Cadillac Ditches Plans for Large CUV, will Make a Smaller One Instead

In North America, Audi will soon offer four crossovers and SUVs; BMW has five with a sixth model coming in the near future; Mercedes will soon have six and Lexus will have four this fall. And Cadillac? Well, it currently sells only two SUVs, the SRX and the Escalade, meaning that its foreign rivals have it outgunned in its own market…

GM Recalls 2.42 Million Vehicles in Four Separate Actions

General Motors today announced that it is recalling about 2.42 million vehicles in four separate U.S. recalls. The first and most significant recall involves 1,339,355 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia full-size crossovers from the 2009-2014 model years and Saturn Outlooks from 2009-2010.

Cadillac CTS-V Spied New 2016

Our spies had us brushing up on our spotting skills and turbocharger and supercharger knowledge-base after they took some fresh shots of a 2016 Cadillac CTS-V prototype and noticed that the car features what look like a pair of intercoolers behind the two side intakes on the front bumper. This lead them to believe that it could equipped with a twin-turbo V8 and not the Z06's supercharged V8 as initially speculated.

Hennessey Tuned Cadillac CTS-V Wagon With Over 1,000 RWHP Dyno Tested

Hennessey’s VR1200 kit for older-gen Cadillac CTS-V models turns these cars into straight line monsters capable of doing the quarter mile in the eyebrow raising time of ten seconds, or thereabout, depending on the chosen body style.

New Cadillac ELR Gets the Yul Brynner Treatment from NCE; Anyone Interested?

If spending some $76,000 (before an available federal tax credit of up to $7,500) for Cadillac's ELR range-extender coupe hasn't made a big of a dent in your pocket and are looking for a more unique experience of the open top kind, the roof-reapers at Newport Convertible Engineering (NCE) have an announcement that may interest you.

New Cadillac ATS Gets Its Very Own Limited Run Crimson Sport Edition

Just because it's Cadillac's smallest and most affordable model in the range, doesn't mean that the soon-to-be wreathless brand's ATS saloon doesn't deserve a limited edition treatment. Whether the ATS Crimson Sport Edition is the limited edition buyers have been looking for, is a different story, but below are the facts you need to know.

Next Batmobile May be Built by GM Division Behind Transformers; No More Military Looks!

Batman wouldn’t be the cool masked vigilante/detective/billionaire by day that he is, without his assortment of toys that always seem to be perfectly suited for the situation in which they are used.

The same principle applies to Batmobiles, which are easily the most noticeable pieces of kit he is seen using, and now, there’s going to be a new one being made for the upcoming big screen confrontation that needs no explanation: “Batman vs Superman.”

However, unlike the previous one, The Dark Knight’s Tumbler, this new one will not be military inspired in any way, and will have a different team than before working on it.

Jalopnik has information that GM’s division, at the Advanced Design Studio in North Hollywood, will apparently be the one behind the new Batmobile. They were the ones who also designed some of the cars seen in the latest Transformers movie, including the Camaro Bumblebee, which is now known world-wide.

However, there’s more… Apparently, it will be based on one of GM’s own models, most likely a concept and possibly a Cadillac (not a new one), though certainty regarding the latter is something we don’t have.

GM has been making more and more appealing cars recently, and if they do go down the new model or concept route, well then they have a large pool of cars to cherry-pick from, to not only give their own image a boost, but also act as a base for a memorable Batmobile.

Which do you think is most suitable, and do you think there’s any chance of it beating its illustrious predecessors? Tells, and why not, show us too with pictures below in the comments.

By Andrei Nedelea

PHOTO GALLERY

You Can Partially Thank 3-D Scanning for the Stunning Looks of the Cadillac Elmiraj

While it looks like we won't be seeing the Elmiraj turning into a production car, Cadillac continues to tell us about its well-received luxury concept. This time, is has revealed details on how it used an advanced measuring technology called structured-light 3-D scanning for its development.

Often used for fine art restoration and reproduction, 3-D scanning uses projected light patterns and an advanced camera to capture three-dimensional shapes. The shapes are then converted into math data that can be manipulated in digital modeling programs. The Cadillac Elmiraj coupe concept benefitted extensively from this digital mapping technology.

Thanks to 3-D scanners, designers can quickly reverse engineer and update the master math model, and then apply them to the physical model by milling the clay.

GM has used 3-D scanning since 2001, but the Elmiraj is the first drivable concept car for which this technology has been used to validate nearly every pattern, mold and part during each phase of the vehicle build.

“With the Elmiraj, we were able to use 3-D scanning as the bridge between traditional hand-sculpting teams who work in clay and digital modeling design teams who work in math,” said Frank Saucedo, director of General Motors’ North Hollywood Advanced Design Studio.

