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2017 Cadillac XT5 shows off its new metal in LA

Cadillac is in the midst of a comprehensive production overhaul, and few of its new arrivals will be as pivotal as the new XT5. Replacing the old SRX, the XT5 was revealed in the metal here on the floor of the 2015 LA Auto Show. Joining the new CT6 under Caddy's new naming scheme, the XT5 represents GM's assault on German competition like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes GLC, Japanese rivals like the Lexus RX, Infiniti QX50, and Acura RDX, and its own cross-town nemesis, the Lincoln MKX. And to better fend off their advances, the new XT5 promises marked improvements over its predecessor in every way. The model you see here is, to our eyes, handsomer than the model it replaces, adopting the Art & Science brand's latest design cues. It offers a fresh cabin space loaded with the latest equipment. And it weighs a solid 278 pounds less than the outgoing SRX. Power still comes from a 3.6-liter V6, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with available all-wheel drive. 310 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque keep it going, which ought to help it keep pace with the competition. We're looking forward to seeing how it drives in due course, but in the meantime, you're invited to view our live photos from the floor of the Los Angeles Convention Center in the gallery above.

GM follows Ford and Honda in skipping SEMA

The list of automakers skipping SEMA has become longer. First reported by Muscle Cars and Trucks, and confirmed to us by a company representative, General Motors will not have an official presence at the aftermarket show. It joins Ford and Honda in leaving the show. It will be a large hole in the show, with the GM brands typically filling a significant swath of available show space in one of the main halls. GM hasn't provided much explanation for the move, either. The GM representative provided Autoblog with the same statement that Muscle Cars and Trucks got: "GM has made the decision not to participate in the 2022 SEMA Show. The SEMA show has always inspired us, and accessories and performance parts remain an important part of our business." We also asked if we would see any sort of announcements around the time of the show — Ford said it has plans to share some things around that time — however, the GM representative said that the company has no immediate plans for announcements. Certainly things could change between now and the November show, though. SEMA had previously noted that other exhibitors would help fill in some of the space vacated by these major OEMs. Another OEM, Volkswagen, is returning to the show after an absence, which will also help with the display deficit. Related Video:

2019 Cadillac CT6-V preorders start at $89,785

Cadillac's top-of-range sedan will start at less than $90,000, just barely. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Cadillac announced it is opening preorders for the 2019 CT6-V, which will start at $89,785. Keeping things exclusive, Cadillac has 275 preorder slots available to the U.S. market for the CT6-V. It will briefly join the ATS-V and the CTS-V to give Caddy a trio of powerful sedans before the ATS-V and CTS-V bow out after the 2019 model year to make way for new models. Cadillac offers less powerful V-Sport variants, as well. The CT6-V, formerly the CT6 V-Sport, uses a Cadillac-exclusive powertrain. The twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 makes a claimed 550 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This engine is hand-built and nicknamed the "Blackwing." It is linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which puts power to the ground through Cadillac's all-wheel-drive system. As an added luxury perk to buying the CT6-V, Cadillac will include 2 days at the V-Performance Academy at Spring Mountain. The trip is essentially all expenses paid, with tuition and luxury accommodation part of the package. Cadillac estimates the first CT6-V models to arrive in mid-2019. Now, it was widely reported that the Detroit-Hamtramck production facility that builds the CT6 would be among those closed by GM. Cadillac President Steve Carlisle told Automotive News, however, that the company is exploring production alternatives to keep the flagship luxury sedan for sale in the United States. Apparently, it was never actually on the chopping block, and instead, officials at the time of the plant closure announcement failed to mention that CT6 production would be moved rather than cancelled. Where that new facility would be has yet to be announced, but Carlisle told Automotive News that moving production to China, where the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid is built, is "the least-preferred option." Related Video: