General Motors announced today that Cadillac will give Europe another shot by resuming distribution, undoing a move made last year when its western European distributor, Kroymans Corp., collapsed.

“Europe is an important market for Cadillac,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “Re-establishing distribution of our premium offerings is good news for those who seek import exclusiveness”

Cadillac’s onslaught will start at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with the CTS Coupe, which will go on sale in the U.S. this summer and in fall in Europe. The CTS-V Coupe will follow late in 2010.

Click here to get pricing on the 2010 Cadillac CTS.

In Geneva, Cadillac will also showcase the CTS Sport Wagon, CTS sedan, CTS-V sedan and the SRX crossover. While the CTS Sport Wagon will be available as a 2011 model year in Europe, the CTS sedan and CTS-V are available for sale now. The SRX will also go on sale in Europe with model year 2011.

Click here for our review on the 2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo.

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will also be shown in Geneva, although no details on its European launch were given.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe:

- By: Omar Rana

If you like the way Recaro performance seats feel on your butt, but don’t want to cash out over $60,000 for a Cadillac CTS-V, then today is your lucky day. Cadillac just announced that it is expanding the availability of Recaro performance seats in the 2010 CTS Sport Sedan. The 14-way adjustable sport seats are now available in limited quantity as a $2,800 option on the Premium and Performance trim levels of the 2010 model CTS Sport Sedans.

Click here for prices on the Cadillac CTS.

The Recaro seats include adjustable back and thigh support for the driver and front-seat passenger, including a seat cushion extender, among the 14 total adjustable options. The seats feature French-stitched leather, with microfiber suede inserts in the center sections of the cushions and seatbacks, as well as heating and cooling functions.

The seats will also be offered this summer on the Cadillac CTS Coupe and the CTS-V Coupe.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe:

- By: Omar Rana

General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz last week repeated his long-held opinion that hybrid gas-electric cars have a limited market and will not be profitable for the Detroit automaker. However, he said that GM will be forced to make more hybrids due to tougher fuel-efficiency regulations.

This brings up the question – what hybrids can we expect from GM?

According to Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics, GM’s next-generation two-mode hybrid system will be migrating down to rear-wheel-drive sedans such as the upcoming Cadillac ATS and CTS. Both the ATS and the next-generation CTS are scheduled to debut in 2012. Hall’s viewpoint is supported by General Motors’ announcement last month that it will set up a $246 million facility to build electric motors to power future hybrids.

Click here to get pricing on the Cadillac CTS.

“In the future, electric motors might become as important to GM as engines are now,” said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, global product operations.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: HybridCars.com

Last week we heard some pretty wild rumors about General Motors’ rear-wheel-drive plans including a rumor that said GM would drop the new and popular Cadillac CTS Coupe and Sport Wagon. The rumor also suggested that GM’s Alpha platform will replace the Sigma platform currently under the Cadillac CTS sedan in 2012. The Alpha platform will also underpin the upcoming Cadillac ATS, the brand’s upcoming 3-Series competitor.

This morning we have some additional details on the upcoming ATS and this time it’s from GM’s vice chairman of global product operations, Tom Stephens. Stephens says that GM’s two-mode hybrid powertrain, which is currently used only in trucks, will migrate to rear-wheel-drive cars in the next-generation.

He says that he expects GM’s next-generation two-mode hybrid system to be offered on the Cadillac ATS.  The next-generation CTS will also offer the next-generation hybrid system.

GM said last month that it is working on an electric-motor that is 25 percent smaller and 20 percent more powerful than the current one currently used in its two-mode hybrid trucks.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

The Cadillac CTS earned an overall score of “Excellent” in a recent test of five luxury sedans by Consumer Reports’ for the Feb. 2010 issue of the magazine.

The CTS, which outpointed competitors from Acura, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Lincoln, ended up with an overall road test score of 84. Following behind was the Acura RL with 80 points, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Audi A6 with 79 points, and the Lincoln MKS with 75 points.

“With excellent driving dynamics, a smooth and punchy drivetrain and a well-furnished interior, the CTS outscores some of the best imported luxury sports sedans,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Well that should be some good news for GM and Cadillac right? Wrong. Apparently Consumer Reports says that the CTS’s “below average reliability” prevents the publication from recommending it.

Hit the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

CADILLAC CTS TOPS CONSUMER REPORTS’ TESTS OF LUXURY SEDANS BUT RELIABILITY REMAINS AN ISSUE

CTS outpoints Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E-350, Audi A6, and Lincoln MKS

YONKERS, NY – The Cadillac CTS posted an “Excellent” overall score and outpointed competitors from Acura, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Lincoln in Consumer Reports’ testing of five luxury sedans for the February 2010 issue.

