Cadillac Archives

Cadillac's all-new 2013 ATS is the subject of its Super Bowl commercial that is going to air during the game this Sunday. The on-road performance of the ATS is the subject of the 30-second spot.

"The ad showcases what will make ATS a serious new challenger against the world's best compact luxury cars," said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. "It's an opportunity to reach a big audience with the message that Cadillac is expanding into new territory."

The 2013 ATS is set to go head to head with models like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class when it is released this summer.

"The car is the total focus of the ad, with actual testing footage of the ATS," Ewanick said. "Competing head-to-head in an elite class requires authentic performance."

Here are the first official photos of the 2013 Cadillac ATS, which is being unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, this week. The Cadillac ATS is Cadillac's direct rival to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models.

The ATS features Cadillac's Art & Science design language that is similar to the new XTS and CTS models, but in a smaller package. GM has already confirmed that the 2013 ATS will be offered with three engine choices, a 2.5L four-cylinder, a 318-hp 3.6L V6 and a 270 horsepower turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. Buyers can also choose between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive.

Inside the ATS will be get Cadillac's new CUE infotainment system. Stay tuned for all the info from the show.

The Cadillac Escalade currently sits at the top of the "most-stolen" vehicle list, which obviously isn't great publicity for the large SUV. GM is out to fix this with new security enhancements on the 2012 Escalade.

"The goal is to make the Escalade a very difficult target for thieves without any added inconvenience for customers," said Bill Biondo, General Motors' global leader for vehicle theft prevention. "The new systems work in the background and few people realize they are there, but they are strong added protections."

For 2012 the Escalade gets:

- PASS Key 3+, which is an encryption system for the key, key cylinder and ignition system. -A steering column-lock system that makes it nearly impossible to maneuver the Escalade onto a flatbed.
- An available inclination sensor that sets off an alarm when the system senses an unwarranted change of the angle of the vehicle, such as would occur with towing, flat-bedding or lifting the vehicle.
- An available shock sensor intended to reduce content theft and push-away theft by sounding the alarm when the vehicle is "shocked," such as by breaking window glass.
-An available new wheel lock system to help prevent the theft of Escalade's wheels and tires.

Cadillac has announced the availability of a new touring package for the 2012 CTS. The touring package borrows performance elements of its V-series product line and is available on the CTS Sedan, Coupe and Wagon models, starting at $2,065.

The package includes Recaro seats, microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, HID headlamps, a performance-tuned suspension, a V-series aerodynamic spoiler and performance wheel packages.

"One of the best aspects of high-performance machines like the V-Series is that they bring new elements into the brand that enrich the rest of the breed," said Cadillac Vice President of Marketing Don Butler. "The new Touring Packages give CTS buyers access to some desirable V-Series elements, in a more-approachable format."

GM is hard at work on the next-generation 2014 Impala, which share its platform with the new 2013 Cadillac XTS.

The Impala will be offered in both front and all-wheel-drive configurations. The Impala will also be about the same size as the XTS. The latest spy photos reveal that the 2014 Impala will have a long nose with a front fascia that will be similar to the all-new Malibu.

The current generation Impala has been around since 1999, so the next Impala is definitely overdue. It will arrive in early 2013.

GM also recently announced that it will invest $68 million to to prepare the Oshawa Assembly Plant to build the next-generation Impala. In order to keep up with demand the Impala will be built at both the Oshawa Assembly Plant and the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant.

GM has officially confirmed that the upcoming 2013 Cadillac ATS will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder.

The 2.0L is expected to produce 270 horsepower, which equals a nice 135 horsepower per liter. It also packs 260 lb-ft. of torque, 90 percent of the torque being available between 1,500 rpm to 5,800 rpm.

"This engine is the perfect match for the new ATS, which will be a refined performance luxury sedan," said Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of Global Marketing. "The 2.0T has an exceptionally smooth and responsive power curve that will make the ATS nimble, quick and fun to drive."

The 2013 ATS will also be offered with a naturally-aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder and a 3.6L V6.

The ATS will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

GM has announced that the 2013 Cadillac ATS compact rear wheel drive sedan and three other concept or production vehicles will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

"ATS is a crucial part of Cadillac's expansion," GM Senior Vice President of Global Product Development Mary Barra told the Automotive Press Association on Friday. "ATS enters the biggest market segment in the global luxury car industry, both in terms of volume and importance.

