New Engine Ups Output But Doesn't Harm Fuel Economy or Emissions
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| Cadillac CTS will no doubt perform better with its new 255-hp 3.6-L V6. (Photo: General Motors) |
Cadillac's CTS has been undergoing continual refining since its debut last year. First GM, under the direction of product czar Bob Lutz, improved its interior plastics quality to bring it closer to European premium products. Next on the line is a more powerful V6 engine.
Said to be 400 cc's larger than the current 3.2-L unit, the 2004 CTS's 3.6-L V6 will receive a boost in horsepower to 255 at 6,200 rpm from the current 220 at 6,000, while torque will also improve to 252 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm from 218 at 3,400. Not only will the engine make more power but peak torque will come on 200 rpm sooner, benefiting the automatic transmission equipped car's acceleration.
Of course the CTS will also continue to be available with a manual shifter, but these cars will soldier on with the less powerful 3.2-L mill, for the time being at least.
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| The CTS's nimble chassis is easily capable of far more power without any modification. (Photo: General Motors) |
GM began production of the new engine, the first of the General's new global family of performance V6s, last Thursday at its St. Catharines, Ontario, engine plant.
What causes the big jump in performance? Other than the 400 cc's of added displacement, the 3.6-L V6 incorporates variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves, said to improve fuel economy and lower emissions while enhancing peak torque over a larger rev range. The result is, despite the added horsepower and torque, an equal fuel economy rating to the smaller 3.2-L unit.
The 2004 car equipped with the upgraded engine will arrive in showrooms in Q3 of this year, according to GM, while pricing has not been finalized.
Where else will the new engine surface? Expect to see it show up in the new Cadillac SRX sport-utility as well as 2005 versions of the Buick Rendezvous Ultra.