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{{Use British English|date=October 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox automobile
{{Infobox automobile
|image = Cadillac BLS front.JPG
| image = Cadillac BLS front.JPG
|name = Cadillac BLS
| name = Cadillac BLS
|manufacturer = [[Saab Automobile|Saab]] ([[General Motors]])
| manufacturer = [[Saab Automobile|Saab]] ([[General Motors]])
|production = 2005–2009 in Sweden<br/>2009–2010 in Russia
| production = 2005–2009 (Sweden)<br/>2009–2010 (Russia)
|predecessor = [[Cadillac Cimarron]]
| predecessor = [[Cadillac Cimarron]]
|successor = [[Cadillac ATS]]
| successor = [[Cadillac ATS]]
|class = [[Compact executive car]] ([[D-segment|D]])
| class = [[Compact executive car]] ([[D-segment|D]])
|body_style = 4-door [[saloon (car)|saloon]]<br>5-door [[Estate car|estate]]
| body_style = 4-door [[saloon (car)|saloon]]<br>5-door [[Estate car|estate]]
|layout = [[FF layout]]
| layout = [[FF layout]]
|assembly = [[Trollhättan Assembly|Trollhättan]], [[Sweden]]<br/>[[Kaliningrad]], [[Russia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avtotor.ru/gm/ |title=Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили GM |publisher=Avtotor.ru |date= |accessdate=2010-05-22 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210120547/http://www.avtotor.ru/gm/ |archivedate=2016-02-10 |df= }}</ref>/<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avtotor.ru/upload/pictures/gm2009.jpg |title=GM 2009 |accessdate=2010-05-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904192557/http://www.avtotor.ru/upload/pictures/gm2009.jpg |archivedate=2011-09-04 |df= }}</ref>
| assembly = [[Trollhättan Assembly|Trollhättan]], [[Sweden]] (Saab Automobile)<br/>[[Kaliningrad]], [[Russia]] ([[Avtotor]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avtotor.ru/gm/ |title=Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили GM |publisher=Avtotor.ru |date= |accessdate=2010-05-22 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210120547/http://www.avtotor.ru/gm/ |archivedate=2016-02-10 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avtotor.ru/upload/pictures/gm2009.jpg |title=GM 2009 |accessdate=2010-05-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904192557/http://www.avtotor.ru/upload/pictures/gm2009.jpg |archivedate=2011-09-04 }}</ref>
|platform = [[GM Epsilon platform]]
| platform = [[GM Epsilon platform]]
| engine = {{ubl
|engine = 1.9 L ''[[JTD engine#1.9|Fiat turbodiesel]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.0&nbsp;L [[turbocharged]] ''[[GM Ecotec engine#LK9|Ecotec LK9]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>2.8&nbsp;L ''[[GM High Feature engine#Turbo|HFV6]]'' [[V6]]
| '''[[Petrol engine|Petrol]]:'''
⚫
|transmission = 5-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>6-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br>6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM Ecotec engine#LK9|Ecotec LK9]]'' [[Turbocharger|turbo]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
| 2.8&nbsp;L ''[[GM High Feature engine#LP9|HFV6]]'' turbo [[V6 engine|V6]]
| '''[[Diesel engine|Diesel]]:'''
| 1.9 L ''[[JTD engine#1.9|Fiat JTD]]'' [[turbodiesel]] I4
}}
⚫
| transmission = 5-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>6-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br>6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|2680|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2680|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4680|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|4716|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (Wagon)
| length = {{convert|4680|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|4716|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (estate)
| width = {{convert|1750|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|1752|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (Wagon)
| width = {{convert|1750|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|1752|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (estate)
| height = {{convert|1470|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|1543|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (Wagon)
| height = {{convert|1470|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|1543|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (estate)
| related = [[Fiat Croma]]<br>[[Chevrolet Malibu]]<br>[[Opel Insignia]]<br>[[Opel Signum]]<br>[[Opel Vectra]]<br>[[Saab 9-3]]<br>[[Saturn Aura]]
| related = [[Fiat Croma#Second generation (2005–2010)|Fiat Croma]]<br>[[Chevrolet Malibu#Sixth generation (2004)|Chevrolet Malibu]]<br>[[Opel Signum]]<br>[[Opel Vectra#Vectra C (2002–2010)|Opel Vectra C]]<br>[[Saab 9-3#Second generation (2003–2014)|Saab 9-3]]<br>[[Saturn Aura]]
}}
}}
[[File:Cadillac BLS rear.JPG|thumb|left|BLS Sedan rear]]
[[File:Cadillac BLS rear.JPG|thumb|right|BLS Sedan rear]]
[[File:Cadillac BLS Wagon D rear.JPG|thumb|left|Cadillac BLS Wagon rear]]
[[File:Cadillac BLS Wagon D rear.JPG|thumb|right|Cadillac BLS Estate rear]]
⚫
The '''Cadillac BLS''' was a [[compact executive car]] marketed in [[Europe]] by [[Cadillac]], sharing [[General Motors]]' [[GM Epsilon platform|Epsilon]] architecture, as a restyled variant of the [[Saab 9-3]]. Development was carried out by [[Saab Automobile|Saab]] and the car was manufactured in [[Trollhättan Assembly|Trollhättan]], [[Sweden]], alongside the [[Saab 9-3]] and the [[Saab 9-5]]. Sales of the [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]] began in March 2006, with a [[station wagon]] joining the line for 2007. Starting in 2007, the BLS was sold in the [[Middle East]], [[Mexico]], [[South Africa]] and [[South Korea]]. It was never sold in the [[United States]] or in [[Canada]].