"It's a segment dominated by German cars, including the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4, so we've developed a compelling and convincing new challenger," she said.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS will go into production next summer at the Lansing, Mich., Grand River Assembly plant.

GM has officially unveiled the newest addition to the Cadillac lineup, the 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan that will arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2012.

The 2013 XTS is larger than the current CTS, making it Cadillac's new flagship sedan. Cadillac also claims that the XTS will be the most technologically advanced production car in the brand's history. The XTS will debut with Cadillac's CUE interface and connectivity system that merges intuitive design with auto industry-first controls and commands for information and media control. The XTS also gets GM's Magnetic Ride Control system.

The 2013 XTS will be powered by a 300-hp 3.6L direct injection engine mated a six-speed automatic and an all-wheel drive system.

"The Cadillac XTS represents a new formula for luxury, driven by advanced technology," said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. "XTS showcases the evolution of our Art & Science philosophy, merging the best technical ideas with the continued refinement of Cadillac design."

GM has released the first official photo of the 2013 Cadillac XTS sedan ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

The Cadillac XTS is Cadillac's new flagship sedan and was originally previewed by the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept. The production version, which you see here remains pretty close to the concept.

The XTS will also debut with Cadillac's new CUE infotainment system.

Two weeks ago GM dropped the first video of the new 2013 Cadillac ATS running laps on the Nürburgring. GM has now released the first chapter of their behind-the-scenes series at the famed German track.

GM is serious about making the ATS competitive with its German competition, like the new BMW 3 Series. The video also gives you some new shots of the exterior and interior of the ATS.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS will be released next summer.

GM is reportedly going to debut the production version of the 2013 Cadillac XTS at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. Cadillac's new flagship sedan was originally previewed by the XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

The 2013 Cadillac XTS will debut Cadillac's new CUE infotainment system. CUE, which stands for Cadillac User Experience, will pair entertainment and information data from Bluetooth-enabled phones, USBs, SD cards and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, natural voice commands and fewer buttons and larger icons.

"For the tech-savvy, it's everything you want it to be - a full suite of infotainment, navigation and communication tools that keeps you fully connected. For the tech-averse, its power is remarkably simple, intuitive and accessible," Don Butler, Vice President, Cadillac Marketing Butler said.

CUE will debut in 2012 in the Cadillac XTS and ATS sedans and the SRX crossover.

The XTS is expected to enter production in the spring of 2012.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS recently hit the famed Nürburgring for two weeks in September. GM has released a new video of the Cadillac ATS that is the first official glimpse of the new compact sedan.

The rear-wheel-drive 2013 Cadillac ATS sedan is slated to arrive in the summer of 2012 and will go head to head with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It's expected to be offered with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder and a 3.6L V6. A coupe version of the ATS will arrive sometime around 2015.

Check out the video after the jump.

It's already been reported that the all-new 2013 Chevy Malibu will not be getting a V6 when it is released in the U.S. early next year. GM has already unveiled the eAssist and 2.5L versions, but we have yet to hear what GM has in store as a replacement for the current V6.

GMI is reporting that the Malibu is set to get a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that it will share with the upcoming Cadillac ATS. The 2.0L turbocharged engine will be all-new and part of GM's new family of Ecotec four-cylinders. It's expected that the engine will put out between 270-280 horsepower.

GM's sales for September have just been reported with a total 207,145 vehicles sold in the U.S. That's a 20 percent increase over the same period last year.

"For GM, all of the factors that say this is a good time to buy a new vehicle outweigh the bad news that appears to be slowing down the broader economic recovery," said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. "We're well positioned going forward because we have momentum and another wave of fuel-efficient passenger cars launching over the next several months at Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac."

Sales of GM's passenger car sales increased 12 percent, crossover sales increased 7 percent and truck sales, which include full-size pickups and SUVs, increased 34 percent.

GM is currently working on a new smaller rear-wheel-drive sedan, known as the ATS, which will sit below the CTS in the lineup. The ATS is based on a new Alpha platform that will also be the basis for the next Camaro. Originally GM had planned on releasing sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon variants of the ATS, but unfortunately the plans have changed.