Not only that, but 3-D scanning allows designers to revert to a previous design phase. “A scan can even reveal the need to take a step back to a previous iteration, and 3-D scanning makes it relatively easy to do,” said David Bolognino, director of GM Design Fabrication Operations.

Probably the best part of 3-D scanning is that it makes possible the transition from a scale model to a full-size model in less than one week, speeding up the design process.

Scroll down to watch how 3-D scanning works from the video posted below.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

All-New 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe to be Revealed at Detroit Auto Show

With the ATS already poking a dent in the compact luxury segment against German and Japanese rivals like the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and Lexus IS, Cadillac is ready to move on to the next phase with the reveal of a coupe model.

According to an Edmunds report citing insiders, the new ATS Coupe will make its world premiere at the upcoming 2014 Detroit Motor Show in mid-January before it goes on sale first in the U.S. next summer and then in the rest of the world.

Spy pictures of the car reveal a more streamlined and conventional look for the ATS Coupe compared to the slightly larger CTS Coupe, which we're still not sure if it will be replaced.

The two door model is expected to feature a similar engine lineup to the sedan with a choice of a standard 202hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, or the optional 272hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 321hp 3.6-liter V6 units. A top "V" high-performance model will come at a larger stage with more than 400-horses to challenge the BMW M4.

Spy Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS , Rendering Copyright Carscoops/Josh Byrnes

PHOTO GALLERY

CNET Checks Out the Tech on Cadillac's $75,995 ELR Coupe

The stylish range-extender Cadillac ELR, that starts at a slightly ridiculous $75,995 without incentives, hasn’t received too much attention since its launch.

It’s probably partly down to the price, which puts it in Tesla Model S territory, and with only 35 miles (56 km) of EV-only driving available before the 1.4-liter 84 hp petrol engine from a Chevy Aveo kicks in to recharge the 16.5 kWh battery pack.

But none of that matters to CNET and their recently uploaded video feature of the ELR, which focuses, as we’d expect from them, on the technology it comes with, the way it works, and if it’s usable, useful or just annoying.

Too bad it’s so darn expensive, because as this video proves, it really has a lot going for it, from the good-looking interior and exterior, to its undeniable green credentials if run on battery power most of the time, and operated in the correct fashion, taking its power from the socket and not the petrol engine.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

Reports Raises Possibility of Cadillac ATS-V with 3.2-Liter V6 Turbo Related to Alfa's 3.2L

Everybody is praising the driving dynamics of the Cadillac ATS and CTS sedans, and while the latter already has a sporty version that puts its chassis to the test, the former doesn’t yet, and speculation as to what might power it continues.

To us, it would seem natural for GM to give the sportier ATS the same 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 as you get in the CTS Vsport, an engine that makes 420 hp, and could probably be tuned to give the smaller sedan/coupe BMW M3/M4 rivaling horsepower figures.

Now, a report uploaded by Automobile suggests that this may very well not be the case, and while the ATS-V would still get its power from a twin-force-fed V6, it would be a different one of smaller displacement – a new 3.2-liter unit derived from the same basic architecture that also stood as the basis for Alfa Romeo’s 3.2 JTS motor.

Apparently, the displacement change is justified in order to allow for its tuning upwards of 500 hp, seriously surpassing what BMW plans to offer. If you ask me, this seems a bit unlikely and not very realistic, but since they are mere rumors, we won’t comment on their accuracy just yet.

By Andrei Nedelea

Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

PHOTO GALLERY

This Saks Fifth Avenue Edition of 2014 Cadillac ELR will Cost You $89,500

If you want to (theoretically, but not necessarily) save the planet while destroying your bank account this Christmas…err we mean Holidays, GM's Cadillac division and Saks Fifth Avenue have collaborated for the creation of the 2014 Saks Fifth Avenue ELR coupe that will be offered through the 2013 Saks Holiday Catalog – yes, we noticed it as well that there are one too many "Saks" in this paragraph…

As if the $75,995 GM was asking for their luxed-up Volt in Cadillac trimmings (before any incentives) wasn't already a bit of a stretch, this edition will cost you a mighty $89,500, which includes a $995 destination charge.

Cadillac says that the car, which sports a hybrid drivetrain pairing a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to a naturally-aspirated 84hp 1.4-liter gasoline engine that works as a generator and two electric motors with a combined output of 181 hp, will be offered in an exclusive to this edition "White Diamond" exterior paint color and a choice between a Jet Black or Light Cashmere interior.

An upgraded 240-volt charging station with professional installation will come as standard (valued at up to $3,000, according to GM), while owners of the car will have their own ELR Concierge Representatives for improved and personal service.

The Saks Fifth Avenue edition of the ELR will be limited to 100 cars.

PHOTO GALLERY

The New Cadillac CTS is MotorTrend’s Car of the Year 2013 [w/Video]

If, for whatever reason, you weren’t convinced that the Cadillac CTS was worth a look in the crowded BMW 5-Series and Lexus GS class, perhaps MotorTrend choosing it as their car of the year will.

