Cadillac, the automaker formerly known as the wreath-and-crest brand, is considering expanding its lineup into new territory with a diesel engine option and a subcompact crossover.

Speaking with Edmunds, Robert E. Ferguson, senior vice president of Global Cadillac, stated that he would like to take advantage of the rapid worldwide growth of the small luxury CUV segment by releasing a new, Buick Encore-sized model.

“If you look at any growth forecast, or even look at present-day growth, I would say every luxury provider is looking hard at that set,” Ferguson said. “We would be silly not to. I think the Encore is a terrific vehicle and the perfect size. I would love to have a really luxurious competitive vehicle with that stance.”

Rumors that Cadillac has green-lighted the subcompact crossover have been making their way around the industry for over a year, with most suggesting a 2015-2016 debut timeframe. The pint-sized luxury utility would target the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

On the subject of diesels, Ferguson revealed that he “would love to have a diesel engine for all of our Cadillacs this decade. I think that would speed our growth in Europe, and it would help us with environmental issues [in the U.S.] and in Asia.”

With GM currently weighing whether to fit its full-size, light-duty pickups with oil-burning power, the mechanically related 2015 Cadillac Escalade may be an especially strong candidate to receive a diesel option.

Photo by Mark Elias.

The smaller of Lexus’ two traditional three-row SUVs is proving a hot commodity with luxury shoppers.

Edmunds reports that shoppers interested in the refreshed-for-2014 GX 460 face just a nine day supply on dealer lots. That means that, theoretically, if Lexus stopped shipping GXs to dealers, they would run out of inventory in just nine days. Luxury SUVs typically face fairly large days’ supply given their high price tags and relatively limited markets.

The GX 460 was refreshed for 2014 and, buried among its styling upgrades was a $4,710 price reduction. That brought the total for the new GX 460 base price to a hair under $50,000 including destination. Among other equipment adjustments, Lexus replaced the base GX 460′s air suspension with a conventional coil setup for 2014, which helped lower the price tag. An air suspension remains available on higher-trim GXs, however.

That price reduction, combined with new styling, apparently made the GX 460 more desirable for buyers.

Lexus told Edmunds that it expects supply to be up to a 25-30 day level by April thanks in part to a production increase at its Tahara, Japan, assembly plant.

Unlike rivals, the GX 460 remains based on a more rugged body-on-frame platform that gives it above-average off road and towing capability.

A leaked image has revealed Lincoln’s 2015 Navigator SUV a little ahead of schedule. Ford will reportedly unveil the updated Navigator on Thursday at the Washington auto show.

We’ve heard rumblings of a new Navigator for months, with a Twitter leak confirming that a new version of Lincoln’s flagship SUV is nearly here. The covert shot was snapped at the Washington auto show, which is scheduled to kick off on January 23.

The 2015 Navigator isn’t expected to be an all-new model, but rather an update of the current truck. However, the ’15 model will sport fresh styling that brings it in line with Lincoln’s current lineup, including a version of the automaker’s signature “winged” grille.

Other changes remain unknown at this time, but previous rumors have suggested that Lincoln could swap out the Navigators wheezy 5.4L V8 in favor of a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost motor. Despite lacking two-cylinders, the V6 would generate 365 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, trumping the SUV’s current 310 horspower and 365 lb-ft of torque ratings.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for full details.

Photo courtesy of Twitter user CliffordAtiyeh.

The Honda Fit‘s poor showing in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s latest round of crash testing has prompted Consumer Reports to boot the sub-compact from its coveted “recommended” list.

Shortly after the IIHS revealed that the Fit was a bottom performer in its new small overlap crash test, Consumer Reports took to the Web to announce that the Fit had officially lost the magazine’s recommended status. The IIHS said the Fit’s crash test results were among the worst because the car’s “intruding structure seriously compromised the driver’s space, and the steering column was pushed back toward the driver.”

Although the Chevrolet Spark was the only minicar to pass the IIHS’ small overlap test, those results were not enough to vault the car to CR‘s recommended list. CR notes that the Spark scored just 36 out of 100 points in its testing, which is “far too low for us to recommend it regardless of its crash protection.”

The Fit might not be absent from CR‘s recommended list for very long, however. Honda’s 2015 Fit will launch this spring, with that all-new model expected to ace the IIHS’ crash tests.

Jeep is expanding its Altitude model lineup for 2014. Already available for the Compass and Patriot, Jeep announced on Wednesday that it is rolling out the special trim package to its Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler models for 2014.

Similar to Dodge’s Blacktop package, the Altitude package adds a number of exterior gloss black accents, including on the grille surround, lower front fascia, badging, roof rails and wheels. In the case of the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, the Altitude package also includes interior features like black leather seats and black painted vent rings.

“The unique ‘blacked-out’ theme of the Jeep Altitude models resonated so well with consumers two years ago that it makes perfect sense to bring them back now, particularly since we have new versions of the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “What began as a production-intent concept and naming contest generated significant buzz and evolved into a lineup of special-edition Jeep vehicles that appeal to many consumers – especially those wanting a very distinct, aggressive and edgy look.”

Based on the Latitude model, 2014 Jeep Cherokee Altitude can be had in either two- or four-wheel drive. Altitude buyers can also choose between the Cherokee’s standard 2.4L four-cylinder or optional 3.2L V6.

Exterior color options include Brilliant Black Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat and Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat. Prices for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Altitude will start from $24,995.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude is based on the Laredo model and can be had as either a 4×2 or 4×4. The Grand Cherokee Altitude is available exclusively with Jeep’s 3.6L V6.

Available paint choices include Billet Silver, Bright White, Brilliant Black Metallic Coat, Deep Cherry, Granite Crystal and Maximum Steel. Prices for the Grand Cherokee Altitude will list from $35,290.

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Altitude is based on the Sarah model and can be ordered as either two-door or four-door model. Available in available in Amp’d, Black, Granite Crystal and Hydro Blue, the Wrangler Altitude’s standard 3.6L V6 can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Altitude will carry a starting MSRP of $31,595.

All prices exclude a mandatory $995 destination charge.