The Cadillac Cimarron is widely regarded as one of the worst mistakes in automotive history, but General Motors’ luxury brand is hoping to side step any comparisons as it develops a new four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive sedan for launch in 2010, a new report finds.
The new sedan is set to hit the U.S. market in 2010 as a 2011 model, but its final powertrain offerings remain up in the air. A four-cylinder will definitely be part of the mix, but there is still an internal debate within Cadillac if the new small sedan should be available with a six-cylinder engine.
“There is a big debate as to whether it is four only. I think that is a bridge too far,” Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor told Automotive News. “There is a piece of the team who is thinking, ‘Well, with this whole fuel economy and gas thing, we ought to go all the way, say, to fours.’ We are resisting that at this stage.”
Some within Cadillac argue that the typical Cadillac buyer isn’t willing to sacrifice power, even if gas prices are near record highs. Taylor even added that he doesn’t think “Americans are going to become un-American that fast.” However, newly passed CAFE regulations take effect in 2011, so Cadillac has to keep a close eye on fuel economy.
And with a new focus on turbocharging within the industry, it’s completely possible to get six-cylinder power out of a four pot engine. For example, GM’s 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder makes 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which would provide more than adequate performance in a small sedan.
Whatever powertrain offerings Cadillac decides to go with, the new sedan will slot below the CTS and will likely draw second looks from BMW 1-series shoppers. GM hasn’t decided on a name for the new sedan yet, but the European BLS nameplate appears to be the front runner.
