Cadillac is currently developing an all-new rear-drive sedan to replace the Euro-spec BLS, a new report finds. The current BLS is based on the front-wheel drive Saab 9-3 and isn’t striking a chord with European buyers. The new car aims to correct the current BLS’ shortcomings and give GM a legitimate contender to complement the CTS in the European market.
According to Autocar, the new car — being developed under the codename Project Alpha — will ride on GM’s new Alpha platform. The yet-to-be-named model will be smaller than the CTS and is intended to compete with the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 — indicating that GM could be planning to push the CTS further up-market.
The new sedan — which could also spawn coupe and convertible variants — is said to take many of its design cues from the Cadillac CTS Coupe that debuted at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.
Engine choices will likely include a gasoline V6 for top models, as well as a four-cylinder diesel. It is also believed that GM is developing a V-spec performance model of the sedan that could use an all-wheel drive system.
Because the BLS replacement will be moving up-market to compete with some of the best in the business, GM is putting a heavy emphasis on handling. Because of this, the new car will use a suspension designed from scratch rather than a suspension from the GM parts bin.
Because the new Alpha-based Cadillac is being touted as a “global car,” it’s highly probable that the U.S. will see a version of the sedan. The new car is expected to bow in 2011.