⚫
The '''Cadillac BLS''' is a [[compact executive car]] that was marketed in [[Europe]] by [[Cadillac]], sharing [[General Motors]]' [[GM Epsilon platform|Epsilon]] architecture, as a restyled variant of the [[Saab 9-3]]. Development was carried out by [[Saab Automobile|Saab]] and the car was manufactured in [[Trollhättan Assembly|Trollhättan]], [[Sweden]], alongside the [[Saab 9-3]] and the [[Saab 9-5]]. Sales of the [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]] began in March 2006, with an [[station wagon|estate]] joining the line for 2007. Starting in 2007, the BLS was sold in the [[Middle East]], [[Mexico]], [[South Africa]] and [[South Korea]].
⚫
BLS production reached 3,257 in 2006<ref name="Automobil Revue 2008, p. 47"/> and 2,772 in 2007.<ref name="Automobil Revue 2008, p. 47">''Automobil Revue'', catalog 2008, p. 47</ref><ref>auto ''motor und sport'', #3/2008, p.13</ref> Production ended in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821094956/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId%3D155287 |url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=155287 |title=It's the End of the Line for the Cadillac BLS in Europe |publisher=[[Edmunds Inc.]] |work=Edmunds Inside Line |date=2009-08-18 |accessdate=2013-08-16 |archivedate=2009-08-21 |first=Anita |last=Lienert |url-status=dead |df= }}</ref>

⚫
BLS production reached 3,257 in 2006<ref name="Automobil Revue 2008, p. 47"/> and 2,772 in 2007.<ref name="Automobil Revue 2008, p. 47">''Automobil Revue'', catalog 2008, p. 47</ref><ref>auto ''motor und sport'', #3/2008, p.13</ref> Production ended in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821094956/http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId%3D155287 |url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=155287 |title=It's the End of the Line for the Cadillac BLS in Europe |publisher=[[Edmunds Inc.]] |work=Edmunds Inside Line |date=2009-08-18 |accessdate=2013-08-16 |archivedate=2009-08-21 |first=Anita |last=Lienert |url-status=dead }}</ref> Until the GT4 was introduced in 2023, the BLS was the only Cadillac never sold in North America.


