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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac CTS-V sets new lap record]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - The new Cadillac CTS-V performance saloon has set a new lap record at Germany's Nurburgring.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:39:39 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac offers SRX 'think spaces']]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Cadillac has launched an initiative to get Britain working to combat lost hours in the office.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:51:39 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac Escalade]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Five of the Best - The only car here that doesn't cost the equivalent of a house, but then, it's as big as one.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:00:42 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Buy Cadillac from Reservoir Dogs]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - It starred in Reservoir Dogs and now you can buy the Cadillac driven by the psychopathic Mr Blond.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:23:44 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac CTS Coupe concept]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Five of the Best - Cadillac pulls off a genuine Detroit surprise with its two-door CTS. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:38:07 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac CTS range : GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - In the past, UK-bound Cadillacs have been depressingly easy to poke fun at. With the latest models that has changed and the CTS is the most convincing of the lot. Andy Enright reports.Many car manufacturers would give their eye teeth for an easily recognised brand, but sometimes your name can have negative connotations. Cadillac is just such a brand. Mention the name to any car enthusiast and they will tell you that the company has never produced anything particularly relevant to British drivers.Think back to the last time you saw a Cadillac on British roads. Im not talking about eight-litre behemoths from the 1970s with their chromed fins and mid-life crises at the wheel, specifically dealing instead with the new era cars imported by General Motors since 2004. Youll be excused if you cant think of a single occasion because only 700 were shifted from dealerships in that time, which means that each car has around 357 miles of UK road before it chances upon another. Despite massive promotional spends, Cadillac has never really had the right mix of products to appeal to British motorists and the tiny dealer network hasnt helped in this regard either. With the BLS, however, Cadillac at last has a car that stands a realistic chance of shifting a few units. Itll still be an individualistic choice but its a marque thats now being taken increasingly seriously. First its time to ditch any preconceptions. Think Cadillac and youll probably think of a hulking great car that takes corners about as eagerly as a bulk freight carrier. The CTS is cut from different cloth and while its certainly not a car that relishes being taken by the scruff of the neck and flung at a set of mountain switchbacks, its a decent steer. A rigid body, 50:50 weight distribution, rear-wheel-drive and multi-link rear suspension might suggest that this is a BMW, but if you cant beat them you may as well copy them. The CTS rides well and is not unathletic in its handling, but its not the sort of car that makes the driver forget its size."It feels an honest product and looks great inside and out"Two petrol engines are offered to British buyers. The entry-level unit is a 2.8-litre V6, good for 208bhp but the more satisfying option is the 306bhp 3.6-litre V6. Both powerplants can be teamed with either a six-speed manual, which really doesnt suit the nature of the car, or an automatic which does. In 2009 there is talk of a diesel being slipped into the line up and the lack of an oil burner from launch will dent the CTSs chances. This second-generation CTS is a clear evolution of its razor-edged predecessor and the design has aged very well, the car still looking more like an escapee from a motor show than a common or garden executive hack. If anything, the styling is even more extreme than before, the wheels being teased further towards the corners of the vehicle to improve agility and passenger accommodation with the wheel arches gently flaring over them to suggest a toned muscularity. As Audi has demonstrated, a big, bold grille does wonders for raising the profile of your wares and the CTS doesnt shy away from advertising who built it. Inside its a bit of a revelation. Yes, there are some scratchier finishes than youd expect to chance upon in an Ingolstadt product but its attractively styled and has much more of a personality than the reheated Saab innards that its little brother, the BLS, serves up. The entire dash top is covered in stitched leather and the V-shaped centre console, deeply cowled instruments and ostentatiously chunky steering wheel give the CTS genuine showroom presence. The refreshing thing about it is that it is clearly an American car but has been bullied into offering European style quality. The CTS is not an inexpensive car to run. An indicator of how far it has to go in terms of efficiency and engineering comes when comparing the CTSs 3.6-litre engine to the powerplant found under the bonnet of BMWs 530i. Both engines will get the cars to 60mph in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph, but due to having 183kg less to haul about, the BMW does it with 268bhp where the Cadillac needs 306bhp. This translates into fuel economy figures of 36.7mpg for the car from Munich and 23,5mpg for the Caddy. Emissions? 