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Motor Authority - blog Category: STS

  • Report: Cadillac flagship sedan gets the green light

    Report: Cadillac flagship sedan gets the green light July 20th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 20th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 5 Comments

    Report: Cadillac flagship sedan gets the green light Rumors about what Cadillac is planning for its next-generation flagship sedan have been flying around the web for years now. Guesses have ranged from a Zeta-based vehicle sharing Pontiac G8 heritage to the most recent reports of a still-murky XTS-badged RWD sedan. Today, a new report confirms the program to build a new flagship Caddy is back underway.

    The range-topping Cadillac had been derailed by the financial crisis and then bankruptcy General Motors has so famously dealt with over the last year, but now that the New GM is running the show, the DTS/STS replacement is go, reports Motor Trend.

    The report indicates that the Zeta-based... Rumors about what Cadillac is planning for its next-generation flagship sedan have been flying around the web for years now. Guesses have ranged from a Zeta-based vehicle sharing Pontiac G8 heritage to the most recent reports of a still-murky XTS-badged RWD sedan. Today, a new report confirms the program to build a new flagship Caddy is back underway. The range-topping Cadillac had been derailed by the financial crisis and then bankruptcy General Motors has so famously dealt with over the last year, but now that the New GM is running the show, the DTS/STS replacement is go, reports Motor Trend. The report indicates that the Zeta-based solution won't be used, however, and that instead the new flagship will ride on a lengthened version of the Sigma platform used for the CTS. How that stretching might affect dynamics is anyone's guess, but it's within reason that the extra wheelbase and rear-seat room necessary for a full-size executive sedan could change things from the familiar - and fantastic - CTS. Rather than contradicting our report from earlier this month, the new report merely fleshes out what's to come for the next-gen car, presumably to be named the XTS. Whatever is to come of the top-end Cadillac model, however, don't expect to see it on the road until very late in 2011, though it will likely make an auto show debut sometime before that. The plant where the car is expected to be built - GM's Oshawa, Ontario plant - isn't going to start on the XTS until December 2011. The next-gen Buick Regal will also be built there, as will the next Chevrolet Impala. The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is already being built there. The Regal - which may be re-named Invicta for the U.S. - could end up being the most interesting car out of that rather attractive group, however, with a potential 2.0L four-cylinder turbo, a hybrid version and the 2.4L-3.6L range found in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse all gearing up for use. We'll keep you on top of the details as they break, but in the mean time, you can read up on our experience with the 2010 LaCrosse if you haven't already. Read More

  • Report: Cadillac XTS to replace DTS as full-size sedan

    Report: Cadillac XTS to replace DTS as full-size sedan July 2nd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 2nd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Report: Cadillac XTS to replace DTS as full-size sedan Rumors of a replacement for Cadillac's aging DTS sedan have circulated the web for ages now, but today brings a report of what's finally going to happen. The new Caddy will get an XTS badge and will be designed to compete with BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus in the full-size segment.

    Currently the CTS is doing its duty in the mid-size sedan sector, holding its own in reviews and reliability surveys as well as sales. But the DTS isn't, since it's still based on the last generation of General Motors luxury sedan technology and design.

    Getting a replacement together was obviously derailed somewhat by the economic downturn and GM's... Rumors of a replacement for Cadillac's aging DTS sedan have circulated the web for ages now, but today brings a report of what's finally going to happen. The new Caddy will get an XTS badge and will be designed to compete with BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus in the full-size segment. Currently the CTS is doing its duty in the mid-size sedan sector, holding its own in reviews and reliability surveys as well as sales. But the DTS isn't, since it's still based on the last generation of General Motors luxury sedan technology and design. Getting a replacement together was obviously derailed somewhat by the economic downturn and GM's subsequent (and ongoing) bankruptcy, but with the market possibly poised for a turnaround and the New GM getting ready to hit the ground running, a new luxury flagship could be just what the General needs. Of course, it won't be coming right away - production isn't slated to start at the Oshawa, Ontario plant that will build the car until December 2011, reports the National Post. Joining it among the cars to be built at Oshawa will be the next-gen Buick Regal, expected to be essentially a ported version of the Opel Insignia. The Camaro and next-gen Chevrolet Impala will round out the Oshawa plant's models. Still waiting for confirmation or details is the sub-CTS model previously confirmed by GM. Read More

  • Preview: New Seat Ibiza ST wagon

    Preview: New Seat Ibiza ST wagon May 25th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 25th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 5 Comments

    Preview: New Seat Ibiza ST wagon The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last year was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan and Exeo ST wagon.