==Features==
==Features==
Line 31: Line 40:


Engines:
Engines:
* 1.9&nbsp;L [[Fiat]] [[turbodiesel]] [[Straight-4|I4]] 16v, 150&nbsp;hp (110&nbsp;kW)
* 1.9&nbsp;L [[Fiat]] [[turbodiesel]] [[Straight-4|I4]] 16v, 150&nbsp;bhp (110&nbsp;kW)
* 1.9&nbsp;L [[Fiat]] [[turbodiesel]] [[Straight-4|I4]] 16v, 180&nbsp;hp (132&nbsp;kW) (2007-)
* 1.9&nbsp;L [[Fiat]] [[turbodiesel]] [[Straight-4|I4]] 16v, 180&nbsp;bhp (132&nbsp;kW) (2007-)
* 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM Ecotec engine|Ecotec LK9]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], mid-pressure [[turbo]], 175&nbsp;hp (129&nbsp;kW)
* 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM Ecotec engine|Ecotec LK9]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], mid-pressure [[Turbocharger|turbo]], 175&nbsp;bhp (129&nbsp;kW)
* 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM Ecotec engine|Ecotec LK9]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], high-pressure [[turbo]], 210&nbsp;hp (154&nbsp;kW)
* 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM Ecotec engine|Ecotec LK9]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]], high-pressure [[Turbocharger|turbo]], 210&nbsp;bhp (154&nbsp;kW)
* 2.0&nbsp;T FlexPower 200&nbsp;hp (147&nbsp;kW)
* 2.0&nbsp;T FlexPower 200&nbsp;bhp (147&nbsp;kW)
* 2.8&nbsp;L ''[[GM High Feature engine#Turbo|HFV6]]'' [[V6]], [[turbo]], 250&nbsp;hp (184&nbsp;kW)
* 2.8&nbsp;L ''[[GM High Feature engine#LP9|HFV6]]'' [[V6]], [[Turbocharger|turbo]], 250&nbsp;bhp (184&nbsp;kW)


==Differences from the SAAB 9-3==
==Differences from the Saab 9-3==
Though a large percentage of BLS components were shared with the SAAB 9-3, the BLS was differentiated from the 9-3 throughout the exterior and interior.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scandinavian Cadillac: The 2007-2009 Cadillac BLS Wagon |url=https://wagonsource.com/scandinavian-cadillac-the-2007-2009-cadillac-bls-wagon/ |website=Wagon Source}}</ref>
Though a large percentage of BLS components were shared with the Saab 9-3, the BLS was differentiated from the 9-3 throughout the exterior and interior.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scandinavian Cadillac: The 2007-2009 Cadillac BLS Wagon |url=https://wagonsource.com/scandinavian-cadillac-the-2007-2009-cadillac-bls-wagon/ |website=Wagon Source |access-date=3 February 2021 |archive-date=28 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328114856/http://wagonsource.com/scandinavian-cadillac-the-2007-2009-cadillac-bls-wagon/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Interior_BLS.jpg|thumb|left|Interior]]

* Unique exterior sheetmetal and lighting elements.
* Unique exterior sheet metal and lighting elements on front and rear.
* Different wheel options.
* Different wheel options.
* Unique upper dashboard design with integrated analog clock between central air vents.
* Unique upper dashboard design with an integrated analogue clock between central air vents.
* Redesigned center console with dual cupholders, eliminate the 9-3s flip-out cupholder.
* Redesigned centre console with dual cupholders, eliminating the 9-3s flip-out cupholder.
* Traditionally-mounted ignition in steering wheel column.
* Traditionally mounted [[ignition switch]] in [[steering column]].
* Unique instrument cluster gauge design
* Unique [[instrument cluster]] gauge design. White background lighting instead of green.
* Additional seat stitching
* Additional seat stitching.
* Unique head-rests
* Unique headrests on front seats.
* Cadillac logo replaced SAAB logo on engine covers and first-aid kits
* Cadillac logo replaced Saab logo on engine covers, steering wheel and first-aid kits