182g/km for the BMW and 285 for the CTS. That would be forgivable if the CTS were a markedly bigger car but open the boots and theres 520 litres of room in the 5 Series and 373 litres of bag space in the Cadillac. This might make depressing reading if youre a Cadillac dealer looking at selling somebody the benefits of the CTS over the comparably priced 530i SE and it shows the benefits of BMWs massive research and development budget but it also fails to recognise that for some customers at least, the sheer want one factor of the Cadillac CTS is going to outweigh any Top Trump-style comparisons. Cadillac has been forced to face up to some hard and uncomfortable truths in the last four years and the British arm of the business is nothing if not completely candid about the size of the task that confronts it. The CTS is the very best weapon in the portfolio of Cadillac products and it remains a little off the pace of the best of its German rivals. Thats not to say its set to continue Cadillacs run of dismal sales. What the big Caddy has in spades is likeability and that goes a very long way. It feels an honest product and looks great inside and out. Whats more, it has an image that is hard to pigeonhole, which may well be an advantage for those who have established ideas of what a BMW, Audi, Mercedes or even Lexus or Jaguar driver looks like. Take a look. You may well be extremely surprised.FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Cadillac CTS range PRICES: (3.6) £36,500 [est] INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-18 [est] CO2 EMISSIONS: (3.6) 285g/km PERFORMANCE: (3.6) 0-60 6.3s Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (3.6) combined 23.5mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: twin front and side airbags, stability control, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: tba]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac CTS (2005 - To Date) : CT SCAN]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Models Covered: (4 dr saloon 2.8, 3.6 petrol [Elegance, Sport Luxury])BY ANDY ENRIGHTThe Cadillac CTS might look exotic and otherworldly but its actually a very savvy used buy, sharing common parts with other General Motors products. As such, you get tried and tested mechanicals with a welcome dose of exclusivity. Go for the 2.8-litre car and youll even have affordable running costs. On the face of it, recommending a used Cadillac to a British buyer who would normally look at an Audi A6 or a BMW 5 Series would appear to be an act of the grossest folly. Like baseball, rootbeer and Adam Sandler, Cadillacs have never translated comfortably to a British sensibility but the CTS is different, sharing many underbody parts with more common General Motors tackle. Heres how to snag a used one.The CTS has a lot of convincing to do to win over sceptical used buyers. The styling is a good first step and the Americans have managed to work in a trick or two. With its short overhangs, stubby bonnet and wedge profile, the CTS looks about the same size as something like a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes C Class. Break out the tape measure and a different story becomes apparent. The tale of the tape shows that it is in fact larger than a BMW 5 Series in most significant proportions. This had us scratching our heads for a while but goes to explain why Cadillac was so confident that this car could make inroads into the executive car market, offering, as it does, a little extra. While the styling isnt what you might call pretty, its definitely distinctive. Those front wings look as if they could pare steak, so definite are the crease lines, and the bluff front grille and smeared back headlamps are about as far from Boss Hoggs chosen form of transport as its possible to get. When this car arrived, the sort of buyer who avoided the usual BMW/Audi/Mercedes triumvirate in favour of something different like a Saab, a Lexus or a Jaguar suddenly had something else to consider. The interior is where many sales are often won and lost and its a case of good for a Cadillac. The gimmicky features and chintzy trim of the old Seville STS model were consigned to history, the CTS featuring neater lines, higher quality materials and a more logical layout. All things are relative, however, and by the standards of the class best, it still left a bit to be desired. The excellent thumb wheel control on one side of the steering wheel for example, is countered by four buttons marked 1,2,3 and 4 on the other. I still have no idea what they do. The cabin quality feels at best what youd expect from a well-built mainstream saloon like a Peugeot 407 or a Ford Mondeo. Still, the same could be said for some Saabs and Jaguars, so perhaps the Caddy isnt too far off the mark there. The Cadillac CTS isnt going to afford you the luxury of a tonne of stock to choose from, so you may have to compromise on trim/colour etc. 2005 model year cars start at around £16,000 for a 2.8-litre V6 Elegance with the Sport Luxury opening at just over £17,000. A 3. 