Cadillac's global footprint is set to move up another gear: after the introduction of the CTS (2003), XLR and SRX (both 2004), and shortly before the European sales start of the STS, General Motors' premium brand was at the 75 th Geneva Motor Show to present the study of a new premium mid-class model. Cadillac BLS is specifically targeted to meet the needs of the European customer, as well as, other global market customers. The four-door sedan (length/width/height: 4,680/1,762/1,449 mm), with its clear, sharply defined contours, striking wedge shape and elegant interior, continues Cadillac's characteristic design language. The show car thus provides a clear preview of what can be expected from the new Cadillac BLS, which is scheduled to reach the market in spring 2006.
Among the particular strengths of this front-wheel drive sedan, apart from its expressive design, are its outstanding ride and acoustic comfort. From a technical point of view, this Cadillac will ring in a new era in brand history: For the first time, a Turbo diesel variant will be available. Like the gasoline versions, the Turbo diesel variant will be positioned at the upper end of the performance scale. Cadillac BLS will offer the dynamic driving performance customers have come to expect from this brand. For countries where the traffic moves on the left like the UK, the Cadillac BLS will also be available with right-hand drive.
A design team led by GM Designer Chip Thole designed the new Cadillac BLS show car and the premium sedan is thus immediately recognizable as a member of the Cadillac family. Nineteen-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels underline the impressive looks of the show car.ŕ´ŠThe unique style is further expressed by clear glass, vertically positioned headlamps featuring bi-xenon technology, fog lamps integrated into the body-colored bumper and a wide air intake below the radiator grill. Another high-quality detail is the thin chrome strip running along the lower edge of the side windows. The very latest LED technology is used in the full width center high mounted brake light, which is prominently positioned on the trunk lid. The vertically positioned tail lights add to the various design elements making Cadillac BLS another uniquely designed Cadillac.
Inside, the show car has many details that signal its affinity to the Cadillac family. The cockpit of Cadillac BLS is underlined by details like the three-spoke steering wheel and the analog clock on the center console. The displays for the circular instruments have white numerals on black background, while the needles are red. All the seat surfaces are covered with high quality leather, with the visible stitching emphasizing quality. The outlets for the ventilation/air conditioning adopt the brushed aluminium look used for the frame of the center console. The modern infotainment system consists of high-quality audio units from BOSE, DVD-based navigation with touch screen operation, Bluetooth-capable telephone systems and remote controls on the steering wheel.
To comply with the needs of the European market, a Turbo diesel variant will, for the first time, be added to the list of available engines. The 1.9-liter four-cylinder unit with common-rail direct injection technology will feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter that will comply with Euro 4 emission standards. The range of gasoline engines - all of which are Turbo-charged - will comprise two 2.0-liter four-cylinder versions and one 2.8-liter six-cylinder unit. All the power units can be combined with either manual or automatic transmissions and all excel with Cadillac's typical high output.
Company press release, last updated on April 18, 2005
It's a SAAB. Lamb dressed in mutten. Ah GM you done it again.
Saab
henk4 04-19-2005
It might have been appropriate if the Cadillac press releases hade mentioned that this car is technically a Saab 9-3, and that the only thing necessary to adapt it to American taste was to put a Cadillac grille on the nose and stuff the interior with cupholders. To make things look even worse for Saab is the fitting of the diesel engine, clearly aiming at the European market. Apparently the Saab brand has to fully disappear and by providing in house competition GM has just started the process.
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BLS Concept
Cadillac's global footprint is set to move up another gear: after the introduction of the CTS (2003), XLR and SRX (both 2004), and shortly before the European sales start of the STS, General Motors' premium brand was at the 75 th Geneva Motor Show to present the study of a new premium mid-class model. Cadillac BLS is specifically targeted to meet the needs of the European customer, as well as, other global market customers. The four-door sedan (length/width/height: 4,680/1,762/1,449 mm), with its clear, sharply defined contours, striking wedge shape and elegant interior, continues Cadillac's characteristic design language. The show car thus provides a clear preview of what can be expected from the new Cadillac BLS, which is scheduled to reach the market in spring 2006.