==Reviews==
==Reviews==
*[[Auto Express]] {{rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/cadillac/bls/21082/2006-2010-saloon |title= Cadillac BLS |publisher=Auto Express |date= |accessdate=2014-06-28}}</ref><br>'The BLS is OK, but offers nothing new in a market overflowing with talent.'
*[[Auto Express]] {{rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/cadillac/bls/21082/2006-2010-saloon |title= Cadillac BLS |publisher=Auto Express |date= |accessdate=2014-06-28}}</ref><br>'The BLS is OK, but offers nothing new in a market overflowing with talent.'
*[[Evo (magazine)|Evo]] {{rating|2.5|5}}<ref>http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/65832/cadillac_bls.html</ref><br>[+] Stylish and quiet<br>[-] Pushes no boundaries.
*[[Evo (magazine)|Evo]] {{rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/65832/cadillac_bls.html |title = Cadillac BLS {{!}} evo}}</ref><br>[+] Stylish and quiet<br>[-] Pushes no boundaries.
*[http://www.honestjohn.co.uk Honest John] {{rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/cadillac/bls-2006/ |title=Car-By-Car Reviews - Cadillac BLS (2006 - 2010) |publisher=Honest John |date= |accessdate=2014-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923225146/http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/cadillac/bls-2006/ |archive-date=2014-09-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br>Positives: Based on the Saab 9-3 so decent handling. Well proven mechanicals. Saab-grade safety.<br>Negatives: The ride is far from forgiving. Automatic doesn't work well with the V6 turbo, which also has overly light steering.
*[http://www.honestjohn.co.uk Honest John] {{rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/cadillac/bls-2006/ |title=Car-By-Car Reviews - Cadillac BLS (2006 - 2010) |publisher=Honest John |date= |accessdate=2014-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140923225146/http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/cadillac/bls-2006/ |archive-date=2014-09-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br>Positives: Based on the Saab 9-3 so decent handling. Well proven mechanicals. Saab-grade safety.<br>Negatives: The ride is far from forgiving. Automatic doesn't work well with the V6 turbo, which also has overly light steering.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070319233216/http://www.verdictoncars.com/ Verdict On Cars] {{rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.verdictoncars.com/jsp/vocmain.jsp?lnk=201&model=1072|title=Cadillac BLS|publisher=Verdict On Cars|date=|accessdate=2014-06-23|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050223104937/http://www.verdictoncars.com/jsp/vocmain.jsp?lnk=201|archivedate=2005-02-23|df=}}</ref><br>'Average. It's built in Europe, shares most of its underpinnings with a Saab and will never see America - meet the strangest Cadillac ever.'
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070319233216/http://www.verdictoncars.com/ Verdict On Cars] {{rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.verdictoncars.com/jsp/vocmain.jsp?lnk=201&model=1072|title=Cadillac BLS|publisher=Verdict On Cars|date=|accessdate=2014-06-23|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050223104937/http://www.verdictoncars.com/jsp/vocmain.jsp?lnk=201&model=1072|archivedate=2005-02-23}}</ref><br>'Average. It's built in Europe, shares most of its underpinnings with a Saab and will never see America - meet the strangest Cadillac ever.'


==Name==
==Name==
⚫
The BLS is known by many as the "Bob Lutz Special" - a reference to Vice Chairman [[Bob Lutz (businessman)|Bob Lutz]] who oversaw all GM product development at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a18201160/2006-cadillac-bls-car-news/|title=2006 Cadillac BLS|work=Car & Driver|first=Ray|last=Hutton|date=2006-01-06|access-date=2021-05-05}}</ref> Lutz, a supporter of badge engineering, wanted to leverage the Saab 9-3 to fill holes in Cadillac's product range.
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2019}}

⚫
The BLS is known by many as the "Bob Lutz Special" - a reference to Vice Chairman [[Bob Lutz (businessman)|Bob Lutz]] who oversaw all GM product development at the time. Lutz, a supporter of badge engineering, wanted to leverage the SAAB 9-3 to fill holes in Cadillac's product range.


