- Filed under: Car Buying, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn
During a dealer teleconference today, General Motors announced it would be launching a zero-percent financing sale beginning tomorrow, while simultaneously raising the prices of its 2009 vehicles.
The "72-hour sale" will run from June 24th through the 30th, and will offer customers 0-percent interest rates for 72 months on most Chevys, Buicks, Pontiacs and GMC vehicles. So far, there's no word on whether the offer will extend to Cadillac and Saturn. GM will also offer $500 in "bonus cash" to buyers who opt to purchase GM products outright rather than leasing them.
At the same time, the General is going to be raising the prices of 2009 models by an average of 3.5-percent "across the board," something that was bound to happen, according to Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of vehicles sales, service and marketing.
On the production front, GM will be adding a third shift to its Lordstown, Ohio plant to increase production of the Pontiac G5 and Chevy Cobalt, while at the same time boosting production of the Pontiac G6, Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura through the use of maximum overtime. Also of note: GM has hired Citibank to investigate the future of the HUMMER brand, which comes in the wake of GM's CEO, Rick Wagoner's announcement that "all options" are on the table regarding GM's faltering off-road brand.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Coupes, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac CTS Wagon.
Cadillac's product onslaught will continue with another iteration of the CTS that takes aim at the Kraut-wagons from Mercedes and BMW. The CTS wagon will debut in 2009 and will be sold worldwide, and it's expected that the CTS coupe will debut later that year.
As expected, the Provoq concept will replace the SRX in 2010 and will ditch its predecessor's Sigma underpinnings and utilize a new platform created by blending the Theta and Epsilon architectures. Power will be provided by a V6 and Cadillac's general manager, Jim Taylor, expects annual sales to land somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 units.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Buick, Cadillac, GM, GMC, HUMMER, Pontiac, Saab, Rumormill
This has been a big year for GM's organization alignment, with President Fritz Henderson opening up about the brand issue snafu and the appointment of four brand czars. HUMMER was meant to join forces with Cadillac and Saab in a premium channel, but while HUMMER is still in the family, it's apparently been put out on the lawn. GM Inside News (GMI) reports that GM is treating HUMMER as a goner, saying that the H4 program is on life support for handover to the next buyer, and the H3 GMT-700 program is kaput.
The bigger hearsay is that GM's board is considering euthanizing GMC or Pontiac. Those two brands were to be aligned in a brand channel with Buick (PBG). Getting rid of GMC could make some kind of sense, since it's entirely brand-engineered vehicles with some of the worst mileage numbers in the fleet. Shunning Pontiac would be a surprise to us since the Solstice and G8 have given it a nice brand awareness boost and it's got some products in the pipeline. If GMC or Pontiac did go, the GM board would consider folding Saturn into the PBG channel to maintain sales volume. In corporate-speak, we believe this is called GM's "gloves off" phase. Thanks for the tip, Dan!
[Source: GM Inside News]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Podcasts, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Jaguar, Celebrities, Special/Limited Editions
We're back for a fifth week in a row, a recent record at the very least. Chris, Sam, and Dan edge us ever closer to number 100 with Autoblog Podcast #98. Of note this week, we cover the new SVT Truck from Ford, whatever it'll be called, as well as BMW's Light Visionary Model, the Le Mans finish, burnouts in a CTS-V, and the impending tumble into a gaping chasm of suck into which NBC might soon take us when the U.S.-spec Top Gear debuts. A stroll through the Autoblog Garage is in there, too, plus the usual insight and witticisms. Please keep the emails rolling in to podcast at autoblog dawt com with comments and suggestions, especially any good ideas for
the soon-arriving episode 100. Thanks for listening, see you next week!
SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
DOWNLOAD the show now
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Videos, Cadillac
Click above to view video after the jump
The message was somewhat short and therefore cryptic: "This is video we shot of the CTS-V driving some hot laps at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, MI." Our curiosity sufficiently piqued, we clicked the link and watched the vid. What we saw was the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V being manhandled around Milford. With a running commentary by the driver, the new mid-size supersedan can be seen blasting around Milford at quite alarming speeds. The deep bellow of its 556-hp supercharged 6.2L LS9-derived LSA V8 is amazing. The video is perhaps not as inspiring as the 7:59.32 run around the Nordschleife, but is still quite the spectacle. Actually, it might not even be as exciting as our own video of a recent ride in one at Milford, but it's always fun to see the CTS-V move in a way that belies its bulk and reminds us that American automakers really can build world-class cars. Check out the full 3-minute YouTube video after the jump.
[Source: GM]Continue reading VIDEO: Cadillac CTS-V being manhandled around Milford
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac, Motorcycles, Special/Limited Editions
Just in time for the weekend, we bring you episode #97 of the Autoblog Podcast. Our cast of characters rotates once again, with Jeremy Korzeniewski joining Chris and Sam to discuss such wide and varied interests as motorcycles, high performance Cadillacs and hybrids. The podcast was held up by some behind the scenes technical issues, and there's still a slight issue with Jeremy's feed, so don't be alarmed when you hear a glitch or two. We've now made it to four solid weeks of podcast action for everyone; thanks for listening, and tune in next week!
SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
DOWNLOAD the show now
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Supercars, Cadillac, First Drive
click above for a new high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
var rubber_in_Cadillac_s_new_556_HP_CTS_V_sedan'; This week the Cadillac communications crew invited a group of media out to General Motors' Milford Proving Ground for a special preview of the new second-generation Cadillac CTS-V. We first saw the CTS-V last January at the Detroit Auto Show and more information has been dribbling in the intervening time period. A few weeks back, GM's resident speed demon engineer John Heinricy took a production spec CTS-V to an all-time lap record of 7:59.32 for a production sedan at the Nürburgring, and this week Cadillac revealed the official SAE certified power numbers for the super-Caddie at 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque.
When we got to Milford our handlers took us out to a tent by the Lutz-ring test track where we found three CTS-Vs and various displays of the hardware contained within. Heinricy was on hand as well to tell the tale of the "fast lap" last month. For those who may not have been paying sufficient attention over the past 6 months, the CTS-V is GM's answer to all those German uber-sedans like the Mercedes E63 AMG, Audi RS4 and RS6 and, of course, the one that started the madness, the BMW M5. Read on after the jump to learn more about what makes this Caddie so special and what it was like to go for a ride.
BONUS: Four videos after the jump, including burn-out runs from both inside and outside the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading First Ride: Burning rubber in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V [w/VIDEO]
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Convertibles, Cadillac
click above for more high-res images of the 2009 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V
While Cadillac released information on the freshened XLR roadster last week, all we had to look at was a single photo. Well, now we can see the rest of it. XLR.net has gotten hold of several more shots of the halo Caddy in both the standard Platinum trim and in rodded-up V-Series form (above). We were most curious to see the updated interior, but one look is all it takes to see that it's fundamentally unchanged. The gauges simply trade their rounder, Bulgari-designed numerals for a look that's in keeping with what you'll find in other Caddys. The steering wheel is also switched out, and the XLR gets the same unit you'll find in the current CTS. Everything else? It's pretty much the same -- nice, but not done up to the level of the less expensive CTS. For that, we'll have to wait for the next XLR, assuming there is a next XLR.
We already covered the new grille for the base car in our earlier post, as well as the new side vents. The V-Series, however, retains the mesh look in front, as expected. Out back, the XLR Platinum gets a pair of cartoonishly-wide exhaust outlets that appear to be part of the rear bumper cover. The V soldiers on with its Vette-like quad pipes. The XLR is a nice car that turns heads, and the V-Series absolutely hauls ass and sounds great doing it. But $100K (for the V) is a lot to ask for any Cadillac, especially one that still hosts an interior that, while attractive, doesn't meet the high design standard set by the entry-level CTS.