The CTS managed to impress the judges for all of the noted criteria, proving to be a consistent package that also happens to be very well balanced and good to drive.

Its well-judged looks were also a positive talking point, as were the engines and the one in the Vsport in particular, though; even the smallest 2.0-liter turbo unit was called competent, despite the size of the car. In this context, we are reminded that the CTS is lighter than most of its rivals, reaping all of the inherent advantages that it brings.

If you’re still not convinced that it should be chosen as the year’s most prominent example of automotive advancement, check out the video posted after the virtual jump, as well as other videos that praise the paint off it...

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

Drop Top Customs Gets to Work on 2013 Cadillac XTS Convertible Sedan

If it rolls on four wheels, has a roof and it's made by Detroit, then Drop Top Customs will gladly turn your ride into a convertible, regardless of the number of doors.
Not too long after we brought you news on the Florida-based company's open top interpretations of the redesigned Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans, Drop Top Customs released two images of a 2013 Cadillac XTS being stripped down in preparation of its transformation into a convertible.

2013 North American Car and Truck of the Year Finalists: Which Ones Do You Think Will Win?

Last year, Ford, with its Focus, was the sole U.S. manufacturer included in the final list for the North American Car and Truck of the Year award and it finished in third place, behind the VW Passat and the winner, Hyundai’s Elantra.
Even more surprising was the truck class where the Range Rover Evoque beat the Honda CR-V and the BMW X3. Where is this world coming to if U.S. manufacturers can’t build an SUV or truck to make an impression in their own market?

Why is This Man Freaking Out Screaming "Kill Me" and "Sprechen Sie Deutsch"? [NSFW]

Just so you don't start thinking that Russia is the only country in the world where crazy things happen on the road, here's a bizarre incident that took place in Rochester, Michigan.
For the record, we first stumbled upon a version of the video uploaded on YouTube today, but upon further research, we discovered an older edition uploaded by a user nicknamed "onetwodo2001" in April of 2011, which we believe to be the original (if we're wrong, send us a message).
The driver with the camera slows down when he sees a white Cadillac DTS that had exited the road at the point where a black Corvette had pulled (?) over.

Cadillac to Dial Back CTS Production as Brand-New ATS is Stealing Sales

If you build the right product, customers will come. The thing is, some of them may come from places you don't want them to. The Cadillac ATS compact sports saloon is still young but after its launch in September, sales of its slightly bigger sibling, the CTS, dipped a mighty 40 percent in October.
According to data from Edmunds, that’s no coincidence. The ATS might be intended as a direct BMW 3-Series rival yet the CTS is also one of the most cross-shopped models amongst its potential buyers.

New Cadillac ATS 3.6 vs. BMW 335i and Mercedes C350 in MT's 6-Cylinder Rematch

Like the VW Golf, the BMW 3-Series has been dominant for so long, shrugging off one newcomer after another, that it practically defined the premium compact sports sedan segment.
This, of course, makes it not only harder for BMW engineers to come up with something better every time there's a replacement due, but it also makes it the car all rivaling manufacturers have set as their benchmark.
Cadillac has made quite a fuss about its new ATS being a bona-fide, Nürburgring-bred sports saloon that can take on the best – i.e. the brand new, F30 3-Series.

New Study Examines Why Luxury Car Buyers Stay Loyal to their Brands

Brand loyalty is a priority for any car manufacturer. It ensures that they have a healthy core of buyers who will remain loyal when the time comes to change their car for a new one. Luring customers away from a rival, or “conquest” sales, as it is commonly known in the industry, is also one of their key objectives.
Therefore, when a report like the 2012 New Luxury Vehicle Loyalty Study comes out, you can bet automakers pay attention. Conducted by Polk and AutoTrader, the study examines the reasons why luxury car buyers stay loyal or “defect” to another brand.
“Understanding behaviors and attitudes is critical in helping automotive marketers to more effectively reach and influence luxury shoppers during their decision making process”, said vice president of automotive insights at AutoTrader, Rick Wainschel.

Cadillac Plans to Take Over the Limo Market from the Lincoln Town Car with its New XTS

General Motors has revealed new details on its plans for the limousine variants of the 2013 Cadillac XTS, which made its world premiere at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show.
The XTS will replace the DTS sedan not only in the passenger car market but will also take its place in Cadillac's professional vehicle lineup.
At the upcoming 28th Annual International Limousine, Charter and Tour Show that takes place February 13-15 at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Cadillac will unveil the XTS "W20 Livery Sedan Package" for professional use, which from what we understand, will retain the regular XTS' wheelbase length.
However, GM said it is currently working on two more versions of the XTS, the extended sedan and limousine, which Cadillac Master Coachbuilder (CMC) licensed manufacturers can build for the chauffeured transportation market by the end of the year.