Cadillac will come to Australia late next year with a single model but big plans... In the meantime, you've got limited time to learn to speak Caddy. Here's the global lineup -- and our thoughts on their chances Down Under
Cadillac CTS
Cadillac's newest model, the Commodore-size rear-drive CTS comes with stability control, 17-inch alloys and a BOSE sound system. Already available in the USA (and slated for right-hand drive release in the UK in mid-2008), the CTS is powered by the choice of a 3.6-litre VVT V6 producing 196kW/253Nm or (as specified for Australia) a direct-injection V6 producing 227kW/370Nm driving through a six-speed auto transmission. In some markets, a six-speed manual transmission is also available. GM will also sell a diesel version of the CTS Down Under.
>> For sale in Oz? Late next year
Cadillac CTS-V
Think M5 to 5 Series, RS4 to A4: that's the CTS-V -- a likely starter for Australia if right-hand drive production is confirmed. Set to be powered by a stonking 350kW-plus version of same small-block V8 that resides in the Corvette (and, essentially, HSV models), the CTS-V has been spotted testing at Nurburgring and promises to be a match for hot Beemers and Benzes if you believe the hype. There's even talk of a forced induction model.
>> For sale in Oz? We sure hope so!
Cadillac STS/STS-V
Also using GM's Sigma rear-drive platform, the STS is slightly longer but no wider than the CTS, with the option of either the 3.6-litre VVT V6 producing 227kW/343Nm or the 4.6-litre VVT Northstar V8 producing 239kW/427Nm. The US market offers luxury and sporty variants in both V6 and V8, as well as an all-wheel drive option. Transmission is a sequential-shifting six-speed auto. The premium STS-V supercharges the Northstar V8 to produce a bellowing 350kW, along with no less than 595Nm or torque, then dresses up the interior with BOSE surround sound, Olive Ash dash, hand-wrapped leather and practically anything else you could imagine.
>> For sale in Oz? No.
Cadillac BLS
The Saab 9-3-based Cadillac is available with a either a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder or a 3.2-litre version of the Holden-made High Feature V6. But the Cadillac's edgy style ensures it will never be mistaken for its Swedish cousin, while the equipment levels are appropriately generous for America's most prestigious brand.
>> For sale in Oz? Currently being 'relaunched' in the UK. If it gets some traction, it's a definite maybe...
Cadillac DTS
The front-wheel-drive Cadillac is available in the US in three luxury levels offering the choice of either a standard Northstar 4.6-litre 205kW/400Nm V8 or, in the performance version, a warmed-up variant producing 218kW/390Nm. The car is bigger than the rear-drive STS and CTS, but the wheelbase is actually slightly shorter, meaning lots of traditional US-style overhang.
>> For sale in Oz? Let's hope not!
Cadillac XLR/XLR-V roadster
Cadillac's edgy two-seat roadster is aimed at Benz's SL (we kid you not) and comes with the 4.6-litre Northstar V8 as the standard powerplant, driving through a six-speed sequential auto transmission. It gets GM's Magnetic Ride Control, electronic stability control, 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive lights. American buyers hankering to go chasing AMGs can choose the XLR-V version that uses a 330kW supercharged version of the 4.4-litre Northstar engine that winds out a serious 561Nm of torque – enough to get to 100km/h in less than five seconds and making the 1700kg XLR-V Cadillac's quickest production car ever.
>>For sale in Oz? Cadillac will consolidate with its CTS/CTS-V sedan but if the new generation XLR is built in RHD then look out!
Cadillac SRX
The BMW X5-size Cadillac SUV is rear-drive in standard form, with all-wheel drive an option for US buyers. Cadillac also offers the left-hand drive only model in the UK. Go figure! The SRX buyer has the choice of a 3.6-litre V6, or the 4.6-litre Northstar V8. The V6 gets a five-speed auto transmission and the V8 a six-speed auto. The V8 version ups wheel size from 17 to 18-inchers and gains a power tailgate, heated seats and Xenon headlights. Electronic stability control is standard on both models.
>>For sale in Oz? In Australia, you ignore the SUV market at your peril. But again it's a next-generation thing. (Note: several SRX mules have been spotted over the last few years around Holden HQ and Lang Lang)
Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade Cadillac SUV stands taller and longer than the SRX, but runs a similar wheelbase and is no wider overall. It's built on the Yukon/Denali base (in essence a short-wheelbase Suburban with fruit). Power jumps to 300kW from the Gen IV 6.2-litre V8 which delivers 565Nm of torque and drives through a six-speed sequential auto. Like the SRX, the Escalade is normally rear-wheel drive, offering all-wheel drive as an option.
>>For sale in Oz? Not while GM's full-size trucks are engineered only for the USA.
Cadillac Escalade ESV
The ESV Cadillac Escalade is a long-wheelbase version of the regular model (ie: full Suburban dimensions), using the same Gen IV rear-drive powertrain with a six-speed auto transmission and offering all-wheel drive as an option. Like the regular Escalade it gets electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, road-sensing suspension and a BOSE sound system.
>>For sale in Oz? Nope. See above.
Cadillac Escalade EXT crew cab
The EXT is a sort of long-wheelbase crew-cab workhorse with the most expensively trimmed saddle in town. It comes with the Gen IV V8 and is full-time 4WD, using a single-speed transfer case and a six-speed Hydra-Matic sequential-shifting auto.
Standard gear includes road-sensing suspension, electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, as well as rear park assist and a BOSE sound system. The indoor-outdoor cabin is cute.
>>For sale in Oz? Again, if Escalade looks a non-starter, ditto for the EXT.
Cadillac SLS
The Chinese-built Cadillac SLS is a stretched version of the STS and has been designed specifically for Chinese and Middle-Eastern chauffer-driven markets. The maxi-Caddy went on sale in China in March and will be available in Middle Eastern markets early in 2008. It offers the choice of two 3.6-litre Australian-built V6s, or the 4.6-litre Northstar V8.
>>For sale in Oz? See STS/STS-V above.
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