GM Korea has released plans to commence sales of the re-engineered 2008 Cadillac BLS in the Korean market as early as tomorrow. The premium sports sedan is Cadillac's smallest offering in the current Cadillac line-up, and it targets the would-be BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class consumers. The BLS made its first unveiling at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show and its Korean premiere in October 2006. The BLS was initially available only as a gasoline model. The 2008 BLS benefits from new changes including the introduction of a diesel counterpart. The BLS 2.0T has upped its ante with a new 2.0L turbo, which produces 25 more horsepower over its predecessor to an impressive 175. The BLS 1.9TiD benefits from a 1.9L 150 horsepower turbodiesel engine. The 2.0T is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission while the 1.9TiD is equipped with a 6-speed manumatic.
Carrying Cadillac's traditional torch of bountiful features, the BLS comes equipped with bi-xenon headlamps, LED taillights, premium BOSE audio system, 4-channel StabiliTrak system, and is available with a DVD touch-screen infotainment system with navigation. Both models wear 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2.0T gasoline trim will be priced at 41 million Won ($43 189USD) and the 1.9TiD diesel trim will sticker at 42.5 million Won ($44 769USD). And no, the BLS will not arrive in the US; at least not anytime soon. However, I direct you to your local Saturn-Saab-Isuzu dealer where a brand-spanking new Saab 9-3 is waiting. For those who don't get the jist, the BLS is a heavily rebadged Saab 9-3. Thank the guys who formerly built jets for this beauty.
[Source: GM Korea]
