2005 Cadillac BLS Concept

Nowadays, Cadillac's state is much rosier, with an entire portfolio of vehicles including a road-biased SUV, a full-size sedan and

The Cadillac BLS concept is a near-production view of what Europeans will see in early 2006. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

a two-seat roadster. With high confidence, GM now feels that the time is ready to aggressively take on the European market with Cadillac. But before arriving overseas for another brand-assault, this old dog is going to be taught some new tricks to spark attention and lure in new consumers.

Meet the Cadillac BLS concept, a near-production view of what Europeans will see in early 2006. Unlike any of the other Cadillacs currently in production, its development road took a completely different path. In order to be more like the opposition, this European exclusive uses the Saab 9-3 for its backbone. According to GM, the BLS is "specifically targeted to meet the

According to GM, the BLS is "specifically targeted to meet the needs of European customers". (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

needs of European customers," showing the brand's seriousness, and intention of creating an all-new image. Not a bad start, if you ask me.

With respect to GM's re-branding techniques, the BLS is one of the best transformations to date. Unlike the Saab 9-2x and 9-7x, which simply add new front and rear styling to existing Subaru and GM vehicles, GM has spent a fair bit of money giving the BLS completely unique body panels, including different pillars, and a more angular roofline. At 4,680 mm (184.25 in.) long, and 1,449 mm (57.04 in.) tall, the BLS is longer but lower than its Swedish sibling, but identical in width at 1,762 mm (69.37 in.).