The CTS earned an “Excellent” overall road test score of 84, outdistancing freshened versions of the Acura RL, which earned a “Very Good” score with 80 points, the redesigned Mercedes-Benz E350 and freshened Audi A6 and which both earned “Very Good” scores of 79 points, and the Lincoln MKS which earned a “Very Good” road test score of 75 points. The CTS trails only the Infiniti M35 among all luxury sedans in the category that CR has tested, but below-average reliability prevents CR from recommending it.

The new E350 has a slightly roomier interior and retains the same high quality materials and fit and finish of the previous E-class, but it doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor’s great ride and handling. The Audi A6, now five years old, still holds its own against even the newest luxury sedans. The Acura RL has a smooth and refined powertrain, but it’s not the most exciting sedan to drive. The Lincoln MKS came with the uplevel EcoBoost turbocharged engine, which is bundled with AWD.

In an Auto Test Extra, Consumer Reports also tested the Lexus HS 250h, a new hybrid sedan that received an “Excellent” road test score of 83, slightly higher than the Prius.

Prices for the luxury sedans as tested ranged from $50,660 for the Acura to $55,245 for the Mercedes-Benz. Only the Acura is recommended. The Mercedes-Benz is too new to have reliability data. Because CR tested the Audi A6 3.0T and MKS Ecoboost with newly introduced engines, CR cannot predict their reliability. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR’s Annual Auto Survey of its more than seven million print and Web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the luxury sedans test group and the Lexus HS 250h appear in the February issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale January 5. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.

The CTS gives up virtually nothing to the premium European cars tested in terms of refinement, powertrain, ride, or handling. The ride is supple and controlled and handling is agile and sporty. The Cadillac CTS Premium RWD ($50,995, Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as tested), is powered by a 304-hp, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine that delivers lively performance and gets 19 mpg overall in CR’s own fuel economy tests. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts responsively. Braking is excellent. The interior is plush, with well-fitted padded panels and nice touches of wood and chrome. It has a moderately-sized trunk.

The Acura RL is a pleasant and refined car, but the driving experience isn’t special enough to justify its $50,000 price tag. The car is full of electronic conveniences, but the ride and backseat are not as comfortable as those found in competing vehicles. Handling is sound, but less sporty than most of its competitors. The Acura RL AWD ($50,660 MSRP as tested), is powered by a 300-hp, 3.7-liter V6 engine that is smooth and slick and delivers 19 mpg overall on premium gasoline. The five-speed automatic transmission is very smooth and responsive. Braking is very good. The RL’s high-quality interior has impeccable fit and finish. For a car in this class, the RL’s trunk is modest.

The redesigned E350 doesn’t ride as comfortably or handle as well as its predecessor. Handling is still capable, but not exceptional, and the ride isn’t as absorbent as before, but still the E350 is quick and quiet, solid, comfortable, and luxurious. The Mercedes-Benz E350 RWD, ($55,245 MSRP as tested), is powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers smooth and strong performance and 19 mpg overall on premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission usually shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The interior is nicely finished with padded panels and high-quality materials. The trunk is good-sized.

Audi freshened the A6 with a new, supercharged engine that improves performance while retaining decent fuel economy. Handling remains responsive and secure, the seats are very comfortable, and the interior is nicely finished. The A6 Premium 3.0T Quattro AWD, $53,075 MSRP as tested), is powered by a 300-hp, 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that delivers strong acceleration and 20 mpg overall on premium fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The rich interior is trimmed with high-quality materials and panels are tight- fitting. Trunk space is good.

The MKS, which is based on the Ford Taurus, doesn’t do much to set itself apart for its higher price. It has many amenities and well-finished interior but the driving experience is ordinary. The Lincoln MKS Ecoboost AWD, ($52,770 MSRP as tested,) is powered by a 355-hp, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine that provides strong performance and gets 18 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Braking is very good. The inviting interior has thickly padded and stitched panels and nicely detailed front perforated-leather seats. The MKS has a good-sized trunk, but its opening is very short.

Though pleasant overall, the HS 250h doesn’t have the refinement, quietness, and ride comfort associated with the Lexus brand. The cabin is narrow and handling is unexciting. The Lexus HS 250h Premium Hybrid ($38,939 MSRP as tested), is powered by a 187-hp 2.4-liter 4 cylinder hybrid electric/gasoline engine that delivers adequate performance and excellent fuel economy at 31 mpg overall. It can drive up to 26 mph on electric power alone. The CVT transmission works very smoothly. Braking is very good. The interior trim uses high-grade materials. The trunk is modest.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site and owns and operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. The organization’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

- By: Stephen Calogera

This year alone, GM added two new variants to its Cadillac CTS lineup including the CTS Sport Wagon and the new CTS Coupe. Next month at the 2010 Detroit Motor Show, GM will unveil the CTS-V Coupe.

Most of you, including us, are now thinking that it would be logical for GM to offer a convertible variant of the CTS. Well, don’t get your hopes up just yet.

A Cadillac official has confirmed that there will be no Cadillac CTS Convertible.

