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Cadillac planning its own engines, halo cars

Cadillac is in the midst of some big changes. It's got a new chief executive. It's taking some distance from parent company General Motors and moving to a new headquarters in New York. And it's instituting a new naming scheme that will allow not only for a more clear progression in its lineup, but also for more models. But that's not the end of the story. Not by a long shot.
Speaking with Automobile magazine, Cadillac's new president Johan de Nysschen revealed his intention to develop several new models and powertrains. For starters, he does not want Cadillac to continue borrowing engines from the GM parts bin, but intends to develop a new range of engines specifically for the luxury automaker. The program will likely start with smaller-capacity engines but eventually lead to new V8s as well, taking the place of the long-serving Northstar engine that finally ended its lifespan a few years ago after some two decades of production. Along with other technologies, de Nysschen envisions possibly sharing these powertrains with other GM divisions, but developing them first and foremost for Cadillac.
The bigger question, however, is where those engines would go, and de Nysschen had some thoughts to share on that front as well. For starters, the former Infiniti and Audi exec sees room for an even bigger sedan above the upcoming new CT6 that will cap the current range. Maybe even two of them. But that's not all. Johan wants to see Cadillac get (back) into the sports car game with a new halo model or two - something it hasn't really done since the Corvette-based XLR roadster. A pair of new crossovers are also said to be in the works, flanking the SRX on both sides with smaller and larger models.

Cadillac logo losing its wreath?

The easily recognizable Cadillac logo dates back to the company's founding in the early 1900s, but over the last 110 years, there has been an on-again, off-again love affair with the wreath surrounding the crest. Cadillac's current badge design has used the wreath since the 1980s, but Automotive News is reporting that GM's luxury division is planning to ditch the laurel wreath for a cleaner-looking logo.
The new logo could make its debut as early as next month on a new concept car that will be revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, although the report also says that it might be until 2015 before it makes its way to a production car. Even then, it doesn't like anything has been finalized yet, as the article also says that plans could still change.
As Cadillac looks to improve its global presence as a luxury automaker, the report says that a simpler logo could make it easier for designers to incorporate the badge onto the car - either in the grille or above the grille (possibly in a fashion similar to Mercedes-Benz). Head on over to the AN article, which shows the Cadillac logo dating back to its earliest design.

Cadillac reveals more 2015 Escalade details, launches colorizer

Cadillac has opened up a mini-site to entice you into its all-new 2015 Escalade, and begun talking about more of its features and trim levels. While all versions of the new daddy Caddy will be powered by a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque routed through a six-speed automatic, there will be three trim packages you can wrap around that powertrain and seven exterior colors available to make it pop.
Features common to all trims include leather throughout, heated and cooled front seats, a 12-inch reconfigurable dash cluster, a quieter interior thanks to Bose active noise cancellation and the brand's love/hate CUE infotainment system. The base trim comes with adaptive remote start, hands-free tailgate, rear-view camera, park assist, Magnetic Ride Control and sits on 20-inch wheels. Moving up to the Luxury spec increases your stature with 22-inch wheels and adds a reconfigurable, color head-up display, a sunroof, power fold-and-tumble second row seating, Intellibeam headlights and a Driver Awareness Package with active crash-avoidance technology like Safety Alert Seat, lane departure warning and forward collision alert.
The top Premium trim gets a Driver Assist Package that includes Automatic Collision Preparation, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control, rear-seat entertainment, along with exterior touches like illuminated door handles.