GM's ready to introduce a number of compact economy-cars in its lineup but says that customers are still going to have to indicate whether or not they’re serious about downsizing powerplant expectations. According to Thomas G. Stephens, GM’s executive vice president of global powertrain, customers have to send a signal to GM that they’re ready to accept small engines.

He said that GM is pretty excited about its engine options as an answer for better fuel-economy. However, making a huge move to smaller-engines means it will lose capability to produce larger engines with more horsepower for the long-term.


Stephen says that their is a possibility of a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine for vehicles in GM’s lineup like the Cadillac CTS. “From a technical point of view, we could do it today,” said Stephen.

He said the GM Powertrain already has a number of small and aggressive engines. The 4-cylinder turbocharged Ecotec replaces a large V6 in terms of performance and a direct-injected V6 delivers performance that of a V8.

“We’re ready. When customers want it - we’ll do it.”


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I think as long as it delivers adequate power to move a vehicle this size at speeds and smoothness acceptable at their price, then I think this could be a good thing. Thanks to the ridiculously stupid upcoming CAFE regulations, any kind of extra efficiency can't come too soon.

Some four-cylinder turbos can haul a**.

If you want proof, drive a Subaru WRX/STi, Mitsubishi Evo, Chevy Cobalt SS, VW-Audi 2.0T, or Acura RDX. You won't be disappointed.

No doubt it will have adequate power if released, but I'm wondering what aftermarket potential the engine will have.

The addition of 4-cylinder engines can also make Cadillac a more attractive brand to younger consumers, which seem to find 4-cylinders "sporty" these days, especially if this will be a turbocharged version. I personally think this can only work wonders for the brand, especially in this time of increasing gas prices.

If I were I customer I'd give my approval. I'd rock a 4 cylinder turboed CTS provided it has at least 250HP.

If I were I customer I'd give my approval. I'd rock a 4 cylinder turboed CTS provided it has at least 250HP.

With the 300 HP V6 I would think a more economical 230-240 HP 4 cylinder would be okay. Afterall, BMW has the 328, 528 ya know? But my guess is that this will be the 260 HP variant found in the Solstice. And does this mean that perhaps we will see this engine appear in the G8 as well? Probably a good move.

Audi's 1.8 T models may have some competition.. Caddy is sure percolating unlike cough* :p