V8 diesel engine for Cadillac CTS

GM is considering a 4.5L Duramax V-8 turbodiesel engine for the Cadillac CTS. The dual overhead cam, four-valve diesel V-8 that has found use in SUVs and light-duty pickups will also fit in the same space as most small-block gasoline V-8.

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 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. The 4.5L Duramax engine features aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolding and a variable-vane turbocharger that capable of delivering more than 310 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque.

But will a diesel Cadillac sell in the traditionally gas-only U.S.? GM is hoping that the new diesels from premium manufacturers like Audi and Mercedes will spark (pun intended) a new love for upper market oil burners in the U.S.

Hopefully the public won’t remember GM’s last try at diesel cars. The now-defunct Oldsmobile sold a diesel engine in the late 70s and 80s. Its design came from a gasoline version, and the engine quickly developed a reputation for failing under the diesel’s extra pressure. The Duramax is a proper diesel engine, and a good one too. But if GM goes for diesel cars again, its banking on the public not remembering their father’s Oldsmobile.