According to GMI, GM has canceled plans for a convertible version of the ATS due to its lower volume. An unnamed source stated that that the convertible was axed because volume projections were not high enough to justify the extra development costs. The ATS wagon is also not gonna happen, since plans for that model were apparently killed before the program was finalized. Luckily plans for a coupe are still on.

The ATS sedan will arrive in 2012 with a new version of GM's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V-6. All-wheel-drive is also reportedly going to be offered. Although we will see the sedan sometime next year, the coupe isn't expected to arrive until 2015.

Last week GM unveiled the Cadillac Ciel Concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The four-door, four-seat convertible immediately impressed the crowd and showed off the direction that Cadillac's Art & Science design language could go in.

The Cadillac Ciel concept featured classic American style in a futuristic concept. Although it may have drawn styling cues from past Cadillacs, the powertrain was totally modern. The Cadilac Ciel concept featured a 425-hp 3.6L hybrid powertrain.

Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac stated, "It emulates the great touring cars seen on the greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac's vision for the future."

During the show Jay Leno was lucky enough to get to spend some time with GM's VP of Global Design Ed Wellburn.

Check out the video after the jump.

Lexus unveiled the 2013 Lexus GS 350 and Infiniti chose Pebble Beach to unveil the 2013 Infiniti JX Concept. GM also unveiled a new concept at the show, the Cadillac Ciel Concept, pronounced "C-L," the French translation for sky.

The Cadillac Ciel concept is a four-door, four-seat convertible that takes Cadillac's Art & Science design philosophy to new heights.

"Large, expressive luxury is innate to Cadillac and the Ciel recalls that heritage, while suggesting where the brand can go in the future," said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. "Authentic luxury is driven by experiences, not just products, and Ciel is about the experience of the journey."

The Cadillac Ciel concept is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of Cadillac's 3.6L direct-injection V6 mated to a hybrid system with a lithium-ion battery. The unveiling of the concept at Pebble Beach was the perfect spot since, the GM team behind the Ciel envisioned driving California's Highway 1 in an open car while the sun sets, from Big Sur north to Monterey.

"The Ciel is about the romance of the drive," said Dean. "It emulates the great touring cars seen on the greens at Pebble Beach, but with a modern flair that projects Cadillac's vision for the future."

Last week it was reported that GM had again given the green light to the Converj electric concept. Today GM has officially confirmed those reports as the automaker has just announced that the Cadillac Converj will enter production as the Cadillac ELR.

The Cadillac ELR will be adds a new luxury coupe with extended-range electric vehicle technology to the Cadillac lineup. The Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions, but the four-cylinder engine kicks in when the battery is depleted.

"The concept generated instant enthusiasm," said Don Butler, vice president-Cadillac Marketing. "Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present - the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving."

Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design, stated "There's no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2."

Remember how GM killed plans to build the Cadillac Converj Concept? Well it's being reported that those plans are back on. The Cadillac Converj Concept was unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show and was based on the same Voltec powertrain as the Chevy Volt. Shortly after it was unveiled, it was reported that GM had given the Cadillac hybrid the green light. Unfortunately it didn't take that much longer after that for GM to officially kill those production plans. Now two years later a GM source claims that the Cadillac Converj is back in GM's product plans.

According to an inside source at GM, the Converj was recently approved for production. The Converj is expected to launch in 2013 as a 2014 model. It will get a "Generation 1.5 Voltec" powertrain, and will most likely get a three-letter name like the rest of the Cadillac lineup. The 1.5 Voltec powertrain is an updated version of the powertrain currently in the Chevy Volt, but not the next-generation powertrain that will go into production in 2015.

GM is set to finally follow the trend of sharing a small number of platforms across several models. GM has officially announced plans to cut the number of platforms it currently has by more than half, from 30 down to 14 over the next seven years.

The ultimate goal is to have 90 percent of its global models built off shared platforms, which is up from 31 percent last year. The number of engine variants will also be reduced from 18 to 10 by 2018. The news was announced at GM's 2nd Annual Global Business Conference for investors and financial analysts.

"Today's GM has strong brands and fuel-efficient products that customers around the world truly value," said Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. "To reach a higher level of performance - for our customers and stockholders - we are accelerating our efforts to simplify and strengthen our processes to improve efficiencies and achieve our vision, which is to design, build and sell the world's best vehicles."

