We’ve gone from no idea of an XLR refresh to a quick 1-2 spotting of both the freshened XLR and now the XLR-V.

In this case, Autoblog.com is showing a series of shots of a disguised XLR w/ an obvious mesh grill and bulging hood – marking this as the V-Series.

Unknown at this time (other than the final look of the refresh) is if this will continue to use the supercharged Northstar – which is rumored to go away early in the next decade or if a version of the corporate small-block V-8 will replace it. Given the plethora of options from the Corvette above the 6.2l LS3 (the Z06’s 505hp, 7.0l V-8 and the supercharged smallblock that becomes the LSA in the new CTS-V) we’d guess for a version of the LSA in the new XLR-V.

Expect a coming-out of the new XLR and XLR-V later this year, perhaps as early as the normal 2009 model change-over in July/August.

See the rest of the spy shots over at:

Autoblog.com: Spy Shots – 2009 Cadillac XLR-V

Categories: News, XLR, V-Series, Spy photos
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A couple sources have posted more info on the upcoming CTS coupe.

Winding Road has posted a series of new spy photos. However the article doesn’t really reveal any new tidbits.

Winding Road: Spied! Cadillac CTS Coupe Follows Concept Form

LeftLaneNews.com has posted some details of their interview with Cadillac head, Jim Taylor.

Of note – we won’t have to wait for a V-Series version. Both the standard coupe and the V-series coupe will debut simultaneously.

A diesel coupe will likely be available in Europe (and possibly the US, depending on demand).

Another tidbit from the article are further confirmation that the STS/DTS will be replaced by a single model in the coming years (2011-12). Interestingly, it appears that Cadillac has realized that they can’t just move the CTS into STS price territory overnight, and the STS/DTS replacement will continue in the current 5-Series/E-Class price range while aiming for the 7-Series/S-Class in size and features.

Yet more information is that Cadillac may be a likely place for passenger car diesels, as the Cadillac price point can more easily absorb the cost of modern/clean diesel engines.

Check out the interview at:

Leftlanenews.com: Interview: Jim Taylor talks CTS-V Coupe, STS/DTS future, SUVs

Categories: News, CTS, STS / SLS
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The folks over a Jalopnik have a series of spy shots (all from the same angle, unfortunately) that show a disguised XLR that should be the rumored 2009 XLR freshening we’ve been hearing about.

Expect CTS-inspired cues including a new front end, possible side fender vents, and a much improved interior…the powertrain mix may change as well given that the Northstar is supposed to not be long for this world.

Given how close we are to a 2009 model year XLR (late summer, at least) – expect this to bow at the NY auto show.

Check out all the photos at:

Jalopnik.com: 2009 Cadillac XLR Roadster

Categories: News, XLR, Spy photos
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AutoBlog.com has spotted the new CTS Coupe undergoing testing. This time we get a view of the side and front end (disguised, of course).

Oddly, it seems that the rest of the world has just noticed what we saw in the C&D spy shots a few days back…no exterior door handles.

Yeah guys…we noticed that – but thanks for the additional eye candy. Oh, and they also seem to have forgotten that this is how the XLR does things as well (mentioning only the Corvette as a precedent for this layout within GM).

Of course, we would notice these things, wouldn’t we?

Check out Autoblog’s pics and not-so-insightful commentary on the CTS Coupe over at:

AutoBlog.com: Cadillac CTS Coupe Caught with No Door Handles!

Categories: News
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