[Source: XLR Net]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Cadillac
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
We thought Bentley's announcement earlier today that it's adding a Speed model to the Continental Flying Spur lineup was exciting news for sedan fans. After all, a 600bhp saloon that can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach 200 MPH is pretty exciting, no? Not really when compared to Cadillac's news that the 2009 CTS-V will officially be rated at 556 horsepower, hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 12 seconds flat. No offense to Bentley, but a sub-3-second sedan is about as exciting as it can get on a Monday. For the record, the Edmunds' Straightline Blog reports that the sport sedan's 6.2L supercharged V8 will produce 556 hp at 6,100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3,800 rpm. That engine is the LSA, derived from the new Corvette ZR1's LS9 motor and detuned for duty in the CTS-V. Fortunately, the LSA wasn't detuned too much and the '09 CTS-V should destroy its German competition, specifically the BMW M5 with its - can't believe we're saying this - relatively meager 500-hp 5.0L V10.
UPDATE: Official press release added after jump.
[Source: Edmunds' Straightline Blog]Continue reading 2009 Cadillac CTS-V will officially make 556 horsepower
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Etc., Buick, Cadillac, GM, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for a ghres gallery from The All GM Car Show
On sunny 90-degree day that felt like a lot more than 90 degrees, Autoblog made the trek to a park in Van Nuys, California for The All GM Car Show. Old mingled with new, with a 1911 Buick sitting across the aisle from a Cadillac Allante, and a 1950 Oldsmobile next to a Shelby Series 1 supercar. And age didn't stop anyone from winning prizes: in fact, a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT took home one of the day's awards.
The show also featured concept cars, customizations, and some absolutely superb hood ornaments and detailing. Follow the jump to get the scoop on The All GM Car Show, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images below.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jonathon R. Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Autoblog visits The All GM Car Show
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Convertibles, Cadillac
Click above to enlarge
We'd seen spy shots of Cadillac's halo roadster before, and today, GM officially announced the updates made to its luxury brand's halo vehicle. The range has been winnowed down to the Platinum and the supercharged V-Series. Look for the V-Series hood on all models and revised front and rear fascias with unique grillework for each trim level. The Platinum (above) wears the CTS egg-crate look, while the $100K V-Series presumably soldiers on with the mesh visage that is the V signature. New fender vents have been added, and a number of tweaks have been made to the cars' interiors, including Alcantara headliners, new instrumentation (say good-bye to the Bulgari-designed gauges), and a leather cut-and-sew treatment on the instrument panel. Drivers will also now get Bluetooth connectivity with the car's OnStar package. Look for the new XLRs to hit showrooms in July. Whether you see many on your local streets is another matter; XLRs are a bit of a rarity in most neighborhoods.
[Source: Cadillac]Continue reading 2009 Cadillac XLR refreshed, coming in July
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Trucks/Pickups, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Mercury, Saab
For three weeks in a row, now, we've brought you a new Autoblog Podcast courtesy of the B-Team. Here's episode #96 of the Autoblog Podcast, where Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, and Dan Roth kibbitz over some morsels of recent news. There's the requisite trip to the Autoblog Garage to start things off, then we move into actual discussion points like the CTS Wagon, a gasp of life on the Ford Ranger front, the massive confusion around Cerberus and Chrysler, and Hyundai's nose-thumbing at Toyota's hybrid technology. Remember to send in questions, comments, and suggestions for ways to mark the passing of upcoming episode #100 to podcast at autoblog dawt com. See you next week!
SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
DOWNLOAD the show now
Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac, GM
Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Cadillac Provoq spy shost
If you're a big fan of the current Cadillac SRX, you'll be happy to know that the name will soldier on past 2010 when Cadillac's first CUV is replaced by the production version of the Provoq concept, which is often referred to as the BRX. Inside Line is reporting that GM execs decided the SRX name has enough cache with customers to continue using it instead of the rumored BRX. While the name will stay the same, the vehicle will be entirely new with a FWD platform shared with Saab that replaces the current RWD Sigma one that also underpins the CTS and STS. Engines are rumored to be a base 2.8L V6 and and the direct-inject 3.6L powerplant tuned to around 300 ponies. The new platform will also give GM the opportunity to use technology like its plug-in two-mode system in future Cadillacs without re-engineering it from the ground up.
