consistent with other revised STS prototypes photographed earlier. The new grille treatment–inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen, the new CTS and the latest Escalade–results in a cleaner face for Caddy's five-series-fighter.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2008-cadillac-sts-future.html

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Geneva: 2008 Cadillac CTS (Europe)

Cadillac will open the next chapter of its 21st century product story, as the 2008 CTS sedan makes its European premiere at the 2007 Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva, Switzerland.

The new luxury sedan is scheduled to begin production in the United States, in late summer of 2007, with European sales to follow in the fall.

The CTS sedan has suffered poor sales with the current generation model and Cadillac hopes the completely new CTS will perform the opposite.

[Source: WorldCarFans via GM]

Follow the jump for the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE:

All New Cadillac CTS Sedan to make European Debut

*European premiere of the all-new CTS Sedan

*New interior and powertrain options for SRX crossover

*New Escalade has arrived in Europe

*All-wheel drive available for STS with Northstar V-8 engine

*New Sport package for BLS

*High-performance STS-V and XLR-V available in April

Cadillac will open the next chapter of its 21st century product story, as the 2008 CTS sedan makes its European premiere at the 2007 Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva, Switzerland.

The new luxury sedan is scheduled to begin production in the United States, in late summer of 2007, with European sales to follow in the fall.

"The all-new CTS has a mission to bring the striking design of a concept car, the performance of a sports car and sophistication of an elegant sedan right into the heart of the luxury market," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. "Cadillac is injecting more dramatic character into the normally reserved luxury sedan category."

With a design inspired by Cadillac's landmark Sixteen concept car, the new CTS reinterprets the brand's traditional grandeur in a very contemporary design. CTS employs lessons learned from Cadillac's acclaimed V-Series of high-performance cars, combining sports car-like performance with the poise of prestigious luxury sedans.

Advanced direct-injection gasoline technology helps deliver an estimated 223 kW (300 horsepower) with good fuel efficiency and reduced emissions from its new 3.6L V-6 engine.

The all-new CTS chassis was developed with extensive testing around the globe, from famed German raceways to roads in China and the United States.

Cadillac's first-generation CTS built a strong record of success on many levels, beginning with its debut in 2002. There are about 275,000 CTS owners worldwide, and industry researchers say they are among the most satisfied in the automotive market.

SRX receives exterior, interior refinements

The SRX luxury crossover enters 2007 with exterior refinements and a completely redesigned interior. The all-new cockpit is more luxurious and spacious, featuring a new instrument panel, hand-wrapped upper trim, console, center stack, door trim, wood trim, analog clock and steering wheel.

The instrument panel and door trim use Cadillac's new cut-and-sew interior process. The vehicle's new cockpit is hand-built, in the same painstaking fashion Cadillac applies to the limited-production STS-V and XLR-V models, bringing elite craftsmanship into the heart of the luxury marketplace.

New for 2007 is the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission, which provides increased performance and fuel efficiency. First introduced on Cadillac's acclaimed STS-V and XLR-V Series in 2006, the new transmission is now standard for the all-wheel-drive V-8 model. A new and competitively priced rear-wheel-drive V-6 model also enters the SRX lineup.

Next-generation Escalade debuts

The all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade, the next generation of the iconic luxury SUV, establishes new levels of power, style and elegance.

Based on General Motors' all-new full-size SUV architecture, the '07 Escalade features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver a powerful, efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum V8 engine with variable valve timing technology, delivering 301 kW (409 horsepower) and 565 Nm (417 lb-ft) of torque.

The Escalade has a sleek, clean and athletic form with improved aerodynamics. It is instantly identifiable and incorporates styling cues from Cadillac's landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and chrome accents.

A feature-packed, spacious and all-new interior is a cornerstone of the new Escalade, and it sets a new standard for refinement. The warm and inviting interior is complemented with premium materials.

The Cadillac Escalade went on sale in Europe at the end of January.

STS adds all-wheel drive

The STS luxury performance sedan delivers sophisticated luxury in a contemporary package. For 2007, Cadillac is making available all-wheel drive - in combination with the Northstar V-8 engine - to meet the growing demand for this technology.

New for 2007 is the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission that provides increased performance and fuel efficiency; it is standard on AWD and RWD V-8-equipped models. The new transmission features a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that delivers strong launch acceleration yet provides "tall" overdrive ratios that decrease engine rpm to enhance fuel economy and reduce noise levels while cruising at highway speeds. Estimates by GM engineers have shown an approximately 7-percent improvement in 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) times and up to a 5-percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

BLS range expands

The 2007 Cadillac BLS range will be extended by the BLS Sport, which features 18-inch wheels and lowered sport suspension. The revised chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort, and is designed to take full advantage of the BLS range's powerful engines.

