Driving Seat: Lean and green Caddy.

CADILLAC is out to ditch its gas guzzling image with the launch of its first diesel engined car.

Powered by a 1.9-litre turbocharged, common rail direct injection engine the Cadillac BLS will comply with the latest Euro 4 emission standards.

Developing 150bhp, the BLS will also be fitted with a maintenance free particulate filter.

The front wheel drive BLS, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, will also be available with three petrol engines - all of which will be turbo boosted.

Two versions of four cylinder two-litre engine will be available, one developing 175bhp and the other 210, while the range topping model will be powered by a 2.8-litre six cylinder engine pumping out 255bhp.

"The BLS was developed for luxury customers, with particular attention to the demands of the European and other international markets," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac's general manager.

"BLS is an important addition to our Cadillac portfolio and provides a critical entry with which to grow our business in key international markets."

The BLS is a medium sized saloon and will be pitched against the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Interior equipment will include state-of-the-art infotainment systems with high-quality audio units from American hi-fi specialist Bose, a DVD navigation system with touchscreen operation, a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone system with a handsfree kit, and remote controls on the steering wheel.

Prices and performance specifications are still to be announced but sales are planned to start in spring next year

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The Cadillac BLS