6-litre version is only marginally dearer, reflecting the lack of buyer interest in the bigger, thirstier engine. Insurance is a very reasonable Group 15 for the 2.8-litre cars the same as a Peugeot 407 2.2 - and Group 16 for the 3. 8-litre model.The CTS has proven a very reliable car. When checking one over, look for damage to trim or minor body imperfections. In this sector of the market, such damage knocks used values hard. Your best bet will be to bag a low mileage used car from one of the approved dealers. (approx based on a 2005 CTS 2.8) Whilst it would be easy to assume that for such a low volume model spares prices would be punitively expensive, thats not really the case. If you were figuring that the General Motors parts would be Vauxhall-cheap, then youd be labouring under a similar misapprehension. Prices are on a par with class rivals. Power comes courtesy of either a 2.8 V6 or a 3.5-litre V6 good for 255bhp. With the 2. 8, theres the choice of Elegance or Sport Luxury trim. The 3.6 V6 comes in Sport Luxury or Sport guise. Those looking for a BMW M3 alternative, will appreciate the smoking CTS-V. With a 400bhp 5.7-litre V8 up front, the CTS-Vs Corvette motor will push it through 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 165mph although these are very rare cars, never officially imported. The 3. 6-litre CTS is no slouch, notching off the sprint in 6.7 seconds. It was available with the option of a Getrag manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox that benefits from electronic management and offers three different programs selectable by the driver: Sport, Winter and Economy. Apart from engine brake facilities, the new automatic transmission offers an intelligent shift control that avoids downshifting during cornering. An all-new rear-wheel drive chassis was developed for the CTS, using independent suspension, and the ride is a good deal firmer than you might expect. Admittedly this isnt saying a great deal, for the typical expectation of a US car is that it will corner with all the elegance of a frog in a sock, but the CTS feels pleasantly together. Its still no BMW 330i but it at least offers the keen driver some jollies. The steering is precise with a meaty on-centre feel and the variable power assistance never feels intrusive.There are two ways to look at a Cadillac CTS. One is that it offers an exclusive and cut-price alternative to the usual tackle without the sort of flaky mechanicals that usually come with buying a left-field choice. A slightly more cynical view is that many of the CTSs parts are offered more cheaply and easily in something like a Vauxhall Signum. With the steepest part of the depreciation curve out of the way, maverick buyers may well be tempted by the handsome Caddy. On almost any objective basis, a BMW 5 Series is a better car. Is it more likeable though? After a spell behind the wheel of the big-hearted CTS, Id say no.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Aug 2007 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac BLS : CADDY SHACK]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - A Small Cadillac Will Make As Much Sense To Some Buyers As A Big Mini. Andy Enright Takes A Look At The BLS And Thinks It May Appeal To Those Looking For Something A Little DifferentUnless, like me, youre an unreconstructed car nerd, the Epsilon platform probably wont mean much. It means a lot to the senior suits in General Motors though because this is the vehicle chassis that the Vauxhall Signum, the Saab 9-3 and this model, the Cadillac BLS all rest upon. This is the point where world-weary cynics will accuse General Motors of dressing up a Vauxhall in Cadillac clothes in order to realise a stonking profit, but the reality is quite different. Just as a Saab 9-3 has its own distinct personality, the BLS feels as if it could have come from nowhere but the US of A. Its also a very smart piece of product development. Rather than plough enormous amounts of money into a model that, despite Cadillacs boldest projections, will always be a niche player in European markets, the BLS could only be realised on the basis of shared costs. As long as the fundamentals are right, and theres a decent amount of scope for each manufacturer to put their personal stamp on the cars, then the formulas a winner. Volkswagen have been doing it for years and take a look underneath many Nissans and Renaults, youll find common engineering. Where the BLS is particularly interesting is that it dives straight into a market niche between the mainstream manufacturers and the prestige brands. Its an area that Saab have tried to exploit for some years alongside their Swedish counterparts Volvo, and now Cadillac find themselves joining the fray. Will the BLS merely cannibalise sales from its GM stablemate, Saab? Probably not. The sort of customer who buys a Saab is not quite such an extrovert as the sample BLS buyer. If you like the edgy, radical styling of the Cadillac, youll likely be younger than the typical Saab demographic. You might have been thinking about buying a BMW 3 Series but were put off by the conservative styling or maybe the Audi A4 appealed but you could only afford the entry level car with almost no equipment to speak of. If youre that person, heres why the BLS might have your name on it. "The Cadillac BLS offers distinctive styling, sensible running costs and a genuine alternative to the usual suspects"The engineering underneath the car is tried and tested GM fare. That means that youll get a front wheel drive chassis with a choice of either a 175bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo model or a 2.8-litre V6 turbo that punches out a hefty 255bhp. Theres even a 1.9-litre direct injection turbodiesel engine thats good for 150bhp, a first for Cadillac. Itll notch off the sprint to 60mph in just 9.3 seconds but the in-gear acceleration times that really indicate a diesel engines torque response have been slashed dramatically. The 1.9-litre TiDs powertrain includes the most advanced diesel particulate filter on the market, enabling Euro IV emissions compliance - an essential requirement for many company car drivers. Unlike other particulate traps, it is maintenance-free and self-cleaning, requiring no additives or periodic replacement. In order to clean the filter and to keep the exhaust flow as free as possible, these deposits are periodically burnt off by short pulses of over-fuelling. These briefly raise exhaust temperatures to the required level of 600ΒΊ C. The process is automatically initiated when back pressure in the exhaust system reaches a certain level and is completely undetectable by the driver. The self-cleaning process takes place whenever necessary, irrespective of throttle load or engine temperature. Pricing looks sharp with the entry-level 2. 0-litre just slipping below the £21,000 barrier at £20,728, while the 1.9-litre turbodiesel opens at £21,473. Opt for the range-topping 2.8 V6 model and youll need to find £30,998. Three trim levels will be available across the BLS range. The standard trim level, SE, offers 16-inch alloy wheels, engine immobiliser, front, side and curtain airbags, driver trip computer, three-spoke leather steering wheel with audio control buttons, cruise control, air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, a seven-speaker audio system with CD player, and Piano Black interior decor trim. The intermediate trim level, Luxury, features additional standard equipment including Cadillacs StabiliTrak electronic stability programme, wipers with rain sensors, an eight-way electrically adjustable drivers seat, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. Red walnut wood veneer trim enhances the interior decor. The top of the range Sport Luxury trim level additionally offers 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, xenon headlamps, and heated, electrically adjustable leather front seats with memory function. The Sports Luxury package will initially only be offered with the 255bhp 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine. Perhaps Cadillac could have done a little more with the steering wheel that looks a little too much like a hastily rebranded Saab item. The exterior styling is distinctive with a wedge-shaped profile and a look that isnt going to be confused with any other marque on the road. The huge vertically-stacked headlights and tail lights are interesting design touches and there are V-shaped motifs within the grille and the number plate surrounds. The crease along the cars hipline looks sharp enough to slice prime rib and the interior is certainly a cut above the usual American fare. Theres often a disappointing sensation of getting into a cheap hire car at LAX whenever we sit in an American import but the BLS offers a clean if not adventurously styled fascia. Buying a Cadillac is never going to be an act too many of us will undertake, but the BLS at least proves that there is a place for the marque in this country and that it neednt be financially ruinous to run a car thats smart, modern, distinctive and different. If youre fed up with the usual suspects, heres a welcome alternative.FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Cadillac BLS PRICES: £20,728-£30,998 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 14-17 CO2 EMISSIONS: [150bhp]159g/km PERFORMANCE: [150bhp] 0-60mph 9.3s / Max Speed 130mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [150bhp] (average) 48mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4635/2038/1466mm [est]]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac BLS Wagon : WHOS THE CADDY?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - By Andy EnrightLike the Saab 9-3 Sportwagon but want something with an edgier appeal? You probably havent considered the Cadillac BLS Wagon but its built on the same underpinnings and, as such, is a solid choice. Forget about the usual Yank stereotypes this one has been fast tracked right up to the Euro class best.You could choose to see Cadillacs BLS as a very smart piece of product development. Rather than plough enormous amounts of money into a model that, despite Cadillacs boldest projections, will always be a niche player in European markets, the BLS could only be realised on the basis of shared costs. Hence the Epsilon platform it shares with Vauxhalls Signum and Saabs 9-3. As long as the fundamentals are right, and theres a decent amount of scope for each manufacturer to put their personal stamp on the cars, as is the case here, then the formulas a winner. Especially in estate Wagon guise. The engineering underneath the car is tried and tested GM fare. That means that youll get a front-wheel-drive chassis with a choice of either 175bhp or 210bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo models or a 2. 8-litre V6 turbo that punches out a hefty 255bhp. Theres even a 1.9-litre direct injection turbodiesel engine thats good for 150bhp, a first for Cadillac. Itll notch off the sprint to 60mph in just 9. 