Cadillac ready to take on 3 Series

WE saw the concept at Geneva in March – now Cadillac has revealed the production version of its direct rival for BMW’s giant-killing 3 Series, the BLS.

Set to make its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next week, BLS is expected to spearhead a new global push by General Motors’ premium brand – including in Australia, where Cadillac could be launched as early as 2007.

Local GM arm Holden is expected to decide the fate of Cadillac Down Under before the end of next year and is currently conducting local development testing of up to four models.

They include BLS, the Commodore-sized CTS sedan launched in 2003, and the large XLR coupe and X5-rivalling SRX SUV released last year.

But it’s BLS that has the highest sales volume potential within Cadillac’s international expansion ambitions.

Based on GM’s Epsilon platform that underpins Saab’s 9-3, the front-drive BLS is claimed to offer "expressive design, outstanding ride and acoustic comfort".

GM has confirmed BLS will be the first Cadillac to employ diesel power, with news that European versions will be motivated by three turbocharged petrol and one turbo-diesel engine.

Developed by Fiat-GM Powertrain, the 1.9-litre four-cylinder oil-burner offers common-rail and direct-injection technology.

Complying with Euro4 emissions standards, it’s fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter and develops 112kW.

Like Saab’s 9-3, the compact Caddy’s 2.0-litre turbo four will be offered in a number of states of tune (in this case two), including 129kW and 155kW (Aero) versions.

BLS will also be available with a 190kW 2.8-litre version of Holden’s Alloytec V6 - complete with twin-scroll turbocharger and variable intake valve timing – that will eventually see duty in Saab models.

Five and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered, depending on the engine.

Interestingly, Cadillac says its has tuned the BLS chassis – which, like 9-3, comprises MacPherson front struts and a four-link rear axle - for both comfort and dynamics.

Also like 9-3, BLS will offer a Bluetooth-enabled, hands-free mobile phone system and remote audio controls on a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

There is also a DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation, a premium Bose sound system and black instruments with white numerals and red needles.

The BLS exterior features jewel-like headlights, bumper-integrated foglights, a wide front air intake, V-shaped chromed grille and a narrow chrome strip beneath the side windows.

Further differentiating BLS from 9-3 are vertical tail-lights and a wide, bootlid-mounted LED brake light that doubles as a spoiler.