    We will soon be able to add to that list the new Ibiza ST wagon, which was first confirmed for production by Seat president Erich Schmitt at the company’s financial results announcement last month. The new wagon will be produced alongside the... The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last year was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan and Exeo ST wagon. We will soon be able to add to that list the new Ibiza ST wagon, which was first confirmed for production by Seat president Erich Schmitt at the company’s financial results announcement last month. The new wagon will be produced alongside the regular Seat Ibiza five and three-door variants at the company’s Martorell plant sometime next year, and is previewed in this latest computer generated rendering. The engine range should mirror the lineup found in the regular five-door model, which means two diesel units developing 80hp (60kW) and 90hp (67kW), respectively, as well as three petrol-engines ranging from 70hp (52kW) to 102hp (76kW). However, Schmitt has hinted that there will be a selection of engines not currently offered in the Ibiza also available. Entertainment and electronics features will include an optional navigation system, a new multi-function head unit with MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a possible sun roof with solar cells powering a ventilation system, which is already available on the larger Exeo ST.Seat Ibiza Sportcoupe three-door2009 Seat Ibiza hatch2011 Seat Ibiza ST Read More

  • Holden prepares business case to sell Commodore under different GM brands

    Holden prepares business case to sell Commodore under different GM brands May 1st, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, May 1st, 2009 James Martinez 9 Comments

    Holden prepares business case to sell Commodore under different GM brands Pontiac's demise has left a lot of people in the lurch, including General Motors’ own Australian subsidiary Holden, which lost a vital contract for the supply of its Commodore-based G8 sedans to the North American market. The Aussie subsidiary is not giving up on bringing the Commodore Stateside, however, as Pontiac’s demise may allow Holden to sink its claws into a more successful GM brand.

    Exactly how Holden will go about accomplishing this is uncertain, especially considering GM CEO Fritz Henderson has confirmed that the G8 won’t be sold under any other brands in North America. One possibility that has a strong chance... Pontiac's demise has left a lot of people in the lurch, including General Motors’ own Australian subsidiary Holden, which lost a vital contract for the supply of its Commodore-based G8 sedans to the North American market. The Aussie subsidiary is not giving up on bringing the Commodore Stateside, however, as Pontiac’s demise may allow Holden to sink its claws into a more successful GM brand. Exactly how Holden will go about accomplishing this is uncertain, especially considering GM CEO Fritz Henderson has confirmed that the G8 won’t be sold under any other brands in North America. One possibility that has a strong chance is the G8 being sold as a Chevrolet to different law enforcement agencies around the U.S. Another possibility that is starting to gain credence is the Pontiac Sport Truck (ST), a model based on the 'ute' class of vehicles popular in Australia, being sold through GMC as a niche model. Other avenues for Holden into the U.S. market include attaching itself Cadillac. Both GM brands are associated with large rear-wheel-drive cars and smaller customer bases than mainstream brands such as Chevrolet. According to GoAuto, Holden has gone so far as to develop business cases for the GMC and Cadillac deals but any green light is still a long way off. The story doesn’t end there as Holden is also reportedly looking to export small cars to the U.S. through GM's Delta platform, the new global architecture underpinning cars like the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt as well as a new compact sedan to be manufactured in Australia by Holden. Whether or not this will help Holden’s case for bringing its Commodore back to the U.S., however, remains unclear. Read More

  • Cadillac exec confirms sub-CTS model and STS/DTS replacement

    Cadillac exec confirms sub-CTS model and STS/DTS replacement April 10th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, April 10th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 11 Comments

    Cadillac exec confirms sub-CTS model and STS/DTS replacement In late 2007 Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor revealed that the current STS and DTS models would be dropped at the end of their respective product cycles in favor of a single luxury sedan. While General Motors’ financial woes led many to believe that the new Caddy flagship model had been put on hold, the luxury division’s marketing chief has revealed that the STS/DTS replacement is still in development but will be preceded by a sub-CTS model.

