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.
04/16, 12:10 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
So a $30K 3-series fighter, sounds good to me. Go ahead Deanster and Hemi………………..
04/16, 12:11 PM
posted by:
xkr
Still dumb
04/16, 12:15 PM
posted by:
A4
make it under 30k otherwise ill buy a CTS.
04/16, 12:15 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
so we get the better Caddys while the Euro’s get the crappy ones…. interesting
04/16, 12:27 PM
posted by:
Vroom
BLS – Big Lazy ****
04/16, 12:29 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
There are pictures in todays AUtocar magazine it looks pretty cool
04/16, 12:29 PM
posted by:
Jon Luc
Now, all GM has to do is have a BuLl**** replacement.
04/16, 12:30 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
http://www.autocar.co.uk
04/16, 12:39 PM
posted by:
Stinky007
I have no idea how they came up with the idea that europeans might want a front-wheel drive diesel Caddy!
There are basically 2 types of Europeans:
1. Those who think american cars are crap, so they wouldn’t buy a Caddy.
2. Those who like american cars because they are rear-wheel driven V8 monsters, so they would buy a V8 powered monster! (I’m here!)
I don’t know how they came up with the figures that show there is a demographic for fake american cars in Europe!?
Did you know Chrysler is selling a 300 SRT with an underpowered diesel V6 in Europe!?
04/16, 12:39 PM
posted by:
Culley
Well, we knew it was coming and it makes perfect sense. Also, if you take a look at the link LaCarLover posted to Autocar and read the whole story, the rendering is very good looking.
04/16, 1:18 PM
posted by:
e36m
If the american’s gave the european’s rwd v8’s they would complain too… all europeans do it complain, protest, have a snack, complain, protest, and have some wine. Yes I love european cars but nothing makes them happy. Caddy is lucky that a select few bought the bls, caddy needs to focus on AMERICA 1ST!
04/16, 1:34 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Lmao! HONDA RECALLED 353,000 ACCORDS!
Let the 1115 bashing begin!
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080416/honda_accord_recall.html?.v=1
04/16, 1:41 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
Good find Mayer, let the excuses begin.
04/16, 1:41 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’m just glad the likes of Cadillac are serious about playing in Europe’s sandbox. They could learn a few things, especially about interiors.
04/16, 2:15 PM
posted by:
Get Real
GM is in no position to make mistakes….cash is burning.
Get it right the first time…where was market research ???
Fire who made this mistake. But..GM is full of Lutz’s.
04/16, 2:19 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
… B avaria
….. L icks
……. S phincter
04/16, 2:35 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
mayer;
funny!
The accord is the epitome of automotive perfection
04/16, 4:42 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
Bad Lesbian Sex
04/16, 5:34 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
is there such thing as bad lesbian sex?
04/16, 6:08 PM
posted by:
LaCaLover
When the vibrator has a kick-starter
04/16, 6:54 PM
posted by:
DLB_84
GM-Holden (Australia) also has an interest in this platform, in order to develop a ‘younger sibling’ for the Holden Commodore (Potiac G6/G8).
The Torana TT36 concept vehicle shown, was developed to judge interest for such a vehicle, and was also used to preview the VE Commodore design language.
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=44084&IsPgd=0
04/16, 10:05 PM
posted by:
autonut
Torana looks good. It is a perfect reason for GM management not to build it.
04/18, 1:15 AM
posted by:
AMGoff
Good to see the caliber of some LLN readers has remained largely the same since I’ve last been here… some of the names may be different, but it’s the same old BS.
How on earth can anyone possibly comment on a car that hasn’t even been made yet?
Frankly… if we were to assume anything about this new small car replacement, it would have to be good things. Whether everyone wants to admit it or not, the General is making some good moves lately and if we use the new CTS as the basis for any assumption, then this new BLS has a really good chance of being a nice little car.