3 seconds but the in-gear acceleration times that really indicate a diesel engines torque response have been slashed dramatically. The 1.9-litre TiDs powertrain includes the most advanced diesel particulate filter on the market, enabling Euro IV emissions compliance - an essential requirement for many company car drivers. Unlike other particulate traps, it is maintenance-free and self-cleaning, requiring no additives or periodic replacement. In order to clean the filter and to keep the exhaust flow as free as possible, these deposits are periodically burnt off by short pulses of over-fuelling. These briefly raise exhaust temperatures to the required level of 600ΒΊ C. The process is automatically initiated when back pressure in the exhaust system reaches a certain level and is completely undetectable by the driver. The self-cleaning process takes place whenever necessary, irrespective of throttle load or engine temperature."The whole team was very excited to apply Cadillacs design language to a wagon for the first time," noted a Cadillac vice president at this cars launch. "The V-shaped chrome-plated grille, a Cadillac hallmark, is picked up again by the shape of the rear window, and the body side character lines make it unmistakably a Cadillac." Unlike many vehicles that campaign in this class, the Caddy offers some serious carrying capacity. Theres 419 litres available with the rear seats in place and a whopping 1,273 litres with the seats folded down. Theres often a disappointing sensation of getting into a cheap hire car at LAX whenever we sit in an American import but the BLS offers a clean if not adventurously-styled fascia.Cadillac may have a long and illustrious history but youll search in vain for an estate car in all its 104 years of vehicle production. Good job the company has been eased in gently then. The BLS Wagon is a very tidy piece of styling with the trademark origami Cadillac edges at the front, and a neatly integrated estate glasshouse at the rear. Vertical tail lamps, alloy roof bars and a high mounted stop lamp positioned in the rear spoiler are all sharp design touches. "The whole team was very excited to apply Cadillacs design language to a wagon for the first time," noted a Cadillac vice president at this cars launch. "The V-shaped chrome-plated grille, a Cadillac hallmark, is picked up again by the shape of the rear window, and the body side character lines make it unmistakably a Cadillac." Unlike many vehicles that campaign in this class, the Caddy offers some serious carrying capacity. Theres 419 litres available with the rear seats in place and a whopping 1,273 litres with the seats folded down. Theres often a disappointing sensation of getting into a cheap hire car at LAX whenever we sit in an American import but the BLS offers a clean if not adventurously-styled fascia. Theres a choice of three BLS Wagon variants. The standard trim level, SE, offers 16-inch alloy wheels, an engine immobiliser, front, side and curtain airbags, driver trip computer, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with audio control buttons, cruise control, air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, a seven-speaker audio system with CD player, and Piano Black interior decor trim. The intermediate trim level, Luxury, features additional standard equipment including Cadillacs StabiliTrak electronic stability programme, wipers with rain sensors, an eight-way electrically adjustable drivers seat, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. Red walnut wood veneer trim enhances the interior decor. The top of the Range Sport Luxury trim level additionally offers 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, xenon headlamps, and heated, electrically-adjustable leather front seats with memory function. The Sports Luxury package will initially only be offered with the 255bhp 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine. The Cadillac BLS shouldnt be hugely expensive to run, especially if you opt for the turbodiesel variant which can average 48mpg and doesnt do too badly on carbon dioxide emissions either. Naturally, if you go for the more powerful petrol engines, youre going to run up bigger bills but the 2. 0-litre turbo powerplants are very efficient. Cadillacs concern will be that the BLS Wagon will merely cannibalise sales from its GM stablemate, Saab. Its a possibility but the sort of customer who buys a Saab is not quite such an extrovert as the sample BLS buyer. If you like the edgy, radical styling of the Cadillac, youll likely be younger than the typical Saab demographic. You might have been thinking about buying a BMW 3 Series but were put off by the conservative styling or maybe the Audi A4 appealed but you could only afford the entry level car with almost no equipment to speak of. If youre that person, heres why this sharply-styled estate might have your name on it. The Cadillac BLS Wagon is an interesting addition to the massed ranks of small, premium estate cars. This sector has mushroomed in recent years with a market demographic thats often younger than the hatch and saloon models upon which these part-time load luggers are based. The lifestyle aspect of this sector plays well with Cadillacs image conscious branding and we confidently predict the BLS Wagon to outsell its saloon sibling. Cleanly-styled, practical and with an element of the unusual about it without the financial penalty that usually accompanies such choices, the BLS Wagon is a refreshing change to the usual suspects. Although the turbo diesel model