We already knew that the upcoming Cadillac ATS sedan would utilize a turbocharged four-cylinder as a base motor, but recent reports suggest that the engine will be all-new – and shared with the new Chevrolet Malibu.
GM Insider News claims that the new turbo engine will displace 2.0-liters and bear no relation to the motor used in the Buick Regal GS, despite similarities in size and conifiguration. Output should match or better the 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft figures put up by the Regal RS. Few other details were stated, but we expect the mill will employ direct fuel-injection, variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger.
Some might be surprised that Cadillac’s 3-Series competitor would share an engine with its humbler bowtie cousin, but such a move would be far from unprecedented: GM’s 3.6-liter V6 is currently used in a variety of Cadillac and Chevrolet models.
The new engine would be natural fit for the new Malibu, which is currently only slated to feature a pair of naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines (though one will have electric assistance) and will eschew six-cylinder power.
It isn’t immediately apparent why GM would develop an all-new engine that is so similar in design and output to the engine used by the Regal GS, but we’re sure the company has its reasons, likely related to fuel-efficiency gains or the potential for increased power in the future.
References
1.’GM readies new…’ view