The reference to Bob Lutz can be viewed both as support and as criticism of his strategy. While the BLS was a market failure, many of the techniques of badge engineering employed in the BLS resulted in other GM product successes, most notably a significant improvement in overall passenger car product quality and performance output.
The reference to Bob Lutz can be viewed both as support and as criticism of his strategy. While the BLS was a market failure, many of the techniques of badge engineering employed in the BLS resulted in other GM product successes, most notably a significant improvement in overall passenger car product quality and performance output.


According to GM, BLS stands for "B-segment Luxury Sedan", being in a smaller class than the CTS mid-size saloon. This is consistent with the Seville Luxury Sedan, later known as the [[Cadillac STS#Chinese Cadillac SLS|Cadillac SLS]] in China.
Under Lutz's revamped strategy, most Cadillac model names had no meaning (aside from preceding models, such as DTS for Deville Touring Sedan, or CTS for Catera Touring Sedan). Hence, the BLS has no official name for its abbreviation - fueling the community namesake.

While GM has never formally said why the BLS bore its name, it is likely the B was chosen for being smaller than the CTS mid-size sedan, L for Luxury, and S for Sedan. This is consistent with the Seville Luxury Sedan, or later the Cadillac SLS.


==References==
==References==
Line 74: Line 79:
{{Commons category|Cadillac BLS}}
{{Commons category|Cadillac BLS}}


*[https://fuel-cars.com/cars/cadillac/cadillac-bls-2/ Fuel-cars.com: Technical Specifications]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070418155739/http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/review.aspx?model=1482 Parker's BLS Review]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070418155739/http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/review.aspx?model=1482 Parker's BLS Review]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070321023034/http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review/cadillac-bls-saloon/778/ WhatCar.Com BLS Review]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070321023034/http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review/cadillac-bls-saloon/778/ WhatCar.Com BLS Review]
Line 80: Line 86:


{{Cadillac}}
{{Cadillac}}
{{Cadillac vehicles}}


[[Category:Cadillac vehicles|BLS]]
[[Category:Cadillac vehicles|BLS]]
Line 88: Line 95:
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2009]]
[[Category:2010s cars]]
[[Category:2010s cars]]

Latest revision as of 20:19, 9 December 2024

Cadillac BLS
Overview
ManufacturerSaab (General Motors)
Production2005–2009 (Sweden)
2009–2010 (Russia)
AssemblyTrollhättan, Sweden (Saab Automobile)
Kaliningrad, Russia (Avtotor)[1][2]
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car (D)
Body style4-door saloon
5-door estate
LayoutFF layout
PlatformGM Epsilon platform
RelatedFiat Croma
Chevrolet Malibu
Opel Signum
Opel Vectra C
Saab 9-3
Saturn Aura
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,680 mm (105.5 in)
Length4,680 mm (184.3 in)
4,716 mm (185.7 in) (estate)
Width1,750 mm (68.9 in)
1,752 mm (69.0 in) (estate)
Height1,470 mm (57.9 in)
1,543 mm (60.7 in) (estate)
Chronology
PredecessorCadillac Cimarron
SuccessorCadillac ATS
BLS Sedan rear
Cadillac BLS Estate rear

The Cadillac BLS is a compact executive car that was marketed in Europe by Cadillac, sharing General Motors' Epsilon architecture, as a restyled variant of the Saab 9-3. Development was carried out by Saab and the car was manufactured in Trollhättan, Sweden, alongside the Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-5. Sales of the saloon began in March 2006, with an estate joining the line for 2007. Starting in 2007, the BLS was sold in the Middle East, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.

