Like all Cadillacs, the BLS Wagon has been designed for the requirements and needs of demanding drivers. As a result, this front-wheel drive car emphasizes vehicle dynamics and driving enjoyment, with high-torque turbo engines, modern transmissions and a chassis tuned for agility.

Turbo-charged engines and transmissions: A wide choice

Diesels: Both the BLS sedan and wagon will be offered with two direct-injected, 1.9 liter common rail turbo-diesel engines that are fitted with maintenance-free diesel particulate filters requiring no additives. The purification process is designed to reduce hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) with an upstream primary catalytic converter and an under-floor catalytic converter.  Both engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. 

The base diesel engine has an output of 150 hp (110 kW).  New is a 180 hp (132 kW) two-stage turbo-diesel delivering 400 Nm of maximum torque, giving the BLS a top speed of 220 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.1 seconds. The diesel will be available on all BLS models, starting in December 2007.

Gasoline: The two 2.0L four-cylinder turbo gasoline engines develop 175 and 210 hp (129 and 154 kW respectively) and share a basic design and an excellent output characteristic. The maximum torque of 265 or 300 Nm respectively is available at just 2500 rpm, which means high pulling power at low and medium speeds.

The 2.8L V-6 aluminum engine has a twin-scroll turbocharger and output of 255 hp (188 kW) and maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1800 rpm. This state-of-the-art powerplant offers plenty of power in all driving conditions. The intercooled turbocharger, located centrally above the transmission, has an integral charge pressure control valve.

The all-aluminum engines are square (bore/stroke: 86 millimeters) and have twin chain-driven overhead camshafts. Balancing shafts and a dual-mass flywheel ensure refinement in noise and vibrations. The turbocharger is positioned immediately behind the transverse engine, thereby guaranteeing that the front catalytic converter warms up quickly. This reduces fuel consumption and cold-start emissions.

The turbine wheel is made of high-quality special alloy steel. Separate channels – one per cylinder bank – divide the exhaust impulses and impact positively on the exhaust flow and on energy losses and the turbocharger’s effectiveness.

The continuously variable, electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated phasing of the intake camshafts ensures rapid response and plenty of torque even at lower speeds. The camshafts can be rotated with respect to the crankshaft across a range of 50 degrees. This optimally aligns the valve timing and the gas exchange to the engine load and speed. The intake and outlet camshafts are made of high-strength aluminum, which means they are lightweight, heat-resistant and have a long service life.

Bio-Ethanol: The BLS Wagon and sedan will be the first Cadillac models to be offered in Europe with the option of a low-emission, turbocharged bio-ethanol engine. The BLS 2.0 liter FLEXPOWER engine will go on sale in November 2007. Like the three turbocharged gasoline engines and the two turbo-diesels, the 200 hp (147 kW)* FLEXPOWER engine offers the dynamic performance customers have come to expect from Cadillac, while using bio-ethanol (E85) as an alternative to traditional gasoline.  The FLEXPOWER engine runs on E85 bio-ethanol, unleaded gasoline or any combination of both fuels.

The chassis: Dynamic handling characteristics without comprising comfort

With a wheelbase of 2675 millimeters and a wide track width of 1524/1506 millimeters (front/rear), the BLS Wagon provides the right geometric conditions for balanced handling. The chassis, which has McPhersonstruts in front and a four-link rear axle, is designed for powerful engines and high performance. The chassis tuning and rack-and-pinion steering ensures dynamic handling without compromising comfort.

The Cadillac BLS Wagon’s sophisticated braking system features standard ventilated disc brakes front and rear. The discs measure 285 millimeters at the front and have a diameter of 278millimeters at the rear for the entry-level model (up-level 2.8 V-6: 314/292 millimeters front /rear). In addition to four-channel ABS, Traction Control System (TCS) and electronic brake assist, the Cadillac is also fitted with Cornering Brake Control (CBC). When the brakes are applied on a bend, CBC regulates the brake pressure at each wheel individually, increasing cornering stability.

StabiliTrak:  now standard

For Europe, the StabiliTrak electronic stability system is standard on all BLS models in 2008. In critical driving situations, the system assists the driver in helping the chassis follow the direction of steering ascertained by a steering angle sensor. Further monitoring input is provided by yaw rate and ABS speed sensors as well as the engine management system.In the case of deviation from the intended path, automatic brake application at the individual wheels pulls the car back in line.

All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Transfer Technology

Both the BLS sedan and BLS Wagon equipped with the 2.8L V-6 turbo engine will be available with all-wheel drive beginning in the spring of 2008.  This combination includes a horsepower upgrade to 280 hp (from 250 hp).  This latest generation Haldex technology is activated when needed and works with the electronic stability system to provide enhanced vehicle control. It electronically engages the clutch before take-off, avoiding wheel spin and achieving immediate and maximum traction.  No front wheel slip is required before the rear wheels are engaged.

Besides enhancing driving pleasure and safety, the Cadillac engineers also focused on noise and vibration isolation. Outside noises, as well as vibration and harshness, are kept as far away from the passengers as possible. This was achieved via a series of measures implemented in the diesel and gasoline models alike. For excellent road surface isolation, the front and rear chassis have additionally tuned rubber bushings, and the wheelhouses, roof and trunk are speciallysound-insulated. Also, a specifically tuned tire is standard for up-level models to improve noise levels.