The front-wheel-drive BLS offers expressive design combined with outstanding ride and acoustic comfort. It also marks a new era in Cadillac's history by offering an optional direct-injected, common rail turbo-diesel engine that is fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. Like the turbocharged gasoline engines (129 kW / 175 hp; 154 kW / 210 hp; and 188 kW / 255 hp), the turbo-diesel (110 kW / 150hp) offers the dynamic performance customers have come to expect from Cadillac.

All BLS models equipped with manual transmissions have six speeds. For all gasoline and diesel models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard Sport Mode button allows the driver to select a sportier transmission shift pattern.

The BLS Sport interior is highlighted by the use of stylish aluminum trim instead of wood and the circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. A three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and analog clock in the center stack are standard. Optional refinements include leather seating surfaces.

XLR-V and STS-V combine power, performance

The supercharged 2007 Cadillac XLR-V and STS-V are Cadillac's most intense expressions of power and performance. Both high-performance vehicles feature Cadillac's cut-and-sew approach to interiors, with extensive use of leather-wrapped interior surfaces created by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew leather components individually. Each supercharged Northstar V-8 engine powering the XLR-V and STS-V is hand-assembled by a single expert craftsman to exacting standards at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., USA.

The 2007 Cadillac XLR-V is a landmark car in Cadillac's long history. XLR-V elevates the performance and luxury attributes of the brand's growing V-Series lineup to the fullest extent; it is the quickest, most agile and most exclusive Cadillac model ever offered. The supercharged Northstar V-8 engine delivers 331 kW (448 hp) and 561 Nm (414 lb.-ft.) of torque, elevating the luxury roadster into the exclusive club of vehicles that are capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in less than five seconds.

The 2007 STS-V has the sophistication of its STS sibling, but with the uncompromising performance driving experience for which the V-Series is known. The STS-V delivers 350 kW (476 hp) and 595 Nm (439 lb.-ft.) of torque - and is the most powerful Cadillac ever. Like the XLR-V, the STS-V is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in less than five seconds.

Both XLR-V and STS-V will be in European Cadillac showrooms in April.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Cadillac SRX-V

Something new appears to be afoot in the world of the Cadillac SRX. Spy photographers spotted this blacked-out SRX-based prototype with a curious mix of attributes that have us scratching our heads.

The front bumper-mounted lighting assemblies found on the current standard SRX have been removed here, and in their place reside large mesh air-intakes. The horizontal strip of six intake slots on the SRX's front fascia are still here on this prototype, but they're also finished in a V-style mesh treatment. Finally, this tester's front air-dam gets a lowered extension, creating a deeper front chin...

[Source: LeftlaneNews]

Follow the jump to continue reading the story and additional shots.

Add to the picture that our tester appears to have the STS-V's 10-spoke 18-inch wheels and tires and its V-spec brake calipers, and it would seem that we have a sport package, or even a V-spec prototype. But, with the recent addition of an SRX Sport Package for 2007 — which actually looks more sporty and aggressive than this prototype — visually things don't quite add up.

While we're at it, why not throw in some portholes taken directly from a Buick Lucerne? They're right there on this SRX's front fenders. It's unimaginable that Cadillac would so blatantly lift a recognizable Buick design cue and plunk it on a Cadillac, so what gives? It's tough to say for sure, but perhaps an SRX facelift will get Escalade-style fender vents, and these Buick portholes are simply applied to approximate the effect in the early phases of testing.

So are we dealing with a facelifted SRX here? The '07 upgrades only included a new interior and the Sport Package addition, leaving the standard SRX styling untouched. This prototype has revised tail- lights with clear-lensed LED tail-lights also visible on facelifted STS prototypes, so maybe these changes just represent some new visuals in store for the SRX lineup.

Alternatively, the prototype could preview aspects of both the facelifted SRX and a more potent V-spec model. Whether such a vehicle would be a true SRX-V or something more tame remains to be seen.

In March, it was reported Cadillac would offer a "V" kit for the SRX minus the "V" power. In other words, all the performance upgrades an SRX-V might have, aside from an outrageously powerful engine. We're not sure if those rumors referred to the now-available Sports Package or something entirely separate.





Original Post:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/spied-cadillac-srx-v-performance-pack-model-facelift/

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