Cadillac to Offer 4-Cylinder Compact Sedan in the U.S. in 2010

Cadillac’s next generation BLS sedan that was initially developed for overseas markets and especially for Europe will make its way into the U.S. in 2010 according to GM officials. The car, whose name has yet to be disclosed, will fit right under the CTS and will be offered with a range of 4-cylinder engines while GM execs are considering the option of V6 units.

"There is a big debate as to whether it is four only. I think that is a bridge too far," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor at a recent press event covered by Automotive News. "There is a piece of the team who is thinking, 'Well, with this whole fuel economy and gas thing, we ought to go all the way, say, to fours.' We are resisting that at this stage." -Continued

The current front-wheel drive Cadillac BLS sedan and station wagon models sold in Europe are based on the already outdated Saab 9-3 and are offered with both 4-cylinder and V6 engines. However, GM’s ‘rebadged-engineering’ proved highly unsuccessful as the BLS didn’t even come close to convincing European buyers as an alternative to the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models.

This time GM aims to build a ‘true’ Caddy with the next generation BLS that will use a rear-wheel-drive architecture. Details are sketchy, but it is said that the BLS be based on a shortened version of the Zeta platform with a reworked suspension.

With the introduction of the next generation BLS, Cadillac will also have to reposition the CTS and aim it squarely against the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series instead of a somewhat, in-between proposition in the sports sedan category.

Cadillac’s First Ever Station Wagon on Sale in the UK

The first-ever Station-Wagon model in Cadillac’s history is now on sale in the UK with the introduction of the new BLS Wagon. Ok, it might be more of a reskinned / rebadged version of the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi, but it will go down in the books as the first SW Caddy. The American luxury carmaker is quite optimistic about the SW as it expects to attract new customers to the brand and to account for 50% of BLS sales in the UK this year. -Continued

Buyers will be able to opt between six different engines, two common-rail diesel and four petrol unit – all with turbocharging. Engine outputs range from 150 to 255 HP and every engine is available with manual or automatic transmission. Prices start at at £21,495 for both the 175 HP 2.0-liter Turbo petrol and 150 Hp 1.9-liter diesel models

Official: Cadillac BLS Wagon

As speculated, Cadillac added a Station Wagon version to its BLS portfolio. Due to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2007, this is the first station wagon in Cadillac's 104-year-long history. Based on the Saab 9-3 Combi, the front wheel-drive only BLS Wagon will be offered with a 150Hp 1.9L four-cylinder common-rail diesel and three gasoline engines that include two 2.0L four-cylinder versions (129 kW / 175 hp and 154 kW / 210 hp) and a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.8L V6 (188 kW / 255 hp). -Continued

PRESS RELEASE: Cadillac Extends European Portfolio with BLS Wagon

Further commitment to grow Cadillac's presence in Europe

Expressive design combined with elegance and versatility

Three turbocharged gasoline engines and one direct-injection diesel engine

Sales expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2007

DETROIT - Cadillac reinforced its commitment to grow its brand in Europe by announcing it will add the BLS Wagon to its portfolio later this year.

''The Cadillac BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers preferring dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics,'' said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. ''This is the first Cadillac wagon in our 104-year history, and we think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their performance luxury vehicles.''

Cadillac signature style

Clear, clean, crisp and sharply defined contours are Cadillac design signatures. An international team of designers, under the leadership of Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design, created a BLS Wagon with a striking wedge shape that is emphasized by the tapered lines of the side windows.

''The whole team was very excited to apply Cadillac's design language to a wagon for the first time,'' said Welburn. ''The V-shaped chrome-plated grille, a Cadillac hallmark, is picked up again by the shape of the rear window, and the body side character lines make it unmistakably a Cadillac.''

The BLS Wagon also features jewel-like headlamps, fog lamps integrated into the body-colored bumper and a wide air intake below the grille. A narrow chrome strip runs along the side windows and the latest LED technology is used in the center high-mounted stop lamp, which is prominently positioned in the rear spoiler. Vertical taillamps, another Cadillac hallmark, play a prominent role in defining the elegant rear proportions of the BLS Wagon.

Luxurious, flexible interior and state-of-the-art infotainment systems

The BLS Wagon interior is highlighted by a three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. Flexibility and versatility define the rear seats and cargo area, which are designed to support a wide variety of luxury and leisure interests.

State-of-the-art infotainment systems include high-quality audio units from American sound specialist Bose, among others; a DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation; a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone system with a hands-free kit; and remote controls on the steering wheel.

Turbocharged diesel and turbocharged gasoline engines

The front-wheel-drive BLS Wagon is offered with a turbo-diesel and three turbocharged gasoline engines. The 1.9L four-cylinder diesel engine, with common-rail direct-injection technology, is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and delivers 110 kW (150 hp) of power. The range of gasoline engines includes two 2.0L four-cylinder versions (129 kW / 175 hp and 154 kW / 210 hp), and a high-tech, 2.8L V-6 (188 kW / 255 hp) that features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts.

The BLS Wagon offers six-speed manual transmissions and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on engine. For BLS models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard Sport Mode button allows the driver to select a sportier transmission shift pattern.

Comfort and driving dynamics

The chassis, which features MacPherson struts in front and a four-link rear axle, is designed to provide the agility customers expect from a luxury wagon. The chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort and load capacity.

Available in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2007

The Cadillac BLS Wagon will be in European Cadillac showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2007. ''The BLS sedan created a significant amount of showroom traffic at Cadillac dealerships across Europe,'' said Taylor. ''With the new BLS Wagon, we intend to build on this interest and appeal to customers who are looking for more flexibility to meet their individual lifestyles.''

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