BLS production reached 3,257 in 2006[3] and 2,772 in 2007.[3][4] Production ended in 2009.[5] Until the GT4 was introduced in 2023, the BLS was the only Cadillac never sold in North America.

Features

[edit]

The BLS was available with a diesel engine (a 1.9 L turbocharged four-cylinder) and two petrol engines (a 2.8 L turbocharged V6 and a 2.0 L available with two power levels).

At 184.3 in (4,681 mm) in overall length, the BLS was almost six inches shorter than the CTS, the smallest Cadillac that was available in the United States or Canada.

Engines:

Differences from the Saab 9-3

[edit]

Though a large percentage of BLS components were shared with the Saab 9-3, the BLS was differentiated from the 9-3 throughout the exterior and interior.[6]

Interior
  • Unique exterior sheet metal and lighting elements on front and rear.
  • Different wheel options.
  • Unique upper dashboard design with an integrated analogue clock between central air vents.
  • Redesigned centre console with dual cupholders, eliminating the 9-3s flip-out cupholder.
  • Traditionally mounted ignition switch in steering column.
  • Unique instrument cluster gauge design. White background lighting instead of green.
  • Additional seat stitching.
  • Unique headrests on front seats.
  • Cadillac logo replaced Saab logo on engine covers, steering wheel and first-aid kits

Reviews

[edit]
  • Auto Express [7]
    'The BLS is OK, but offers nothing new in a market overflowing with talent.'
  • Evo [8]
    [+] Stylish and quiet
    [-] Pushes no boundaries.
  • Honest John [9]
    Positives: Based on the Saab 9-3 so decent handling. Well proven mechanicals. Saab-grade safety.
    Negatives: The ride is far from forgiving. Automatic doesn't work well with the V6 turbo, which also has overly light steering.
  • Verdict On Cars [10]
    'Average. It's built in Europe, shares most of its underpinnings with a Saab and will never see America - meet the strangest Cadillac ever.'

Name

[edit]

The BLS is known by many as the "Bob Lutz Special" - a reference to Vice Chairman Bob Lutz who oversaw all GM product development at the time.[11] Lutz, a supporter of badge engineering, wanted to leverage the Saab 9-3 to fill holes in Cadillac's product range.

The reference to Bob Lutz can be viewed both as support and as criticism of his strategy. While the BLS was a market failure, many of the techniques of badge engineering employed in the BLS resulted in other GM product successes, most notably a significant improvement in overall passenger car product quality and performance output.

According to GM, BLS stands for "B-segment Luxury Sedan", being in a smaller class than the CTS mid-size saloon. This is consistent with the Seville Luxury Sedan, later known as the Cadillac SLS in China.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили GM". Avtotor.ru. Archived from the original on 10 February 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
  2. ^ "GM 2009". Archived from the original on 4 September 2011. Retrieved 15 May 2010.
  3. ^ a b Automobil Revue, catalog 2008, p. 47
  4. ^ auto motor und sport, #3/2008, p.13
  5. ^ Lienert, Anita (18 August 2009). "It's the End of the Line for the Cadillac BLS in Europe". Edmunds Inside Line. Edmunds Inc. Archived from the original on 21 August 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Scandinavian Cadillac: The 2007-2009 Cadillac BLS Wagon". Wagon Source. Archived from the original on 28 March 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  7. ^ "Cadillac BLS". Auto Express. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  8. ^ "Cadillac BLS | evo".
  9. ^ "Car-By-Car Reviews - Cadillac BLS (2006 - 2010)". Honest John. Archived from the original on 23 September 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  10. ^ "Cadillac BLS". Verdict On Cars. Archived from the original on 23 February 2005. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
  11. ^ Hutton, Ray (6 January 2006). "2006 Cadillac BLS". Car & Driver. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
[edit]
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