Three gasoline
and one turbodiesel engines delivering 150 to 255 hp (110
to 188 kW)
European
launch in spring 2006
The Cadillac
global product offensive is in high gear. Following the launch
of the CTS in 2003, the XLR and the SRX in 2004, and the STS
in 2005, the General Motors luxury brand will start to sell
the BLS in Europe in spring 2006.
This new luxury midsize
sedan adds another important element to Cadillac’s growing inter-national
presence. The front-wheel drive BLS offers expressive design, outstanding
ride and acoustic comfort.
For larger view click image
For
larger view click image
For
larger view click image
For
larger view click image
For larger view click image
For
larger view click image
For
larger view click image
For
larger view click image
For larger view click image
For
larger view click image
It also marks
a new era in the brand’s history, with its first turbo diesel
variant fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter.
Like the gasoline versions (175 hp / 129 kW, 210 hp / 154 kW,
and 255 hp / 188 kW), the turbodiesel (150 hp / 110 kW) offers
the dynamic driving performance that customers have come to
expect from Cadillac.
“The BLS was
developed for luxury customers, with particular attention to
the demands of the European and other international markets,”
said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “BLS is an important
addition to our Cadillac portfolio, and it provides a criti-cal
entry with which to grow our business in key international markets.
The distinctive styling of the BLS will attract customers daring
to be different,”
In 2005, Cadillac
achieved its best U.S. sales since 1990 with more than 235,000
units sold. Outside North America, Cadillac posted a 42 percent
increase last year thanks to strong sales in China, the Middle
East and Europe.
The exterior:
Unique Cadillac style
The Cadillac
BLS design was conceived by an international team of designers
led by GM Vice President of Design Ed Welburn. The vehicle has
clear, sharply defined con-tours, striking wedge shape and an
elegant interior.
“The most striking
feature is the vertical lines at the front and rear,” said Welburn.
“The V-shaped chrome-plated grille, a Cadillac cue, is picked
up again by the trunk lid. The large side faces communicate
a sense of strength and solidity.”
The BLS 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. The latest
LED technology is used in the center high-mounted brake light,
which is prominently positioned on the trunk lid and extends
across the vehicle. The vertical taillights leave no doubt the
BLS is a Cadillac.
The interior: A
luxurious atmosphere and state-of-the-art infotainment systems
The BLS 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 nee-dles on a black background.
The state-of-the-art
infotainment systems include high-quality audio units from Ameri-can
hi-fi 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.
The engines: One
turbodiesel and three gasoline engines
In a Cadillac first,
the BLS will be available with a turbo diesel variant. The 1.9L four-cylinder
unit, with common-rail direct injection technology and 150 hp (110 kW),
is fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter and complies
with Euro 4 emissions standards. The range of gasoline engines – all
turbo-charged – includes two 2.0L four-cylinder versions (175/210 hp,
129/154 kW) and a high-tech 2.8L six-cylinder unit at 255 horsepower
(188 kW) with twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake
camshafts. The BLS offers five- or six-speed manual transmissions and
five- or six-speed automatic transmissions, depending on engine type.
The chassis: Emphasis
on comfort and driving dynamics
The chassis, which
has McPherson struts in front and a four-link rear axle, is designed
for the powerful engines and the high demands of a Cadillac. The chassis
tuning en-sures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort.
