Archive for March, 2007
Salvation of the BLS - thine name is Alpha
March 22, 2007 - 11:36 amThe good folks over at Winding Road have something very interesting to report about the future of Cadillac’s BLS model.
Conventional wisdom has been that the next BLS would ride on the Epsilon2 chassis and would therefore be front and/or all-wheel drive. The only way for BLS to be a legitimate 3-series competitor in Europe would have required the AWD route since front drive simply does not appeal to the sport sedan buyer that is looking for the most involving driving experience.
Now we hear what is really going on behind the scenes…a new, sub-Sigma rear drive platform that pulls parts from both the small Kappa (Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Opel GT) and from the Zeta chassis (Pontiac G8, Holden Commodore). The new platform’s name – Alpha.
This new chassis will serve as the basis for not only the 2nd generation BLS but also for a new replacement for the Pontiac G6 (on Pontiac’s way to becoming a rear-drive, enthusiasts brand).
Way to go Cadillac! Let’s get that BLS redesign fast-tracked.
This should also allow Cadillac to easily move the CTS into direct competition with the BMW 5-series/Mercedes E-Class – since it is already the right size. And then allow Cadillac to bring over the BLS to the North American market as a more direct 3-series/C-class competitor.
Winding Road: GM’s Next RWD Platform: Alpha
GM confirms - V-12 for Cadillac being developed
March 21, 2007 - 9:46 amAutomotive News is reporting that GM has finally confirmed development of a V-12 that would be slated for higher-end Cadillacs in the not too distant future.
Based on the high-feature V-6 architecture (2.8, 3.6, 3.6 Direct Injection) family of engines, this V-12 would be mechanically similar to two 3.6l V-6’s joined at the crank. This would give displacements upwards of 7.2l and horsepower numbers in excess of 600hp.
The engine is currently undergoing testing in Australia in a modified Holden Commodore (Pontiac G8) – which is built on the same Zeta chassis that Bob Lutz has previously suggested might make a good basis for a high-end Cadillac.
Expect a decision to be made soon as to what model(s) the V-12 might make it into.
We’d expect a high-end sedan as the most likely, with an ultra Escalade, and a V-12, 2-seat super sportscar as other, less likely options.
See Autoblog’s coverage at:
Autoblog.com: Lutz confirms V12 in development for Cadillac flagship
More BLS news…BLS Wagon announced
March 12, 2007 - 11:00 am
In a move that has the anti-BLS crowd (Saabophiles, mainly) fuming…Cadillac has announced another variant of the Epsilon (Saab 9-3, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, Opel Vectra, Chevy Malibu) based BLS – a wagon.
Built alongside the 9-3 in Sweden, the BLS wagon shares a bit of the styling of the recent 9-3 SportCombi wagon, but with a definite Cadillac look. In fact, like the sedan, it is amazing that GM was able to make the changes as profound as they are – styling-wise.
This move is likely intended to help drive what has been, to date, slow BLS sales.
Interestingly, Cadillac is claiming this to be the first wagon in Cadillac’s history. Its success will certainly play into their decision to build or not build a CTS wagon (which would be targeted mainly at the Euro-market.
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Ultra Cadillac still being considered?
March 12, 2007 - 7:58 amAutomotive News’ David Sedgwick is reporting that, in a discussion with Bob Lutz, that Cadillac is still considering an ultra-Cadillac.
The question at this point is whether they would be looking at a super sedan (a la the Sixteen concept) or perhaps a halo sports car in the vein of the Cadillac Cien.
The sedan would be more expensive to implement, but would sell in greater numbers.
Either option would likely pack a V-10 or V-12 powerplant with a hybrid system being considered as well.
BLS named “Best Winter Car” in Finland
March 12, 2007 - 7:28 amFinland’s Tekniikan Maailma magazine, in a comparison of 20 of the newest models available in Europe, has found the Cadillac BLS to be the Winter Car 2007.
Key to the BLS’ win was its scores in tests for “low-grip handling, braking stability and grip on uphill starts, as well as its headlamp performance and ability to heat the interior to a comfortable 15 degrees© in just 10 minutes from a sub-zero startup.”
Read the entire GM press release celebrating the win below:
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