stretches the branding to the limit, its nevertheless the pick of the bunch and a car that can give the entry-level diesels from Audi and BMW something to contend with. Theyll be hard pushed to offer anything like the value proposition of this curiously attractive US/Euro amalgam. FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Cadillac BLS Wagon PRICES: £21,250-£31,250 - on the road [est] INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-17 CO2 EMISSIONS: [150bhp]161g/km [est] PERFORMANCE: [150bhp] 0-60mph 9.5s / Max Speed 130mph [est] FUEL CONSUMPTION: [150bhp] (average) 48mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4685/2038/1466mm [est]]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:48:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac SRX : THE CADILLAC WITH ADDED SRX APPEAL]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - Guardian Readers Will Hate It But Cadillacs SRX Offers An Interesting Alternative To The Usual Big 4x4 Suspects. Andy Enright ReportsIts easy to get a little patronising when it comes to American cars. Big, unsophisticated things that slug back fuel and trip over themselves at the first sniff of a corner, these so-called Yank Tanks have traditionally lost something in translation when shipped across the Atlantic. Just about the only market sector to have escaped this rather sneering attitude is that of big 4x4s, vehicles that sell in multitudes Stateside and enjoy some success here.Although the most familiar name to many will be Jeep, a more prestigious brand is looking to muscle in on the action. Cadillac, that most quintessentially American auto manufacturer, has established itself across the pond with big 4x4s such as the Escalade, one of the most namechecked cars in rap and RnB singles, and is now offering the slightly more accessible SRX in right hand drive seven-seater form to British buyers priced from £27,995. At first glance, the SRX looks not unlike the larger and more luxurious Escalade, with slab sided flanks and bold, edgy detailing around the front lights and grille area but its stance is quite different to the pumped up look of most 4x4s. Instead it adopts a low-rider look thats almost akin to a big MPV-style vehicle. Those who buy 4x4s for the commanding view of the road ahead will feel a little disappointed by the SRXs car-like altitude. The flipside of this is that the SRX features a lower centre of gravity than most competitors. This, in turn, should translate into the sort of handling that has escaped many big 4x4s, but the SRX is set up for comfort. Turn in a little too enthusiastically for a corner and the body will wallow, the slow steering not doing a whole lot to heighten the experience. Its worth stating that the SRXs handling capabilities are surprisingly good for a vehicle that weighs this much, but it doesnt move the game on in this respect. Although the cars cornering capabilities arent going to worry the likes of BMW, its ride quality is near the top of the tree. The SRX absorbs typical motorway expansion joints with a hushed composure and renders potholed B-roads a complete irrelevance. Its easy to find yourself parked atop kerbs without even realizing youve mounted the pavement, such is the absorption of the SRXs springing. "The Cadillac SRX isnt exactly short of road presence"This being an American car, a diesel engine is not on the menu. Buy an SRX and youre going to have to get used to pouring unleaded down its neck at a fair rate, as neither of the two engines is particularly economical. The entry-level engine is a 258bhp 3.6-litre V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission, offered in Elegance or, for £2,000 more, Sport Luxury guises. Most buyers will doubtless go the whole hog and plump for the single 325bhp 4.6-litre V8 version with a 6-speed auto box, priced at £36,895. This delivers some serious straightline speed, dispatching the sprint to 60mph in 7.4 seconds, the bluff front only failing to punch a big hole through the airstream at 140mph. This Northstar V8 is one of the best engines ever to hail from the US, offering plenty of low-end torque as well as the ability to play the sporting card with some conviction. Both the engines available feature variable valve timing and utilise an electronic throttle. The lack of a diesel is a big handicap in the British market, as an economical 3.0-litre diesel version of the SRX could convert many buyers looking for something a little off the beaten path but which wont crucify them in terms of fuel economy. Most drivers will be lucky to average much more than 15mpg from the SRX V8. Cadillac themselves seem a little unsure of how to pitch the SRX, referring to it as variously a "drivers utility" and a "luxury utility" although the closest conventional term for the vehicle most Americans would understand would be station wagon. Where the SRX scores is in offering a good blend of abilities in areas that buyers of these vehicles typically demand. It doesnt attempt to offer any serious off-roading ability. In fact the US version offers all wheel drive as a costly option. Likewise, eight inches of ground clearance and limited wheel articulation arent going to make this behemoth a rock hopper of note. The brakes of the SRX are well worthy of note. Helped by a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the braking system offers some serious punch. Big brake discs of nearly 13-inches in diameter are backed up by a very slick anti-lock braking system thats