V6s and diesel engines to replace Cadillac’s V8

V6s and diesel engines to replace Cadillac's V8

As reported last week, GM canceled plans to build a new advanced double overhead-cam V8 engine for its luxury cars due to the new fuel-economy standards set by the CAFE 35. That new V8 engine was expected to replace Cadillac”s Northstar V8 which will end production in 2010. Well now, the future of V8 Cadillac models has become very unclear.

According to Automotive News, Cadillac’s trademark V8 engines, which have been a part of their big sedans since the 1930s, will be replaced by high-tech V6 units and possibly some diesel engines. General Manager Jim Taylor told Automotive News that GM is considering a 2.9 liter turbocharged V6 diesel for its mainstream U.S. sedans.

“On Dec. 19, the world changed,” Taylor said about the day that President Bush signed a law calling for a 40 percent fuel-economy improvement by 2020.

Taylor pointed out that in the future, Cadillac’s mainstream sedans probably won’t be offered in V8 engines. Instead, the range topper will become a 3.6 liter direct-injected V6 engine. That engine is currently available in the new CTS and provides 304 horsepower and the ability to do 0-60 in 6.5 seconds.

By 2010, V8 options may only be available in Cadillac’s Escalade SUV and cars likes the CTS-V and XLR roadster.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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