Cadillac to Offer 4-Cylinder Compact Sedan in the U.S. in 2010

Cadillac’s next generation BLS sedan that was initially developed for overseas markets and especially for Europe will make its way into the U.S. in 2010 according to GM officials. The car, whose name has yet to be disclosed, will fit right under the CTS and will be offered with a range of 4-cylinder engines while GM execs are considering the option of V6 units.

"There is a big debate as to whether it is four only. I think that is a bridge too far," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor at a recent press event covered by Automotive News. "There is a piece of the team who is thinking, 'Well, with this whole fuel economy and gas thing, we ought to go all the way, say, to fours.' We are resisting that at this stage." -Continued

The current front-wheel drive Cadillac BLS sedan and station wagon models sold in Europe are based on the already outdated Saab 9-3 and are offered with both 4-cylinder and V6 engines. However, GM’s ‘rebadged-engineering’ proved highly unsuccessful as the BLS didn’t even come close to convincing European buyers as an alternative to the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models.

This time GM aims to build a ‘true’ Caddy with the next generation BLS that will use a rear-wheel-drive architecture. Details are sketchy, but it is said that the BLS be based on a shortened version of the Zeta platform with a reworked suspension.

With the introduction of the next generation BLS, Cadillac will also have to reposition the CTS and aim it squarely against the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series instead of a somewhat, in-between proposition in the sports sedan category.