General Motors is recalling a small number of 2012 Cadillac CTS models for concerns over the vehicle’s braking system. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the affected cars could have a power vacuum brake boost pushrod retention nut that may not have been torqued to the proper specification. This could cause the pushrod to separate from the brake pedal, which may result in a loss of braking ability. Yikes.

The recall, however, only affects 624 CTS models, all of which were manufactured between October 21 and October 26 of this year. Cadillac dealers will inspect the pushrod retention nut, and if necessary, re-torque it to the proper spec. Of course, this service will come at no cost to owners. Follow the jump for the official NHTSA report.

We first saw the Cadillac XTS Platinum concept (pictured) at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, but it appears that the production car will finally bow in Los Angeles next month. The XTS will be Cadillac’s new flagship sedan, replacing both the STS and DTS when it arrives.

The big highlight of the XTS will be Cadillac’s new CUE infotainment system, which will later be available in the ATS sedan and SRX crossover. Mum’s the word on what sort of powertrain will be lurking under the hood of the new flagship, but recent reports have suggested that we could see a turbocharged version of General Motors’ new 2.5-liter inline-four, producing around 300 horsepower. For reference, the XTS Platinum concept debuted with a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a plug-in hybrid system, delivering 350 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The XTS will go into production in the spring of 2012. We’ll have the full suite of details live from Los Angeles next month.

Recent spy photos show us that the all-new Cadillac XTS is already well on its way. But while the XTS will be the biggest Cadillac sedan in years, it won’t be the top dog in the Wreath and Crest lineup for long.

GM Inside News reports that sources familiar with General Motors’ product plans claim that a rear-drive flagship Cadillac has been approved for production. The green-lighted rear-wheel-drive platform has reportedly been given the internal name “Omega,” playing off of the “Alpha” designation for the smaller rear-drive platform set to underpin the ATS and the next-gen CTS. The top-dog Caddy, which we’ve heard about plenty of times over the years, will reportedly receive plenty of Zeta bits, while at the same time using plenty of lightweight materials like aluminum. GMI also speculates that the fifth generation small-block V8 could find its way underhood, though we think powertrain speculation is a bit premature at this time.

The next generation Caddy flagship will reportedly see the light of day between 2015 and 2017, and GMI claims that the model may replace the forthcoming (front-drive based) all-wheel drive XTS. GMI says that its sources claim that current management isn’t all that thrilled with how the XTS is shaping up, though we should point out that we haven’t heard anything along those lines.

Those in the market for a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon might not worry about insurance costs, but that doesn’t mean other folks shopping in the General Motors catalog of vehicles aren’t concerned about their premiums. GM has decided to lend a helping hand on that front, by offering one free year (or 15,000 miles) of car insurance through MetLife.

GM’s brass has decided to test out the program with car shoppers located in Oregon and Washington. Anyone who buys a 2010, 2011 or 2012 General Motors vehicle in either of those states is eligible to participate in the program, with the exception of of those folks adding vehicles to their commercial fleets. The program includes all vehicles in the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC lineups.

Sound like a sweet deal? It should certainly save new car shoppers a bundle of cash over the course of that first year of ownership. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of those two states, you have until September 6 to pick up a new insurance-paid ride. Click past the jump for the full press release with more information.

General Motors has unveiled the new look for the company’s Cadillac dealerships. The luxury arm’s designers partnered up with Gensler architects to create a new showroom design. Extensive use of high-quality materials like English oak, matte porcelain tile, limestone tile, brushed stainless steel accents and plenty of high-quality lighting are all part of the mix.

According to GM, over 200 Cadillac dealerships have committed to the upgrades. In addition to the new materials, each showroom will boast custom art and designer furniture, including an array of photography designed to highlight the company’s design philosophy and Knoll Barcelona lounge chairs. Expect to find a fully-functional coffee bar on your next visit to a Caddy dealer, too.

Dealer staff are also getting a bit of a revamp in the form of customer service training from the Ritz-Carlton hotel gurus. So far, Suburban Cadillac of Ann Arbor is the first dealer to finish up the revamp, though more should complete their renovations soon. Hit the jump for a look at the full press release.