virtually imperceptible when pushed into operation. General Motors Panic Brake Assist system offers an additional safety net for when you need to stop this two-tonne vehicle in a hurry, applying full braking power when an emergency situation is detected. And so on to the SRXs cabin. Its at this juncture of any road test concerning an American car that things tend to go horribly wrong. Yoghurt-pot plastics, clumsy design, seats wide enough to house an elephant seal and lousy ergonomics are what we tend to expect. The SRX tries in this regard: recent improvements have included softer surfaces, flush-mounted switches and controls, along with enhanced storage capacity. It still has to be said however, that many of the plastics are still very low rent and the overhead console, grab handles and centre binnacle dont feel up to the mark when forking out around £30,000. Theres no shortage of electronic gadgets to play with but most are marshalled by a touch screen display which often requires three or four menu choices to get things done, diverting your eyes from the road for an unacceptable period of time. Although it may be fiddly to operate, there can be absolutely no faulting the sound quality of the optional Bose stereo fitted to the test car. Rich, deep and with prodigious reserves of power, this was one booming system. At 2960 mm, the SRX has one of the longest wheelbases in its class, providing an unusual amount of rear legroom. For the UK, this is a seven-seater and offers a spacious cargo area. The rear and middle row seats can be folded down, increasing the cargo volume to over 1960 litres. In order that the cargo bed can still be used whenever required, the third row seats can be power-folded into the floor at the touch of a button. The Cadillac SRX lacks the last few per cent of finish some buyers will look for and its lack of a diesel engine option will also preclude it from the shortlists of many other prospective purchasers. Just as well then that Cadillac arent aiming for big sales for this model in the UK, instead realistically targeting the sort of low mileage urban driver who might otherwise be tempted by something a little out of the ordinary. If you can afford to run it, the SRX certainly lives up to that particular billing. FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Cadillac SRX PRICE: £27,995-£36,895 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 17E-18E CO2 EMISSIONS: 332-396g/km PERFORMANCE: [V8] 0-60mph 7.4s /Max Speed 140mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [V8] (urban) 12.1mpg / (extra urban) 22.1mpg / (combined) 16.9mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS with EBA / traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Height 4950/1845/1721mm]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac SLS]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Five of the Best - It appears that General Motors is quite keen to adapt the Cadillac brand to whatever country it is being sold in.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:07:31 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac XLR : XLR8 AND EXHILIRATE?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Sep 2006 12:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac STS : POWERPLAY]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Sep 2006 12:07:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac CTS : WHOS THE CADDY?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Sep 2006 11:55:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac BLS 1.9TD Diesel : AMERICAN OIL BARON]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 04 Sep 2006 11:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac Escalade : DONT BE FOOLED BY THE BOX THAT I GOT]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/cadillac-escalade-1005179.html</link>
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<pubDate>Mon, 07 Aug 2006 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Cadillac at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2006 15:28:47 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Just what the world needs - a bigger Cadillac]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Cadillac's Escalade is already a favourite with premiership footballers and hip hop artists alike for its look-at-me styling and bulk. Well, now there's an even bigger version, called the ESV.]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2006 09:53:39 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac BLS World Premiere]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - Cadillac has its eyes set on the lucrative small executive car market in Europe and aims to be a player with the new BLS saloon debuting at Frankfurt. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:07:20 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Cadillac Seville (1998 - 2002) : CADILLAC LUSTRE?]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car And Driving - ]]></description>
<link>http://uk.rd.yahoo.com/cars/xml/?http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/cadillac-seville-2004279.html</link>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title><![CDATA[A diesel Cadillac? Surely not!]]></title>
<description><![CDATA[Car Enthusiast - The Cadillac BLS is to be made in Europe, for European tastes. It will even have diesel engines. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2005 12:24:13 GMT</pubDate>
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