2010 Cadillac SRX4 - Road Test

As GM wobbled toward bankruptcy, the company’s boosters often cited Cadillac as proof that at least one division knew the secret for success. But stroll through a Cadillac showroom. The DTS isn’t even on your Uncle Marvin’s radar. The pretty but aging STS has been nudged onto the berm by at least five luxo-sports sedans, none from America. The angular XLR, a marketing spinoff from the Corvette shop, has been euthanized. There are a couple of embarrassingly immense Escalades. And then there’s the CTS—in truth, the lone vehicle that carries the division’s reputation on its back. And so it was with huge anticipation that we welcomed this all-new SRX, a crossover we’ve loved since the day it was introduced in, uh,wow, 2004.

In the Detroit Three’s universe, new models usually arrive bigger and heavier. Not this time, Cadillac promised. In fact, the SRX has been yanked from the $50K, V-8 luxo-ute niche, where it was nonetheless strong, finishing second to an Acura MDX in a C/D comparo in 2007. Problem is, the SRX now parachutes into the killer $40K-crossover class, where it faces, among other all-stars, Audi’s stunning Q5 3.2 Quattro (the winner of July’s “New Arrivals for Summer” comparo), not to mention the beyond-dominant sales king in the segment, the Lexus RX350, itself recently refurbished unto the zenith of plushness.

Keep Reading: 2010 Cadillac SRX4 - Road Test

Cadillac DTS to be replaced by XTS, which will be built in Canada alongside new Buick Regal

The days of Cadillac's big DTS sedan are numbered as the plant that builds it will soon be shut down and re-tooled. The Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant that builds the DTS and Buick Lucerne will switch over to building the Chevy Volt in 2010 and the current products are both long in the tooth.
The National Post is reporting that the new Cadillac flagship will be dubbed XTS and will be produced at the Oshawa assembly plant. It will be built alongside an updated Chevrolet Impala, the new Camaro and the Buick Regal. The DTS is a front-wheel drive car, but the XTS is expected to the share the Epsilon II platform with the Regal and the new Impala. As such, it will likely get all-wheel-drive at least as an option. For its part, the Regal will likely be a re-badged version of the Opel Insignia. The report goes on to say that Oshawa will produce a hybrid version of one of those offerings - a gas-electric Regal model is a reasonable bet.
Earlier reports had pegged the next Cadillac sedan as a model that would supplant both the DTS and the slow-selling STS, and although the NatPost article does not speak to this, it is reasonable to assume that the new XTS will result in the phase-out of both model lines. The new model line was reportedly put on hold back in August of last year, but it apparently has once again been given the go-ahead.
The XTS is scheduled to be launched in December 2011, with the new Impala coming in early 2013.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Despite recent products to the contrary, when much of America thinks "Cadillac," a lot of people still recall the land yachts of the '70s and '80s. Hoods and decks marginally shorter than your average aircraft carrier, and Sedan de Villes and Fleetwoods serving as hearses or transportation for those awaiting a ride in one. But something happened to Cadillac a few years back. After several failed attempts to compete with the Germans (Seville STS, Allante and Catera), General Motors began crafting a strategy to take on the luxury marques abroad. At the forefront of that movement is the Cadillac CTS and the pinnacle of their efforts is this, the CTS-V. To paraphrase and co-opt the grizzled Oldsmobile tag-line: "The 2009 CTS-V is not your grandfather's Cadillac." Not by a long shot.

2010 Cadillac SRX pricing starts at $34,155

As GM heads towards an inevitable bankruptcy by the end of the month, it announced today that Cadillac will see two important launches later this summer. Production of the new 2010 Cadillac SRX and the CTS Sport Wagon will start this summer.

Pricing for the 2010 Cadillac SRX will start at $34,155. The 2010 SRX will be offered with two engine choices including GM’s new 3.0L V6 direct-injection unit making 260-hp with a peak torque of 221 lb-ft. The range-topper will be powered by a 2.8L turbocharged V6 making 300-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Fuel-economy is estimated to come in the mid-20s on the highway.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon will be offered with a 263-hp 3.6L VVT or a 304-hp 3.6L V6. Highway fuel economy is estimated to reach 28 mpg. Pricing for the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon will be announced at a later date.