“Nope,” the official told Straightline. “No convertible. With the arrival of the coupe, the CTS line is complete.”

Click here for more news on the Cadillac CTS Coupe.

Refresher: The 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe is powered by a 3.6L direct-injected V6 engine making 304-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can opt for a 6-speed manual transmission or a Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. A 556-hp CTS-V Coupe will join the lineup in the later part of 2010.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Straightline

General Motors Company’s vice president of U.S. sales, Mark LaNeve, said that the automaker is offering leases starting today. GM will launch a five-state pilot program that covers eight models in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Ohio.

The leases, which run through August 31, are being offered by U.S. Bank on the 2009 Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu sedan, and Traverse crossover. For 2010 models, leases are available on the 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Enclave, the GMC Acadia, and the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.

LaNeve said that leases on the 2010 Cadillac SRX will be available nationwide, reports Automotive News.

- By: Omar Rana

Earlier this morning, we briefly touched on Lutz’s comment about the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. During a live chat earlier this afternoon, Lutz confirmed that the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is indeed on the way with a possibility of a CTS-V Sport Wagon.

When asked where Cadillac plans to fit its V package in its CTS lineup, Lutz said: “As of now, the V package is planned only for the sedan and coupe. However, should sufficient demand materialize, there is no reason why we couldn’t do a V-Series wagon, and I would be standing in line for one, just ahead of you.”

Power for the CTS-V Coupe will come from the same 6.2L Supercharged V8 LSA as the CTS-V sedan. Output will be rated at 556-hp with a maximum torque of 551 lb-ft.

Wrapping up the chat, Lutz was asked whether or not he would consider going on Top Gear and taking on Jeremy Clarkson.

Lutz responded: “Why would I want to take on Jeremy Clarkson? He loves the CTS-V and has declared Corvette ZR1 to be the finest vehicle of all time. I love the guy.”

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Cadillac announced today that it will now offer internet access on the CTS Sedan in April that will give passengers full internet access in and around the car with their laptop or other WiFi device. Cadillac Wi-Fi, provided by Autonet Mobile, will be unveiled at the 2009 New York Auto Show next month

“In the back seat they’re basically going to YouTube, where they once watched DVD players,” Autonet CEO Sterling Pratz told Automotive News. “Now every Cadillac CTS will come with the capability to have YouTube and Facebook in the car.”

Cadillac says that the Wi-Fi can achieve speeds of up to 800Kbps. The dealer-installed option will retail for $499 plus a monthly subscription of $29.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

Hot Car, Hot Spot: Cadillac CTS Adds WiFi System

DETROIT – Cadillac will offer wireless internet access for its best-selling model, adding a new dimension to the passenger experience. Cadillac Wi-Fi by Autonet Mobile comes to the CTS Sport Sedan in April, giving passengers full internet access in and around the car via their laptop or WiFi device.

The launch of Cadillac WiFi by Autonet Mobile will begin with live demonstrations at the New York International Auto Show April 10-19.

“Consumers today are frequently searching for WiFi access wherever they may be,” said Mark McNabb, North America Vice President, Cadillac. “Adding WiFi is a natural extension of the tech features already inside the CTS, such as a 40 gigabyte hard drive with USB port, a pop-up navigation system featuring real-time traffic and weather forecasts and the exclusive ability to pause and rewind live radio.”

Cadillac WiFi uses technology from Autonet Mobile, the world’s first Internet Service Provider designed exclusively for cars. Cadillac WiFi by Autonet Mobile turns the car into a WiFi hotspot and works with any operating system supporting any Wi-Fi enabled device. It delivers an easy-to-use and seamless internet experience, with 3G mobile technology that maintains internet connections while the car is in motion. The system can support several devices at once, enabling one passenger to update a Facebook page, while another is gaming online or watching YouTube videos, for example.

Designed for use by passengers, the system requires no special software and achieves speeds up to 800Kbps. The dealer-installed option will retail for $499, with a monthly service subscription of $29.

- By: Kap Shah

The GM 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel was designed to fit into SUVs and light-duty pickups. However, GM engineers have been saying that the four-valve diesel V8 would also fit in the space of a small-block gasoline V8.

According to some inside sources, GM is considering throwing the 4.5L Duramax V8 turbodiesel into the bay of the Cadillac CTS, which is pretty straightforward for engineers as long as they use the raised hood from the CTS-V. Then engine is capable of producing more than 310-hp and a peak torque of 520 lb-ft. Yes, it’s legal in all 50 states and meets the 2010 emission standards.

With the Ultra V8 gasoline engine dead and the CTS due to get a 2.9L V6 diesel engine in Europe, the 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel seems to be a perfect fit for the CTS lineup. Motor Trend points out that while a diesel CTS for the U.S. would be a risky move, the downside for GM is minimal since the engine already exists and it’ll only help it get closer to CAFE regulations of 35 mpg by 2020.

Obviously, the 2.9L V6 diesel would also help.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V:

Source: Motor Trend