E, [SIGMA], [theta], and [lambda] take over at Cadillac.

In 2010, Cadillac's offerings will be both similar and very, very different. As expected, its sedan lineup will add the second generation BLS to its stable in North America, and jettison the front-drive DTS. That, however, is only part of the story.

For North America, sources say the BLS will be an all-wheel-drive entry-level vehicle built off the next generation of GM's Epsilon platform, and powered by an updated 2.8-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Though still uncertain at this time, in all likelihood this powertrain will be joined by a pair of 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinders with a choice of either a manual or an automatic gearbox. By adding the BLS to the lineup Cadillac not only gets a less expensive, sportier car to entice younger buyers, it can expand and enhance the CTS line.

Reportedly the next-generation CTS will be slightly larger than the current car in all dimensions, and include a two-door aimed directly at BMW's 3 Series Coupe. The design retains today's basic theme, but is less dissonant and more upscale and cohesive than its current iteration. Both the coupe and sedan will be available in V-Series form, though the current pushrod LS6 V8 reportedly will be replaced by a version of the supercharged Northstar found in the V-Series STS.

The STS will be upgraded and revised, and its platform--a stretched and widened version of the Sigma platform that provides the base for the CTS--will be stretched yet again to create a replacement for the front-drive DTS. The current DTS is an anomaly in the current Cadillac lineup, and its older Front-drive platform harkens back to an era when Cadillac buyers were more interested in the senior citizen's lunch special than true luxury and performance. Apparently, the new car changes all that with rear- and all-wheel-drive options, normally aspirated and supercharged versions of the Northstar V8, and styling that insiders say draws from the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. It may even signal a break with recent tradition, and drop Cadillac's three-letter model designators for a name from Cadillac's past. The next generation of the Theta platform (Saturn Vue, Pontiac Torrent) will also spawn a small Cadillac SUV that--depending on whom you talk to--will either be called the "ULX" or "ULS" if it isn't given a name by launch time. A hybrid version will be part of the small utility's family. It will be joined by a replacement for the Sigma-based SRX that is built off the Lambda platform used by GM's upcoming Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook crossovers. You can bet this version will look more like its successful Escalade big brother than a tall-wagon version of the CTS as it currently does.--CAS

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