[Source: Inside Line]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagons/Estates, Cadillac
Image removed at request of its owner, General Motors
A Jalopnik reader purportedly got hold of a Harris Opinion Survey about the upcoming CTS wagon, and assuming it's on the level, it brings forth a treasure trove of information. For example, as you can see above, it seems we now have a first look at official imagery of the CTS in 2-box guise. We like what we see...perhaps even more than we like the CTS Coupe. We especially dig the way those super-tall taillamps look from behind. We'll reserve final judgement for whenever Cadillac officially unveils the car, but things appear to be proceeding very nicely.
Underhood, the doc tells us that it's going to be direct-injected engines only. A 3.0L V6 producing 260 horses replaces the current, non-DI 3.6 as the base mill, with the now-familiar 304-horse 3.6L again assuming the top spot. Both will be connected to 6-speed automatics, and highway mileage is said to be 27 mpg. 25 cubic feet of your stuff will fit behind the second row, and if you flip those back seats down, cargo capacity increases to 58 cubes. A power liftgate ensures you won't strain yourself opening the rear hatch. According to the leaked materials, pricing will range from $37,500 to $42,500.
Will Americans embrace a new luxury wagon? We're gonna find out soon enough.
[Source: Jalopnik]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Filed under: SUVs, Etc., Safety, Cadillac
Photo by Mike Erickson, San Clemente Marine Safety
Memorial Day has passed and beach season is upon us. With the long summer days and cool ocean breezes, it may be tempting to take your new SUV out for a spin on the sand. If you are dumping that much money into a vehicle, why not share a special moment with your ride? Perhaps a close up view of the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean is in order. That was exactly the idea shared recently by a man in San Clemente, California. He decided to drive his 2008 Cadillac Escalade out to the ocean's edge to watch dawn break. However, the man must not have been one of California's avid wave riders, as he displayed an extreme lack of tide awareness and little concern for sand consistency. The eager sun watcher apparently ventured too far off of dry shore. Water saturated sand is the recipe for quicksand, so it was no surprise that the massive SUV sunk into the ground, trapping its driver in the raising surf. Even with waves reaching up to the rear view mirrors, the Escalade pilot refused to abandon ship, at least until authorities noted it was highly possible for the vehicle to flip over.
In the end, the Escalade adventurer was cited for driving on the beach, as typically only service vehicles such as those of the police or lifeguards are permitted to roam freely on beaches. There are some places, like Daytona Beach, Florida, that have general automotive admission, however. In that case, sand conditions are closely monitored, but even then it is not uncommon for folks to get stuck. This summer, we suggest beach goers keep all four tires on the pavement. All that sand is hard to clean up anyway, plus saltwater is rather corrosive. Thanks for the tip Keith!
[Source: OC Register]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Archive for the 'CADILLAC' Category
Thursday, May 15th, 2008
Convertibles, Coupes, Cadillac, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill
We’re all fidgety waiting for the arrival of the Cadillac CTS coupe, but GM has already axed a potentially popular variant of the two door entry-Caddy. Despite indications that GM’s turnaround plan is making headway, resources still need to be allocated carefully, so we’re guessing that an alfresco CTS Coupe didn’t make a good enough business case to justify the cost to bring it to market. While it certainly cost GM money to make the CTS a two-door, significant investment would have been necessary to engineer and fine-tune the reported retractable hardtop the convertible would have gotten. Convertible buyers are often a little different than hardcore coupe purchasers, opening up another sales niche. GM also misses out on another challenge to BMW, which offers a Skyliner-ized 3-series. If there’s enough clamor for a convertible CTS Coupe, GM may eventually commit to it as Cadillac takes aim at BMW with it’s awesomeized CTS.
