Thole says the unique style is further expressed by clear glass, vertically positioned headlamps featuring bi-xenon technology, fog lamps integrated into the body-colored bumper and a wide air intake below the radiator grill.
The cockpit of Cadillac BLS is ''underlined by such details as three-spoke steering wheel and the analog clock on the center console,'' says Thole. The displays for the circular instruments have white numerals on black background, while the needles are red. All the seat surfaces are covered with high quality leather, with the visible stitching emphasizing quality. The outlets for the ventilation/air conditioning adopt the brushed aluminum look used for the frame of the center console.
The modern infotainment system consists of high-quality audio units from BOSE, DVD-based navigation with touch screen operation, Bluetooth-capable telephone systems, and remote controls on the steering wheel.
To comply with the needs of the European market, BLS will be offered with a 1.9-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel with common-rail direct injection technology that will feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter that will comply with Euro 4 emission standards.
Cadillac of course offered a diesel engine in North America during the early years of the fuel shortage scare about 25 years ago, but this is the first time in Europe, where such engines now account for about half of all sales.
The range of gasoline engines -- all of which are turbo-charged -- will include two 2.0-liter inline-fours and one 2.8-liter V-6, and all can be combined with either manual or automatic transmissions.
With a McPherson strut setup in front and a four-link at the rear axle, the BLS's architecture ''is tuned to the powerful engines and the high demands that are made on a premium vehicle,'' says Larry Crain, the program engineering manager on the BLS.
''The development of the chassis was focused to enable dynamic driving,'' Craig says, ''but at the same time ensuring a ride with comfort. Apart from that, we also devoted attention to achieving effective noise and vibration isolation."
Craig says that ''environmental influences are, as far as possible, kept away from the passengers."
A number of measures have been taken to achieve this, he says, and both the diesel and the gasoline engines will reap the benefits. The rear axle and the chassis, for example, are separated with the aid of special rubber bushings, and the wheelhouses, roof and trunk are especially sound-insulated.
''Cadillac is on the fast lane in its North American home market with the best sales figures since 1990,'' says Taylor, the brand's Canadian-born general manager. ''We are ready to globally hit the fast lane. With the BLS, Cadillac will add a premium mid-sedan to its model range that is geared to the specific demands of European customers. The new entry-level model underlines the brand's global ambitions and its key role in the premium segment.''
photo:General Motors
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| Cadillac BLS (photo: General Motors) |
The modern infotainment system consists of high-quality audio units from BOSE, DVD-based navigation with touch screen operation, Bluetooth-capable telephone systems, and remote controls on the steering wheel.
To comply with the needs of the European market, BLS will be offered with a 1.9-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel with common-rail direct injection technology that will feature a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter that will comply with Euro 4 emission standards.
Cadillac of course offered a diesel engine in North America during the early years of the fuel shortage scare about 25 years ago, but this is the first time in Europe, where such engines now account for about half of all sales.
The range of gasoline engines -- all of which are turbo-charged -- will include two 2.0-liter inline-fours and one 2.8-liter V-6, and all can be combined with either manual or automatic transmissions.
With a McPherson strut setup in front and a four-link at the rear axle, the BLS's architecture ''is tuned to the powerful engines and the high demands that are made on a premium vehicle,'' says Larry Crain, the program engineering manager on the BLS.
''The development of the chassis was focused to enable dynamic driving,'' Craig says, ''but at the same time ensuring a ride with comfort. Apart from that, we also devoted attention to achieving effective noise and vibration isolation."
Craig says that ''environmental influences are, as far as possible, kept away from the passengers."
A number of measures have been taken to achieve this, he says, and both the diesel and the gasoline engines will reap the benefits. The rear axle and the chassis, for example, are separated with the aid of special rubber bushings, and the wheelhouses, roof and trunk are especially sound-insulated.
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| Cadillac BLS (photo: General Motors) |
photo:General Motors
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