GM's North America President Mark Reuss has confirmed today that Cadillac will launch the XTS large sedan and the compact ATS sedan next year. Reuss stated the news at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars.

"GM has moved beyond a stage of simply surviving and is now clearly focused on thriving with a line-up that's stronger in more segments than it has ever been," Reuss said. "Whether it's the new fuel-efficient Buick eAssist system or Cadillac's entry-level luxury car, we're giving customers compelling new options for their next automobile."

The Cadillac XTS will launch in the spring of 2012 and is based on the XTS Platinum Concept that was unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. It will be offered with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive systems.

The Cadillac ATS will arrive in the summer of 2012 and will be a new rear-wheel-drive sedan that will compete with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. GM has given us our first teaser of the new sedan with the teaser that you see here.

If you think that the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V isn't powerful enough, Hennessey has given us a preview of its 1,000 horsepower CTS-V coupe. Hennessey has already created a 700 horsepower version of the CTS-V and a 600 horsepower version of the Camaro, but this takes the CTS-V to even higher heights.

The Hennessey V1000 Cadillac CTS-V coupe is powered by a twin-turbocharged 427 cubic-inch LS V8. Part of the upgrades to the engine include forged steel connecting rods, forged low compression pistons, a forged steel crank, ARP main Studs and head Bolts, high flow cylinder heads and upgraded fuel injectors. The V8 can be mated to either a manual or automatic transmission.

All of the upgrades helps the Cadillac CTS-V coupe reach 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 230 mph.

Hennessey only plans on building 12 units, but the pricing has not been released.

GM has already announced the new V6 for the 2012 Cadillac SRX, which is now powered by a 308-horsepower 3.6L direct-injected V6. The 2012 SRX now has the most standard power in its class and gets a driver-selectable ECO mode.

The 2012 Cadillac SRX starts at $36,060. Bluetooth is now standard on all models and a heated steering wheel is optional as well as an all-ebony interior and 20-inch wheels.

"We're taking a winning product in the SRX and reaching higher," said Don Butler, Cadillac vice president of marketing. "The crossover category is one of the biggest and most important segments in the luxury market. SRX has performed very well and is the best selling Cadillac worldwide, but our approach is not to leave well enough alone."

GM is currently focusing its attention on releasing fuel efficient cars like the Chevy Cruze and upcoming 2013 Malibu. GM is going to continue to release key car models across its four brands, but in 2013 GM will shift its focus to launching new trucks.

In 2013 GM will launch its next-generation full-size pickups and SUVs as 2014 models. As with GM's latest cars, the new trucks will also focus on improved fuel economy. GM is expected to offer a new eight-speed transmission and turbocharged engines in its new trucks. GM is also going to add its eAssist hybrid technology to more models.

Cadillac has given the 2012 SRX crossover the segment's most powerful standard engine, a 308 horsepower 3.6L V6.

The new LFX 3.6L V6 puts out 16 percent more power than the outgoing V6 with 308 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque. The V6 is mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the new V6, the 2012 Cadillac SRX is now quieter and more refined compared to the 2011 model. The Base and Sport suspension systems have also been revised to improve the ride quality.

"The improvements we've made to the 2012 SRX make an already great luxury crossover even better, giving our customers more performance and features," said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. "Many of the changes are a direct response to consumer feedback, demonstrating Cadillac's commitment to total customer satisfaction."

It's been reported for a while that GM is working on a new Cadillac flagship, but now we've received confirmation that a new large Cadillac has been given the official green light.

GMI is reporting that GM has fully approved the development of a new Cadillac flagship sedan. The new flagship is expected to ride on a new rear-wheel-drive platform that is being referred to internally as the Omega. The new flagship is expected around 2015-2017. If you're thinking that's a ways off for the release of the XTS sedan. You're in for a little surprise. It looks like the Cadillac XTS (above) is not really going to be the Cadillac flagship sedan, for long.

The Cadillac XTS is seen as a stop-gap model until the true Cadillac flagship sedan is ready. According to GMI, some GM heads don't really even like the XTS.

Stay tuned...

The guys over at GMInsideNews have managed to capture a shot of what looks to be the chassis of the upcoming 2013 Cadillac ATS. GMI's Elvisuperman was able to capture a screen shot of the sedan, which apparently appears in a video when you first visit GM.com.

