Cadillac may add 2.0L four cylinder turbo to CTS if drivers demand it
With everyone else working on downsized engines to deal with rising (in spite of the current respite) fuel costs, one brand who hasn't said anything is Cadillac. One model in the lineup that would be ripe for the treatment is the CTS. For all the praise the model has earned since its debut last year, one problem it has is mass, as in too much of it. GM has already indicated that they are open to the possibility of using the 2.0L direct injected turbo four cylinder from the Solstice GXP in the Camaro, and the CTS would be another prime candidate. The four cylinder has as much power and more torque than the base 3.6L V6 in the CTS. The four cylinder would be more efficient and probably weigh less than the V6 to boot. Whether this combination ever appears will depend on whether American consumers start to show a desire for smaller engines in premium cars. At the dedication of GM's new powertrain engineering center last week EVP Tom Stephens told AutoObserver that the company is watching the market and will respond with appropriate engines from its lineup.
[Source: AutoObserver, Image ©2008 John Neff]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jeremiah 5:05PM (7/31/2008)
Wow. 1970 tech to the rescue! Thanks SAAB for making such an efficient engine in 1982.
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Bah 6:38PM (8/01/2008)
How many of you are Cadillac buyers? The only opinions that matter are those of potential CTS shoppers. The general market may demand one thing, but Cadillac buyers can still have different tastes. After all, if you are buying a Caddy fuel economy likely isn't at the top of your list.
Rich 5:17PM (7/31/2008)
Hello, Hello - Any car manufacturers out there?
Well what do you think we want? More MPG from smaller engines would be a great start!
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Noz 9:14PM (7/31/2008)
I think a 2L turbo engine in this car would have made more sense in the first place...6 and 8 cylinder engines are useless these days. They offer little to no advantage on the road.
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Mark Kiernan 5:49AM (8/01/2008)
If drivers demand it? What the hey? We have been demanding electric cars since before 2000 and the industry sits on its hands, now they will offer a out-dated turbo if we demand it!!!
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Mike!!ekiM 8:06AM (8/01/2008)
Apparently, they only "real" data they look at is their sales spreadsheets:
- What you bought and what you traded in.
What they're seeing is many people "trade-down" from a Big SUV to a smaller SUV. Or, previously, from an SUV with a smaller engine to an SUV with a bigger engine.
If you Drop Out of the "buyer's club" waiting for an electric, they won't see you.
Just like the Stock Market, this is an Information Inefficiency. They lack complete information, yet, this is how they make their production decisions.
Which makes them look: DELUSIONAL
Bah 6:38PM (8/01/2008)
Interesting that you consider a direct injected turbo engine outdated. 260hp from a 2.0L engine is far from outdated, it is right in line with or outperforming competing engines from Audi/VW and Mazda.
Holden Miecranc 11:27AM (8/01/2008)
A smaller emgine that has to worker harder to produce the same results a larger engine does not get as good MPG as the larger engine.
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MikeW 2:00PM (8/01/2008)
'working hard' is exactly how it gets better mileage.
(large throttle opening/low speed)
Carburetors are gone for good.
Whopper 4:12PM (8/01/2008)
It is you who is delusional Mike. Mountains of data are compiled from surveys, focus groups, trade and enthusiast publications, shows etc. Of the 13 to15M vehicles expected to sell annualy I suspect a very small per centage were purchased by Autobloggreen bloggers and yet you expect your influence to have an impact. Everyone expected gasoline prices to rise but almost no one predicted the rapid rise we have experienced.
It takes 3+ years to develop a new car; the American public can change its desires overnight. And anyone who opines "just put engine A in vehicle B, what is so hard about that?" is obviously clueless about what it actually takes to design, tool and build something as complex as an automobile.
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Whopper 8:06AM (8/04/2008)
"All things being equal" an SI engine's peak efficiency is at its torque peak. Below that RPM the throttle is hurting volumetric efficiency and above that RPM mechanical and pumping losses are draining a larger part of the output energy.
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Nate 4:59AM (8/12/2008)
I think turbo CTS would be a no brainer. Its the only way to boost efficiency and power. I'd buy a 2.5 liter turbo 4 or a small V6 with a turbo on. My goals aren't to lofty. I want 32-34 MPG with 250-350 HP on tap. I'd prefer it in an AWD vehicle (30 MPG acceptable). I know GM can do it. I've driven VW turbos, Subaru turbos and know that the turbo is a fun car to drive. If GM gets it right it will put them on the map in my opinion.
But while we're on the subject of turbocharging. Why not drop a turbo diesel in there. If GM could get 38-40 MPG from the CTS with a 200-300 HP turbo diesel. I'd buy a new CTS yesterday and even be willing to pay a thousand or two more for it. If I'm going to buy a new car it better be just what I want else why bother.
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