    Speaking with TheDetroitBureau, GM exec Steve Shannon explained that the elimination of Hummer, Saab, and Saturn will be beneficiary for GM’s other brands as it will leave extra... In late 2007 Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor revealed that the current STS and DTS models would be dropped at the end of their respective product cycles in favor of a single luxury sedan. While General Motors’ financial woes led many to believe that the new Caddy flagship model had been put on hold, the luxury division’s marketing chief has revealed that the STS/DTS replacement is still in development but will be preceded by a sub-CTS model. Speaking with TheDetroitBureau, GM exec Steve Shannon explained that the elimination of Hummer, Saab, and Saturn will be beneficiary for GM’s other brands as it will leave extra resources for them. In the case of Cadillac, we will see the launch of the new SRX, CTS SportWagon and Coupe, as well as the eventual sub-CTS and flagship models. The "sub-CTS" would be a 3-Series contender slotted under the CTS and would likely be Cadillac’s highest volume model, Shannon explained. This won’t be a just another BLS but a brand new global model with “dedicated architecture and content.” The new car is tipped to be based on a compact RWD platform currently development at GM called Alpha. Shannon went on to reveal that the compact four-door sedan could be on sale within the next “24 to 30 months” and may spawn hatchback and convertible versions. A diesel version is also being considered for the U.S. As for the STS/DTS replacement, Shannon said the car would need to be bigger than the STS though it still needs to be fuel-efficient and meet toughening global standards for fuel economy. He wasn’t willing to give a release date for the car but with the STS and DTS being withdrawn from the market in the near future the new Cadillac flagship should be on sale early next decade. Read More

  • Cadillac to pull out of half of European markets, cancels diesel

    Cadillac to pull out of half of European markets, cancels diesel March 26th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 26th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 5 Comments

    Cadillac to pull out of half of European markets, cancels diesel Say what you will about General Motors' past decade or two of planning, their products have come a long, long way in the past several years. That makes the events of the past several months all the more unfortunate - just when things looked ready to turn around, the market collapses. Now the company is taking another blow, being forced to pull Cadillac from half of its European markets due to the collapse of its regional distributor, the Kroymans Group.

    Earlier today it emerged that Cadillac has indefinitely delayed its diesel V6 planned for Europe, almost automatically cutting its target market in half. The further reduction in market... Say what you will about General Motors' past decade or two of planning, their products have come a long, long way in the past several years. That makes the events of the past several months all the more unfortunate - just when things looked ready to turn around, the market collapses. Now the company is taking another blow, being forced to pull Cadillac from half of its European markets due to the collapse of its regional distributor, the Kroymans Group. Earlier today it emerged that Cadillac has indefinitely delayed its diesel V6 planned for Europe, almost automatically cutting its target market in half. The further reduction in market reach thanks to a loss of its sales outlets could spell disaster for the brand. Court-appointed administrators will take charge of the group's 165 dealerships and 3,500 unsold cars following a court filing for debt protection that was granted March 20. "We will take it down to less than a dozen markets,” a source within GM told Automotive News Europe. The UK, Russia and Switzerland will be among the remaining locations where Cadillacs will be available. The decision to kill the diesel V6 now seems small by comparison, though its effect on the brand could be almost as great in the long run. Already completely designed and developed, the diesel V6 engine had been in the works since at least 2007. It was to be built by diesel-engine specialist VM Motori out of Italy, a company which GM owns half of, reports Auto Observer. But the fantastically torquey (406lb-ft or about 550Nm) engine won't be coming now that the car crunch has plundered GM's available cash and is "indefinitely delayed" according to spokeswoman Joann Krell. The decision to can the new engine, which would have gone into the CTS and STS sedans, might save money in the short term, but it will ultimately cost Cadillac sales and market share in Europe. While European buyers are about split evenly between diesel and petrol cars across the whole market, diesel still reigns supreme in the premium segment where Cadillac is trying to compete. The demise of the V6 diesel also likely spells doom for the V8 turbodiesel also tagged for the CTS, as if more confirmation were needed after the Duramax diesel itself was put on hold as part of the company's financial realignment. As fuel consumption and emissions standards continue to grow more stringent - and diesels continue to be strongly favored in taxation and fees, - the absence of a diesel in the brand's best models will be felt even more keenly. And that's not to mention the hopes of U.S. diesel fans that just went up in a sooty puff of smoke. Cadillac isn't alone in rethinking expensive diesel programs, however. Nissan recently revealed it was reviewing its diesel plans for the U.S., though Mazda has decided to use clean diesel tech to do battle with hybrids, taking more of a European eye to the task. Read More

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