With word braking out that the 2012 BMW 550d may see a triple turbocharged diesel mill good for 318 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, enthusiasts could see one of the best combinations of power, performance and fuel economy to date. And being that this is a GM enthusiast site (the best GM enthusiast site,) it calls to question if Cadillac will enter the fray in the same territory. As it turns out, that could very well be the case.
“We absolutely mean it when we say we aim to compete with the best of the best without compromises. And if that means making the right powertrain choices, then those are the choices we will have to make,” stated Cadillac marketing VP Don Butler to Automotive News regarding the possibilities of an oil burner offering in the fleet of the Wreath and Crest.
As of this moment, we can’t think of any diesel engines in GM’s arsenal aside from its 2.0-liter application in the Chevrolet Cruze outside of the U.S. which produces 266 pound-feet of torque and 161 horsepower. It would be a plausible application for the upcoming Cadillac ATS, but The General would need to aim higher if it plans to adorn larger Caddys with oil burners, if you ask us.
Source: Automotive News
Comments
Duramax Escalade?
I say revive the 2.9 V-6 and 4.5 V-8 diesels that GM shelved during the bankruptcy. If I recall, the V-6 put out 256 HP and, ahem, 407 ft lbs of torque. That should propel an ATS quite nicely (as well as half of GM’s current truck and car line up). The V-8, of course, would be perfect for Escalade and XTS. Those motors are wrapped up with a bow, they are ready to roll. Do it GM!
I’m laughing, folks. ONLY BMW can put 2 turbochargers on a 3.0L turbo-diesel and all it produces is 306hp. Now they drop another turbo on it and get 12 more hp?!? I can’t see how GM would be worried by this. BMWs aren’t known for their stellar engine output no matter what their hype-machine tries to say. Their gasoline-fed twin-turbo 3.0L 24valve I6 only puts out 300hp. A figure that any 2.0L turbo I4 can achieve. GM can easily trump that, remember that GM still owns 50% of VM-Motori and they also do have those diesel V6s that Isuzu designed. The VM 3.0L (as used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee) puts out 247hp and 406lb-ft with one turbo. Bumping engine size to perhaps 3.2, improving things like intake, intercooling, and boost pressure can get it to 300hp with ease. Adding a second turbo? WATCH OUT KENWORTH!!