Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Cadillac, Rumormill
With enormous V8 land-yachts and even bigger Escalades rolling down America’s boulevards, Cadillac doesn’t have the most environmentally friendly of images. But that’s a perception that the premium GM division is working hard to combat. After unveiling the Escalade two-mode hybrid, reports have begun to surface that Cadillac is considering a four-cylinder model for the American market like the Saab-based BLS it offers in Europe.
New emerging reports now suggest that Cadillac might get its own version of the highly-anticipated Volt plug-in hybrid from its sister-company Chevrolet. No telling at this point if the Cadillac version would be based on the Volt, transplant the Volt’s powertrain into an existing Cadillac model, or breed an entirely new Caddy - or for that matter if there’s any substance to the rumors - but sources suggest a higher sticker price than the Volt’s anticipated $40k.
[Source: Automotive News (subs. req’d) via AutoblogGreen]
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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Cadillac CTS-V
It’s been over 60 years since the Americans have so thoroughly trounced the Germans, but Inside Line has the numbers to prove it. The Edmunds news service had a chance to take the new Cadillac CTS-V (which we’re driving in upstart New York as we speak) and its supercharged V8 for a spin around GM’s Milford proving grounds and brought along its testing gear. The resulting bombardment ought to have the Germans thoroughly embarrassed and rebuilding for decades to come.
The CTS-V ran the quarter-mile in a scant 12.5 seconds, besting the 12.7 it takes for either the BMW M5 or the Mercedes E63 AMG. Getting back to a standstill was another hit to the Bimmer and the Benz, with the Caddy stopping from 60-0 mph in 109 feet - five feet less than it takes the M5 and six shorter than the AMG. And if you’re thinking that brakes and power are easy to upgrade and that the Cadillac couldn’t possibly best the Germans on the handling course, think again: the CTS-V ran the slalom at 71.1 mph, while the M5 and E63 ran it in 68.5 and 65 mph respectively. Deutschland über alles indeed.
[Source: Inside Line]
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Filed under: Green, Cadillac
There are some old-timers out there who think Cadillacs should have big fins and V8 engines who aren’t going to like this one bit. Emerging reports suggest that the General’s luxury division may launch a four-cylinder model for the American market by 2011.
The new model would be positioned below the CTS and possibly include a turbocharger, as well as the potential for an optional V6. Cadillac already has a small four-cylinder model for sale in Europe, the BLS, which is based on sister company Saab’s 9-3. But the BLS hasn’t taken Europe by storm and Cadillac is still reportedly contemplating whether to port over the same name for the American model. While the successor to the Northstar V8 was canceled, and with a replacement for the STS and DTS reportedly on hold, Cadillac’s general manager Jim Taylor wonders if Americans are ready for the idea of a four-cylinder Caddy. Rightfully so? The specter of the Cavalier-based Cimarron (see above) still looms large and we highly doubt Cadillac’s clients are actually asking for a four-cylinder. While it’s prudent for the Wreath and Crest brand to consider new models like this, we’d suggest taking a pass, guys and gals.
[Source: Automotive News - subs. req’d]
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