This shot reveals the basic chassis of the new rear-wheel-drive sedan. Comparing this shot with the spy photos of the ATS seems to confirm that this is indeed our first view of the new ATS.

Cadillac's 3-Series fighter is expected to be released at the end of 2012 as a 2013 model. It's rumored that the ATS-V is going to be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6.

According to sources, GM has canceled plans for a plug-in hybrid based on the current Cadillac SRX platform.

The plans to build a plug-in hybrid based on the current Cadillac SRX have been shelved since the project was seen as not being financially viable. The project was never officially made public by GM, but the plug-in hybrid was expected to share most of the same technology that GM is using in the Chevy Volt.

It was reported at the end of last year that GM was working on a Cadillac hybrid crossover and GM CEO Dan Akerson said in January that the model was "likely." People close to the project have now been informed that the project has now been put on hold.

One of the reasons that the project was canceled is because by the time the plug-in hybrid would have been ready for production, the current Cadillac SRX platform would be nearing the end of its life cycle, which would have added more costs. The current SRX has already been out for two years and the costs for developing the plug-in hybrid were already high. The plug-in hybrid will most likely be moved to the next SRX.

The last ever Cadillac DTS has rolled of the line at GM's Detroit-Hamtrack plant and the sedan has been bought by Nicola Bulgari, vice chairman of the Bulgari luxury goods.

Bulgari, an avid car collector stated, "I like the DTS because it's a great sedan. It's the last of an era. I thought it would be wonderful to own the last Northstar in a DTS. It's one of the best engines ever designed - reliable and a performer."

The last DTS rolls off the line following the death of Cadillac's other sedan, the STS. Both sedans are being replaced next year by the Cadillac XTS.

Cadillac has officially ended production of the STS sedan at its plant in Lansing Grand River.

The death of the STS sedan will be followed by the birth of a new small Cadillac sedan, the ATS. GM spokeswoman Erin Davis said the end of STS production won't result in any layoffs. The STS and STS-V were produced at the plant since August 2004. The plant will shut down for 1 1/2 months starting next month to get things set up for the new sedan. Once production kicks off again in July, the plant will produce the CTS until the new small sedan debuts in 2012.

Cadillac is also working on a new large sedan, the XTS, which will eventually take the STS's spot in the Cadillac lineup.

R.I.P. Cadillac STS.

The success of the Cadillac CTS-V means that Cadillac is going to produce a high-performance version of the upcoming ATS, obviously dubbed the ATS-V. While the thought of the supercharged V8 from the CTS-V being wedged under the hood of the smaller ATS sounds awesome, the ATS-V will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6.

The CTS-V goes head to head with models like the BMW M5, but the ATS-V will be targeted towards smaller models like the M3. The next-generation M3 is expected to ditch its current V8 for a twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder. Because of this, the ATS-V will be powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 with around 380 horsepower. The engine will be mated to six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.

Large engines are out! The days when you gloated about your large V8 engine under the hood of your big, heavy GM model are a thing of the past. GM continues to release new models that have downsized engines and it looks like Cadillac will be next. Who doesn't dream about getting behind the wheel of the CTS-V with its supercharged V8? But of course that model isn't extremely practical with gas prices getting closer and closer to five bucks a gallon.

Fuel-efficiency is in and even luxury models are getting smaller engines. Cadillac is soon going to offer four-cylinder engines on several of its models. Cadillac's upcoming ATS and XTS models are expected to offer turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder engines, which will put out between 220 and 260 horsepower. If buyers respond well to the four-cylinder versions of the ATS and XTS, the SRX crossover and next-generation CTS will also get four-cyl engines.

Audi offers four-cylinder engines, Mercedes-Benz is going to offer a four-cylinder in the C-Class and BMW has also announced plans to bring four-cylinder engines back to the U.S. starting this fall. Would you buy a four-cylinder powered Cadillac?

Cadillac's last convertible, the XLR ended production in 2009 and who doesn't remember the Allanté convertible from the early 1990's? Well it looks like Cadillac is working on a new convertible and this time it won't be an expensive convertible out of reach to most buyers. This time Cadillac is working on a convertible that will start at a much lower price point and that will be based on the upcoming Alpha platform, which is the basis for the 2013 ATS sedan and next-generation CTS.

