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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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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Car and Driver (my personal favorite in-print car mag) has caught GM testing the production CTS coupe.

Of interest, a rear window easily as close to horizontal as the concept, the center mounted exhaust is still there, the body work below the door appears to be spot-on, and the wheels look to be heavily inspired by those on the coupe concept as well.

Differences we can see already are slightly beefier side mirrors, the style of the exhaust goes from over/under to side-by-side, and we should expect the bumper detail beside those exhaust tips to be different than the very concept-y details on the car we saw in Detroit.

Unknown is how faithfully they have done the tail light treatment and the overall rakish-ness of the trunk-lid (the disguise makes the production car appear to have a more upright decklid – but that could be part of the disguise.

I, personally, can’t wait to get my hands on one of these – but am awfully afraid I will leave the dealer with one once I do.

Cadillac, make mine 3.6l DI w/ 6-speed manual, in Black Raven or Crystal Red…

See all the spy shots over at:

Car and Driver: 2010 Cadillac CTS Coupe – Spied

Categories: News, CTS, Spy photos, Rumored Models
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Autoblog has posted a series of new spy shots of what we’ve been expecting to be the new small crossover from Cadillac (thought to be either the BTX or BRX).

Giving the styling hints given by the Provoq concept – I’m starting to doubt that this is the Cadillac crossover (or that Cadillac is being pretty inconsistent in their styling theme on the production version vs. the concept). For example, the ‘side window graphic’ in designer-speak is completely different. Check out the trailing edge of the rear door window shape, especially how it meets the C-pillar. The spy shots show a BMW-esque kick-forward while the concept was much more consistent with the CTS/CTS coupe with a taper from roof to body that is unbroken.

The headlights seem to wrap into the fender, as in the Provoq – but given that even Chevrolet and Saturn are using similar themes – that doesn’t tell us much.

The lower grill/running-light area and the front to back rising character line on the spy shots are the only things I think match the Provoq.

I guess we’ll see in the next year which brand this little crossover belongs to.

Check it out at:

Autoblog: Cadillac BRX – spy shots

Categories: News, Spy photos, BRX / BTX, Rumored Models
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WorldCarFans.com is reporting that there is a good chance we’ll see our first variant of the CTS at this January’s Detroit Auto Show.

They expect the CTS wagon (CTW?) to show up at Detroit and then make it’s Euro debut at the Geneva show in March. They also expect the coupe (CTC?) to show up at a later show.

Personally, we’d expect the more US-centric coupe to debut in Detroit with the Euro-intended wagon to not bow until Geneva.

See a rendering of the coupe and wagon at:

WorldCarFans.com: Rendered Speculation: Cadillac CTS Coupe and Wagon

Categories: News, CTS, Spy photos
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