Press Release:

Cadillac Launches Two New Vehicles This Summer

* All-new SRX Crossover starts at $34,155
* CTS Sport Wagon strengthens CTS model lineup

DETROIT - Cadillac’s model lineup expands with two dramatically-designed new luxury vehicles that also bring new dimensions of versatility and efficiency to the marketplace. Cadillac announced today that the 2010 SRX Crossover, scheduled to begin production this summer, will be priced aggressively starting at $34,155.

Later this summer, the acclaimed CTS family will expand again with the arrival of the CTS Sport Wagon. Together with the all-new SRX, these two dynamic new Cadillac models are in sync with the changing priorities of today’s luxury consumers.

“In a tough market the new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon are the right products at the right time, says Steve Shannon,” executive director of marketing for Cadillac. “They offer new dimensions of versatility and fuel efficiency, along with Cadillac’s signature design and technical features.”

The all-new SRX launches into the strong luxury crossover vehicle segment, a category that now accounts for nearly one-fourth of all luxury vehicles sold in the U.S. market. The SRX features new downsized and fuel efficient engines in a completely redesigned vehicle that delivers a dynamic alternative in terms of visual appeal and driving character.

“We believe the Cadillac SRX offers emotional appeal to a segment previously devoid of much of that,” says Shannon. “At the same time, it also has very practical new features such as advanced All-Wheel-Drive, and an efficient standard 3.0-liter Direct Injection V6 engine. And with an entry price of $34,155 the new SRX presents an attractive offer to consumers, while taking on the traditional segment leader aggressively.”

The new CTS Sport Wagon offers the same design and technical features of Cadillac’s centerpiece model, the CTS sport sedan - but in a wagon body style that effectively doubles the car’s cargo space. The new Sport Wagon includes the same 3.0-liter Direct Injection engine that serves as the standard engine in the new SRX. In the Sport Wagon, highway fuel economy is estimated to reach 28 mpg.

Both the new SRX and CTS Sport Wagon will be presented in a special video webcast from one of Cadillac’s design studios. Visit www.cadillacstudiolive.com for an inside look at the highlights of both new models.

Cadillac Launches Two New Vehicles This Summer

Cadillac’s model lineup expands with two dramatically-designed new luxury vehicles that also bring new dimensions of versatility and efficiency to the marketplace. Cadillac announced today that the 2010 SRX Crossover, scheduled to begin production this summer, will be priced aggressively starting at $34,155. Later this summer, the acclaimed CTS family will expand again with the arrival [...]

Cadillac’s chief resigns his position, leaving on June 1

The head of General Motors’ Cadillac brand has resigned according to spokesman Klaus-Peter Martin.

McNabb joined General Motors just 13 months ago and will leave on June 1 to pursue other opportunities Martin told Automotive News. McNabb previously worked for Nissan. Stephen J. Hill will take his place as Cadillac’s chief.

GM faces a June 1 government-imposed deadline to restructure or face Chapter 11 bankruptcy like its rival Chrysler.

Shanghai’s V-Day - Cadillac CTS-Vs Put on Stunt Show

Celebrating the recent arrival of the Cadillac CTS-V in China, a commemorate event at the F1 circuit in Shanghai was held where stunt drivers put on one of the wildest shows around. In the show was, obviously, Cadillac CTS-V’s being driven by some very good drivers.

Shanghai V-Day Highlights include the following:

• 19,000 fans gathered at the F1 circuit in Shanghai this past Saturday, the hottest May 9 in more than a century there with temperatures around 30° C. 
• A team of professional stunt drivers from Hollywood performed an incredible show for the crowd. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!  These stunt drivers are professionals on a closed course, and they performed these incredible maneuvers (that no one else should ever attempt!) for entertainment purposes only.  There’s your requisite disclaimer. Enjoy the photos.
• John H wowed the crowd with the performance of the CTS-V, piloting it to the fastest lap ever on that circuit for a fully production-spec sedan.
• Kinda restores one’s faith in the excitement and passion of the automobile, eh?