Cadillac Rumors

[Bruce Nunnally]

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103041

CADILLAC

BLS: The next-generation of the small Cadillac BLS announced for Europe may come to the United States as an entry-level convertible and coupe, positioned below the CTS.

The BLS will be sold in Europe beginning in 2006, developed on GM's fwd Epsilon platform.

If approved, U.S. sales would not begin until about 2010. The vehicle for the United States would be developed on the awd Epsilon 2 architecture.

[The CTS is somewhat more expensive in Europe than in the US. There is a perception of not that much room under the $30K CTS base model for a less expensive US model]

CTS: The CTS is scheduled to be restyled and re-engineered for the 2008 model year on the GM's next-generation rwd Sigma architecture.

Early indications are that the CTS will carry softer exterior styling. All-wheel drive will be offered.

[Also this bit: Saturn's mid-sized 2007 Aura sedan ... will offer three engine choices: ... A 300-hp version of the 3.6-liter V-6 is planned for the 2008 model year.]. [this seems ideal for the CTS as long as the weight does NOT go up!]

All Sigma vehicles will be engineered and styled at the technical center in Warren.

DTS: The DeVille's G-body architecture is re-engineered, the front and rear are reskinned, and the sedan is given a new name: DTS. The 2006 DTS is Cadillac's sole fwd car.

STS: Cadillac's answer to the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG debuts this fall.

The 2006 STS-V sedan packs a supercharged 469-hp, 4.4-liter double overhead cam V-8, producing 439 pounds-feet of torque.

By comparison, the 2006 E55 AMG has 469 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque.

The STS will have GM's new six-speed automatic transmission.

A restyling and re-engineering is planned for the 2010 model year, when GM may introduce a higher horsepower STS-V, possibly using a version of the Corvette Z06's 7.0-liter V-8. [so far making 505 hp btw]

Flagship sedan/coupe: GM is considering an ultra-luxury, rwd sedan or coupe for Cadillac with a price of about $100,000. Some internal documents indicate a launch in the 2010 model year.

XLR: Adaptive headlights are added for the 2006 model year. The headlights turn in the same direction as the car.

An XLR-V series model also is added. That car shares the STS-V's supercharged engine. Cadillac says the XLR-V will deliver 0-to-60 mph acceleration in under five seconds.

BRX: Cadillac plans a small, premium sport wagon built on a shorter version of GM's Theta architecture used in the Chevrolet Equinox. An awd model is expected. The five-passenger vehicle will debut for the 2009 model year and offer the choice of a 2.8-liter or 3.5-liter V-6 engine. [should be 3.6L? or is this a 3.5L ohc engine?]

SRX: GM has delayed re-engineering and restyling the SRX until the 2010 model year. The SRX was to be re-engineered for the 2008 model year. An interior freshening for the 2007 model year remains on schedule.

Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT: Cadillac's big move happens at the Detroit auto show where GM's next generation, full-sized SUVs will debut as 2007 models. The trucks are developed on GM's GMT900 architecture.

The trio of Escalade models will be restyled and re-engineered. The vehicles will be styled to further differentiate them from sister vehicles at Chevrolet and GMC. Richer-looking interiors are planned.