Instead of just developing a droptop version of either the ATS or CTS, Cadillac is going to position the convertible between both models and give it unique styling. Unlike the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS convertibles, the upcoming Cadillac convertible will have a softtop like the Audi A5.

Expect the new Cadillac convertible to launch in late 2013 as a 2014 model.

It may only be the fourth month of 2011, but we're now getting our first look at the 2012 model year models. Cadillac has announced the changes to the 2012 CTS.

The 2012 CTS gets an upgraded 3.6L V6 that now puts out 318 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque report, which is up from 304-hp and 273 lb-ft. of torque. Although there is more power, the fuel economy will remain the same at 18 city/ 27 highway.

In addition to the upgraded 3.6L V6, the 2012 CTS also gets a redesigned front grille with new premium finishes that highlight the intricacies of a new frame and mesh combination. The Wreath & Crest logo also has sharper colors and raised ridges between the colors.

The 2012 Cadillac CTS will be available this summer.

Cadillac has a few changes in store for the 2012 CTS. The changes will be modest, which will include a refreshed grille. But one thing will be missing from the CTS equipped with the 3.6L V6, the optional manual transmission.

An insider recently confirmed to Inside Line that the CTS 3.6-liter Performance and Premium models are expected to be available only with a six-speed automatic. If you must have a manual transmission, the base 3.0L CTS and the top CTS-V models will still be available with the manual.

GM has yet to officially confirm the change and what caused it, but it's likely due to a low take rate for the manual equipped models.

Cadillac has announced the changes to the 2012 SRX crossover. For the 2012 model year the SRX will get a more powerful 3.6L V6 that will replace the current 3.0L. The new engine brings more power to the SRX in the form of 300 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, which is 35 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft. of torque than the old engine. The 3.6L V6 will be the sole engine in the 2012 SRX, replacing both the 3.0-liter V6 and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6.

Other changes to the 2012 SRX include, standard Bluetooth phone connectivity on all models, a heated steering wheel on the luxury, performance and premium trim levels and door lock switches on the driver and passenger door panels.

It was rumored last year that there would not be a second generation Cadillac CTS Coupe as the CTS moves to the new Alpha platform that it will share with the next-generation Camaro and upcoming Cadillac ATS.

Of course that was a year ago and things are always changing. Last year it was rumored that the next-generation CTS would only be available as a sedan, leaving the ATS to accommodate a coupe and convertible. But it looks like GM has changed its mind and is currently working on a new CTS coupe. The CTS coupe will share its architecture with the new Camaro, although the Camaro will have a shorter wheelbase.

Things could always change again, but don't expect a new CTS until sometime in the second half of 2014 or early 2015. The ATS is expected to be released as a 2014 model.

Here's a video of a prototype of the upcoming Cadillac ATS.

The Cadillac ATS is expected as a 2014 model and will give Cadillac a model that will go head to head with the BMW 3 Series. It's expected to use the new Alpha platform and will be powered by either a 2.0L four-cylinder with 270 horsepower or a 330-hp 3.6L V6. An ATS-V version is also expected that will be powered by a 6.2L V8 with a rumored 470-hp. A hybrid ATS is also a possibility.

Check out the video after the jump...

This weekend marks Cadillac's return to the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT series as a pair of Cadillac CTS-V Coupe racecars hit the track.

The CTS-V Coupe racecars are based on the CTS-V coupe. The last time that Cadillac competed was in 2007 with a racing version of the CTS-V sedan. There will be two races: Saturday, March 26, at 11:50 a.m. and Sunday, March 27, at 4:30 p.m.

Cadillac has been trying to gain traction in Europe, but it remains difficult for the brand to compete against Europe's premium brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Cadillac is hoping that two new models and a new styling direction will help boost its sales.

GM chief executive Dan Akerson stated, "The only thing you can do is try, try and try again with Cadillac in Europe."

The Cadillac XTS concept was unveiled in Detroit in 2010 and is a preview for a new larger Cadillac sedan that will sit above the CTS in the lineup. The XTS also previewed a new "softer" styling direction from Cadillac. The other new Cadillac will be a smaller sedan that will be positioned below the CTS.

The one thing that isn't in the works yet, is a dour-cylinder diesel. "We can't do everything all at once," said Jeff Lux, Opel Vauxhall's powertrain boss.