[Source: Inside Line, Photo: Inside Line]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, CADILLAC, Coupes | No Comments »
Monday, April 14th, 2008
09 cadillac xlr, 09 xlr, 2009 cadillac, 2009 cadillac xlr, 2009 xlr, 2010 cadillac xlr, 2010 xlr, cadillac, spy photos, top, xlr
Last time we brought you photos of the 2009 Cadillac XLR it was hidden behind a forrest of trees. This time we’ve got a great shot of the new XLR roadster in the buff. The new XLR is basically a re-skinned Corvette that’s set to be unveiled to the public later this year, which may explain why it’s running around without any tape on. The Art & Science look is still in full effect though not quite as angry looking as the previous generation. You’ll notice the new grille and restyled fog lamps immediately, which help move the design forward. Spy report below the jump.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CADILLAC | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 21st, 2007
Filed under: Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac
It’s easy to write off a new model when clever ad campaigns and the PR machine work overtime to convince you that it’s God’s gift to tarmac. In the case of the new CTS, a hard sell is completely unnecessary. Eschewing the hype and the art-and-science drivel, you’re left with a striking exterior and the driving dynamics to match. Surprised? We were. And after a day of merciless flogging though the undulating hills of the Pacific coast, followed by a two-hour all-out assault on Laguna Seca, we came away with a newfound respect for not only Caddy’s 2008 sports sedan, but the automaker as a whole.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, CADILLAC | No Comments »
Saturday, February 24th, 2007
A special occasion warrants a special means of transportation: For the Academy Awards Ceremony 2007 GeigerCars.de built the exclusive STAR FORCE VIP shuttle, based on the latest Cadillac Escalade ESV. The STAR FORCE was commissioned by the German TV network ProSieben.
The American SUV was completely reworked by the tuning specialists from GeigerCars.de. The 403-hp / 296-kW 6.2-liter V8 engine gains an additional 20 horsepower with the GeigerCars.de stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system.
On the outside the upgraded Cadillac is an instant eye catcher with its large 10Jx24 chrome wheels and size 305/35 ZR 24 Pirelli Scorpion tires. In addition the ride height was lowered by 100 millimeters and the body was painted in a special ProSieben STAR FORCE color scheme. Bright STAR FORCE LED stars adorn the exclusive VIP shuttle at night. The front received a new and even more commanding chrome grille. But that’s not all: ProSieben TV host Annemarie Warnkross served as the model for the imposing gold-plated hood ornament.
The interior also features an especially exclusive design: The red and black leather seats with STAR FORCE logo are custom-made by GeigerCars.de as is the rear partition wall with retractable glass pane. A Toshiba LCD projector can beam the images of either digital TV broadcasts or a DVD onto the glass pane coated with a special holographic projection surface foil. The accompanying sound comes from a Hi-Fi system with more than 1,000 watts of power and loudspeakers and subwoofer custom-calibrated to the Escalade’s interior.
To provide the two rear passengers with maximum of legroom the body specialists from GeigerCars.de modified the floorpan of the Cadillac. The seats are upholstered with the finest leather sporting the ProSieben colors red and black, and offer maximum seating comfort. The sideboard mounted behind the partition wall comes with an innovative feature: At the push of a button it glides rearward to present the rear occupants with drinks or appetizers.
The GeigerCars.de designers further equipped the black 4×4 with a gigantic Webasto power folding roof over the rear seats to let the VIP guests enjoy the California sun.
Immediately after completion the GeigerCars.de STAR FORCE VIP shuttle was flown to Los Angeles for the Academy Awards Ceremony on February 25, 2007. There ProSieben will use it for its coverage of the world’s most important motion picture award.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, CADILLAC | No Comments »
Saturday, January 13th, 2007
Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor unveils the new 2008 Cadillac CTS Monday at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
Posted in Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, CADILLAC | No Comments »
