It's not bad...
I still prefer the Saab though.
It's not bad...
I still prefer the Saab though.
Lack of charisma can be fatal.
Visca Catalunya!
Here is a funny story
I wonder if Saab 9-3 was competing...For immediate release: March 9, 2007
CADILLAC BLS NOMINATED “BEST WINTER CAR” IN FINLAND
* Cadillac BLS midsize saloon beats 20 new models to claim prestigious award in one of Europe’s toughest winter tests
BREUKELEN – The Cadillac BLS, the first Cadillac to be designed specifically with the demands of European driving conditions in mind, has been honoured with the “Winter Car 2007” Award by Finland’s Tekniikan Maailma magazine. The award was presented to Jim Taylor, Cadillac’s General Manager by Martti Merilinna, COTY member and Chief Editor of Finland’s leading motoring magazine, at the Geneva Motor Show.
Cadillac’s luxury midsize saloon was awarded the title after a demanding test featuring 20 of the newest models on the European market from the past 12 months, including competitors from Volvo, Peugeot, Honda and Skoda. The TM Winter Test is highly regarded among customers and the auto industry. It is particularly significant since Finland is renowned as having some of the most severe winter driving conditions in Europe. Temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees are commonplace in the Arctic North of Finland and high-friction snow tyres are used during the winter months.
The front-wheel drive Cadillac BLS was launched across Europe in 2006 and offers the first-ever turbo diesel variant in the brand’s history. As with the three petrol variants, the 150 hp turbo diesel delivers the dynamic driving performance that customers expect from Cadillac. All BLS models offer expressive design, outstanding ride and acoustic comfort.
The Tekniikan Maailma winter driving test set out to determine which car would, “… in this sparsely populated land of the cold and dark winter… take us to our destination in safety, comfort and warmth.” The Cadillac BLS proved more than capable of meeting the extraordinary demands of the tough Finnish winter.
The Tekniikan Maailma tests took the cars from Helsinki, the Finnish capital, to the internationally renowned test track at Ivalo in Northern Finland. The Cadillac scored top marks in tests including low-grip handling, braking stability and grip on uphill starts, as well as its headlamp performance and ability to heat the interior to a comfortable 15 degrees in just 10 minutes from a sub-zero startup.
“Here is the best ever Cadillac one could hope for in winter use,” said the TM testers. Their comments prove a key aim of the BLS design team: to create a Cadillac in harmony with the toughest European driving conditions.
- Ends -
Erk to my eyes this car is a no-go zone as far as the art of simpatico goes. Yes it reaches any perceivable quota of the 'in your face' visual component and standout-ish-ness but at what price? The cost of svelte a concept of which is seemingly being replaced by 'look at me' Tron alienism
At a quick look there's not too visual difference or style distinction between this 'high prestige' Saabillac and a lowly Dodge Caliber. Without badgework it could easily be a Kia for all I see
Not being anti American, this is purely a matter of taste
"I'll have a Cadillac BLS please, on rye, and supersize me on the outre style sauce"
I think that the gauges are too low. Its driver-unfriendly.
My motto: Quality over quantity.
Press Release:
Cadillac Extends European Portfolio with BLS Wagon
* Further commitment to grow Cadillac’s presence in Europe
* Expressive design combined with elegance and versatility
* Three turbocharged gasoline engines and one direct-injection diesel engine
* Sales expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2007
DETROIT – Cadillac reinforced its commitment to grow its brand in Europe by announcing it will add the BLS Wagon to its portfolio later this year.
“The Cadillac BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers preferring dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics,” said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. “This is the first Cadillac wagon in our 104-year history, and we think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their performance luxury vehicles.”
Cadillac signature style
Clear, clean, crisp and sharply defined contours are Cadillac design signatures. An international team of designers, under the leadership of Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design, created a BLS Wagon with a striking wedge shape that is emphasized by the tapered lines of the side windows.
“The whole team was very excited to apply Cadillac’s design language to a wagon for the first time,” said Welburn. “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.”
The BLS Wagon also features jewel-like headlamps, fog lamps integrated into the body-colored bumper and a wide air intake below the grille. A narrow chrome strip runs along the side windows and the latest LED technology is used in the center high-mounted stop lamp, which is prominently positioned in the rear spoiler. Vertical taillamps, another Cadillac hallmark, play a prominent role in defining the elegant rear proportions of the BLS Wagon.
Luxurious, flexible interior and state-of-the-art infotainment systems
The BLS Wagon interior is highlighted by a three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background.
Flexibility and versatility define the rear seats and cargo area, which are designed to support a wide variety of luxury and leisure interests.
State-of-the-art infotainment systems include high-quality audio units from American sound specialist Bose, among others; a DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation; a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone system with a hands-free kit; and remote controls on the steering wheel.
Turbocharged diesel and turbocharged gasoline engines
The front-wheel-drive BLS Wagon is offered with a turbo-diesel and three turbocharged gasoline engines. The 1.9L four-cylinder diesel engine, with common-rail direct-injection technology, is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and delivers 110 kW (150 hp) of power. The range of gasoline engines includes two 2.0L four-cylinder versions (129 kW / 175 hp and 154 kW / 210 hp), and a high-tech, 2.8L V-6 (188 kW / 255 hp) that features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts.
The BLS Wagon offers six-speed manual transmissions and five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on engine. For BLS models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard Sport Mode button allows the driver to select a sportier transmission shift pattern.
Comfort and driving dynamics
The chassis, which features MacPherson struts in front and a four-link rear axle, is designed to provide the agility customers expect from a luxury wagon. The chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort and load capacity.
Available in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2007
The Cadillac BLS Wagon will be in European Cadillac showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2007.
“The BLS sedan created a significant amount of showroom traffic at Cadillac dealerships across Europe,” said Taylor. “With the new BLS Wagon, we intend to build on this interest and appeal to customers who are looking for more flexibility to meet their individual lifestyles.”
"The best thing about this is that you know that it has to come from a country where drugs is legal"
Top Gear on the Vandenbrink Carver One
"I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams
Cadillac BLS #10
Lack of charisma can be fatal.
Visca Catalunya!
Cadillac BLS #11
Lack of charisma can be fatal.
Visca Catalunya!
Cadillac BLS #12
Lack of charisma can be fatal.
Visca Catalunya!
Cadillac BLS #13
Lack of charisma can be fatal.
Visca Catalunya!
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