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Cadillac
Cadillac Extends European Portfolio with BLS Wagon
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. |
