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Opel director Sedran to succeed Docherty as Chevy Europe boss

When longtime General Motors executive Susan Docherty announced she would be stepping down from her post as the head of Chevrolet and Cadillac in Europe, there was some idle chatter that plans for the creation of a new global overseer position for the Bowtie brand was behind the move. And while US sales chief Alan Batey has indeed assumed control of Chevy worldwide since her departure announcement, Docherty's vacancy is being filled after all, with Opel chief strategist Thomas Sedran taking up the reins.
That's according to Automotive News, who reports that Sedran will be tasked with pulling Chevy out of a sales funk, much of it pegged on Europe's stagnant auto industry, which has sunk to a 20-year low. AN notes that Chevy's EU sales plunged 32 percent to 57,584 units through the first five months of 2013, but the everyday value brand is faring worlds better than Cadillac, which has sold just 167 units in Europe over the same time period.
Sedran, 48, has been in the auto industry for over 20 years. Most recently, at Opel he had been working on long-term plans for the marque, and was appointed to the brand's management board in April of last year. Prior to joining GM, Sedran was employed as a management consultant for AlixPartners, where he worked closely with Opel for six years. Sedran will assume his new duties beginning July 1.

2016 Cadillac CT6 has arrived

We have known for a while that the 2015 New York Auto Show would mark the debut of Cadillac's latest flagship model. But after months of waiting as Caddy slowly revealed details, the 2016 Cadillac CT6 has finally arrived. The sedan is a technological tour de force for the brand and inaugurates a long list of new technologies. The CT6 will begin production at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in late 2015 and will go on sale with three engine options. Caddy won't release final figures yet, but based on preliminary numbers, we know the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will make 265 horsepower. Stepping up to the newly revised 3.6-liter V6 will net buyers an estimated 335 hp, and finally there will be the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with an output of around 400 hp. All of these engines will be mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions, and six-cylinder models will get standard all-wheel drive that will be able to constantly vary the power sent to the front wheels. Carrying those powertrains is the new, aluminum-intensive Omega architecture. In addition to the lightweight metal making up the platform, the entire exterior also uses it to provide an estimated curb weight of less than 3,700 pounds. The decision to shed mass makes the CT6 a featherweight in its class – for comparison, the lightest, six-cylinder Audi A8 weighs 4,365 pounds. The sedan rides on a 122.4-inch wheelbase and is 204 inches long. That makes the Cadillac about 1.3 inches shorter than the smallest BMW 7 Series, but the Caddy is projected to tip the scales at less than both the big Bimmer and even the 5 Series, too. Cadillac wants the CT6 to be a luxury sedan that drivers can enjoy. In addition to the low weight, there's an available Active Chassis System throughout the range with rear-wheel steering and Magnetic Ride Control. When combined with the all-wheel-drive system, it means every corner of the car is both driving and steering the vehicle. Inside, the CT6 offers a ton of tech and luxury. Drivers are held in massaging, leather seats, and rear passengers also get adjustable chairs that are heated and cooled. Quad-zone climate controls keep everyone comfortable. Plus, in addition to the 34-speaker Bose audio system and streaming rearview mirror, there are features like a 10.2-inch CUE infotainment system with a capacitive touchscreen and console-mounted touchpad. The display also shows a 360-degree view outside and can even record video when the security system is activated.

Is Cadillac working on an ELR-V? [w/video]

Could it be? Could Cadillac be working on an even higher-end version of its ELR plug-in hybrid? Well, General Motors' Executive Vice President Mark Reuss has gone on record as... well, not saying much. The exec was more than a bit coy on video (which you can view below) when asked about the idea of an ELR-V, although he did say that Cadillac was looking at "expanding the tuning envelope" for its plug-in coupe. What that means could be hinted at in these spy photos.
Cadillac is certainly up to something with this little red ELR. As is often the case, it's the car's enhanced brakes that give it away. Bigger binders are a telltale sign of sportier aspirations, and it's safe to say that rule applies with the ELR. The larger rotors and four-piston Brembo calipers are sourced from the Buick Regal GS, which we imagine would be plenty to bring the high-priced hybrid to a halt.
Obscuring those rotors and calipers are larger, double-armed five-spoke wheels. And, according to our spies, hiding behind that camouflage is a new grille. Outside of those two items, though, there's not much aesthetic change.