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Cadillac could base its entry-level sedan on the Chevy Cruze [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Cadillac spokesperson Donny Nordlicht tells Autoblog , "The post speculating on a future Cadillac model derived from the Chevrolet Cruze is completely false." Premium automakers Mercedes-Benz and Audi have seen plenty of success with new small front-drive-based sedans. The CLA-Class had its best January ever this year, while Audi moved more of its new A3 in 2015 than its predecessor sold in 2005 through 2010 combined. The fact that Cadillac wants a piece of that pie is no surprise, then. There's a new rumor that GM's luxury brand could launch its own compact – possibly called CT2 – to battle the Germans. Cadillac, a brand that's pushed hard to rebuild its rear-drive reputation, could develop a new entry-level model based on the front-wheel-drive 2016 Chevrolet Cruze's D2XX platform. Go ahead and make your Cimarron jokes. Sources are telling GM Inside News that a Cadillac built on the Delta platform would ditch the Cruze's turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder for a 1.5-liter turbo in base models. General Motors' well received 2.0-liter turbo four would serve in higher-end models. According to GMIN, the Delta-based Cadillac would likely command a $6,000 to $9,000 premium over the Cruze, so figure $23,000 to $26,000 on the low end to $30,000 to $33,000 for something at the top of the range. As much as we dislike the kind of badge engineering that brought us the Cavalier-based Cadillac Cimarron in the '80s, the company has done an admirable job of distinguishing vehicles on shared platforms lately. A Delta-platform Cadillac would at least have a good basis – the new Cruze is surprisingly comfy. That said, we question GM's rationale if this rumor is indeed true. Put simply, Cadillac needs another sedan like I need another student loan payment. The company has four sedans, three of which overlap two segments, and none of which are selling very well. That's not because they're bad, but because customers want crossovers, of which Caddy has but one – the new XT5. Spending the time and money to add a fifth sedan to the mix when the company desperately needs to flesh out its CUV range would be a tremendous mistake. As much as we hate to say it, if Cadillac really wants to add a small, entry-level car to its range, it'd better be a crossover. Related Video:

2016 Cadillac ATS-V blasts into LA

The first details about the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V recently hit the web ahead of the official debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Now, the latest model to wear Caddy's high-performance V moniker is officially official, and the specs are even better than initial rumors suggested.
The latest figures actually give the ATS-V a hair more power than first believed, with 455 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque pumping out of the twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6. With a standard electronic limited-slip differential keeping rear wheels in check, Cadillac claims that the model sprints to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 185 mph. Buyers have two transmission choices that both offer launch control: a six-speed manual featuring Active Rev Match and no-lift shifting, or an eight-speed automatic.
Thoroughly revised suspension and braking systems should also mean that the ATS-V excels at more than just going in a straight line. The chassis itself receives extra bracing to boost overall stiffness by 25 percent over lesser ATS models. On top of that, a host of suspension upgrades front and rear, including third-generation Magnetic Ride Control dampers, mean quicker steering response and a tighter ride. Plus, Brembo six-piston calipers up front and four-pistons in the rear should bring rapid deceleration. To tune it all to the driver's whim, the Performance Traction Management system gives five settings to choose from for stability and traction control.

Buy a Mosler Twinstar, the V16 Cadillac you almost wanted [w/video]

Cadillac was once famous for opulent, V16 luxury vehicles, but this bizarre 16-cylinder 1999 Eldorado that's for auction on eBay Motors isn't much like its ancestors. Dubbed the TwinStar, this beast features a Northstar V8 with 275 horsepower to drive the front wheels and a second Northstar with 300 hp is in the trunk to spin the rear axle. Each mill has its own four-speed automatic gearbox, and the result is a total of 575 hp of all-wheel drive fury in an incredibly weird package. The TwinStar's interior and exterior certainly don't hide the odd powertrain setup. To fit the engine in the trunk, the builders pushed the rear wheels further back and lengthened the wheelbase. There are also scoops low on each side to funnel air to the V8. Inside, there's a second ignition on the side of the center stack, and a digital instrument cluster replaces the glove box. It's sure to confuse any passenger you can convince to take a ride in this thing. Mosler, the supercar company known for models like the MT900, built five TwinStars, according to the auction. The seller links to the original review by Car and Driver, and the magazine noted that the sensation of the two engines working in tandem was rather odd. However, the TwinStar was a capable performer and ran to 60 in 5 seconds in its test. If you want to start your new year with the oddest vehicle possible, the TwinStar's auction sits at $5,600 with the reserve not met as of this writing, and it ends January 2, 2016, at 8:00 PM ET. If you can't wait that long, the dealer lists the car online for $39,900. There's also a spirited conversation on Bring a Trailer about this automotive oddity.