Brand in Brief: Cadillac

A weekly compilation of automotive industry and consumer news.

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: September 18, 2008 - 11:30 AM

Brand in brief: Cadillac

Cadillac's CTS-V is creating a buzz in the auto world these days. As Car and Driver points out, this model will be the most powerful production Cadillac ever. The 6.2-liter, supercharged and intercooled V-8 generates 556 horsepower, which is enough to power the CTS-V to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, whether equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic. Gas mileage estimates aren't the greatest, 12 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway, though buyers won't be choosing this model for its fuel efficiency. Base price for the rear-wheel-drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan is $60,000. The new CTS-V is due to hit Cadillac showrooms in October. In other Caddy news, a hybrid version of the giant Escalade/ESV/EXT joins the lineup and employs the two-mode technology introduced last year in the hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe. E85 fuel capability is added to the 6.2-liter V-8 engine. This big rig will also now have XM satellite-radio service that includes real-time traffic information. The DTS, Cadillac's big front-drive sedan, will be available in 2009 with new paint colors, minor cosmetic tweaks and a new brake-rotor treatment that limits surface rust. The XLR/XLR-V will get a "freshening" for 2009 and will be offered only in two premium models - the posh Platinum edition and the hot-rod XLR-V. Exterior updates include new front and rear fascias and redesigned fender vents. Inside, look for a leather-clad upper instrument panel with revised graphics and new metal trim elements and wood grains, plus a new iPod interface. Unchanged for 2009 are CTS, SRX and the STS/STS-V.

Recent Cars stories

Car shows still planned into October - September 18, 2008

Car shows still planned into October - First, tickets for the Bobby Vee/Fabian concert in Virginia tomorrow night are advance only (see Saturday listings). Second, here's your head's-up on the annual Fall Color Cruise charity run, a fundraiser for Twin Cities and Red Wing youth programs that takes place next Sun., Oct. 11 (612-322-BOLD, www.driveforkidsMN.com). Third, this week's car shows, cruise-ins and events are listed here (spectators admitted free at all events unless noted). More