Cadillac CTS May Get V-8 Diesel Option

[Rich]

http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...cts/index.html

Whispers out of GM suggest the company is actively considering fitting its smooth, innovative new 4.5L Duramax V-8 turbodiesel into the engine bay of the Cadillac CTS. Fitting the engine is relatively straightforward, say sources, as long as Cadillac uses the raised hood from the CTS-v.

While it was initially expected the engine would serve in SUVs and light-duty pickups, GM engineers have long pointed out that the dual overhead cam, four-valve diesel V-8 will fit in the same space as a small-block gasoline V-8. They say the Duramax has been specifically designed for "a wide variety of vehicle applications." That obviously includes passenger cars.

GM says the 4.5L Duramax, which features aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolding and a variable-vane turbocharger mounted in the vee, is capable of delivering more than 310 hp and in excess of 520 lb-ft of torque. It also claims the engine meets the tough 2010 emissions standards, making it legal in all 50 states.

Why do it? While the CTS is due to get a 2.9L V-6 diesel in Europe, the 4.5L diesel V-8 would most likely be seen as a way of filling the obvious gap between the 304-hp direct-injection V-6 of the regular CTS and the 556-hp supercharged V-8 of the CTS-v here in the U.S. -- especially now that the Ultra V-8 engine program (which was to have provided a replacement for the aging Northstar) has been canned. In the CTS, the Duramax V-8 could easily deliver comparable performance to the Ultra, with 20-25%-better mileage.

A diesel CTS for the U.S. would be a risk, but the downside for GM is in fact minimal. The engine already exists, as does the transmission capable of handling the torque, so there's little incremental investment required and therefore fewer sales needed to make the business case. The Duramax play also makes sense in light of the proposed CAFE regulations mandating 35 mpg average by 2020.

American consumers are rightly wary of diesels, but moves by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi to bring 50-state-legal diesel cars to the U.S. will help transform the oil-burner's image here over the next few years. And it certainly won't hurt Cadillac's image to be seen offering the same sort of technology as Europe's blue-chip luxury brands.

seems like it wouldnt be a bad idea. i dont think diesels have won americans over yet but im sure it would do well in europe.

[cardude007617]

id totally rock a diesel powered car right now. look at diesel golfs/jettas, dont they get close to 50mpg? and im sure all that torque wont make the car any slouch

[SikMindz]

A diesel car that doesn't make you a feg?

Noice.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by SikMindz

A diesel car that doesn't make you a feg?

Noice.

GET OVER HERE!

Pwn.


/back on topic

[cardude007617]

the only problem i see though, will the idea of a premium car, especially a CADILLAC appeal to anyone?

my vote is a diesel malibu-type car. or, start selling the SUVs with the diesels like they did back in the 90s

[SikMindz]

Originally Posted by Jake

GET OVER HERE!

Pwn.


/back on topic

Nice.

+1 Jake.

[cardude007617]

i know, would you trade your BMW for a diesel version?

[SikMindz]

Originally Posted by cardude007617

i know, would you trade your BMW for a diesel version?

**** no.

I kill dinosaurs with glee.

[cardude007617]

didnt think so. diesel isnt "cool." diesel might be the wiser choice but i cant see buyers of a CTS wanting a diesel car for some reason...

[Rich]

Originally Posted by cardude007617

the only problem i see though, will the idea of a premium car, especially a CADILLAC appeal to anyone?

my vote is a diesel malibu-type car. or, start selling the SUVs with the diesels like they did back in the 90s

it depends. people need to see that it isnt the diesel of old and that it has quite a few pros.

[cardude007617]

hypothetically speaking- would you trade your grand am for a diesel powered grand am?

[SikMindz]

Rich- you need to change your av info to say "Reptiloderator"

[Rich]

Originally Posted by cardude007617

hypothetically speaking- would you trade your grand am for a diesel powered grand am?

it depends on how the numbers work out. if i could get high MPG and high diesel prices dont offset it too much i would. the torque alone would put a smile on anyones face.

[K WeRd]

Originally Posted by Jake

GET OVER HERE!

Pwn.


/back on topic

ACTUALLY! sub-zero doesnt say that. scorpion does.

'twas my favorite SNES game.

[cardude007617]

lets say the powerplant was a "run of the mill" 4 cylinder turbo diesel. and keeping current prices of fuel in mind, would you?
i sure as hell would trade mine for one.

[SikMindz]

Originally Posted by K WeRd

ACTUALLY! sub-zero doesnt say that. scorpion does.

'twas my favorite SNES game.

You dear newb need to hang out with cardude and you could be Sidekick Self-Explanatory.

I'm pretty sure both Jake and I understood he was referencing Scorpion.

[SikMindz]

Originally Posted by cardude007617

lets say the powerplant was a "run of the mill" 4 cylinder turbo diesel. and keeping current prices of fuel in mind, would you?
i sure as hell would trade mine for one.

Since when was diesel any cheaper than gas?

Sure as hell ain't around here.

[cardude007617]

right it hasnt been for a LONG time (has it even been?) but the mileage you get out of it would most likely more than make up for it, touche?

iguess im too young to remember much of snes

[K WeRd]

Originally Posted by SikMindz

You dear newb need to hang out with cardude and you could be Sidekick Self-Explanatory.

I'm pretty sure both Jake and I understood he was referencing Scorpion.

.

...im just jealous...

[Jake]

Originally Posted by K WeRd

ACTUALLY! sub-zero doesnt say that. scorpion does.

'twas my favorite SNES game.

uh. DUH.

Said it because he has sub zero. Thus me acting like scorpion.

Because scorpion r teh ownage.