An encouraging development at Cadillac, but a great engine is the price of entry in small luxury cars.
When Cadillac unveils the 2013 Cadillac ATS at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in January, a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be under the hood. As the lead application of a substantially revised global four cylinder engine line, General Motors is leading with its best foot, or rather best output forward. The engine will produce an estimated 270 horsepower (201 kW) or an excellent 135 horsepower per liter.
This means the Cadillac version of GM’s new powerplant will be one of highest specific output automotive engines, bar none, and more than 20% higher than the next closest competitor, the Mercedes-Benz C250 1.8-liter turbo at 111.6 hp/L. The turbo four will be joined in the ATS with a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-Liter V6 engine when production begins next summer. Frankly, it’s the price of entry in a segment where Cadillac has failed several times with inferior offerings.
After years of ‘world class awful’ GM four-cylinder engines, the latest GM engine is competitive in design as a direct-injection twin-camshaft, four-valve-per-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing; twin-scroll turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler; forged-steel crankshaft with a modular balance shaft system; and a two-stage variable-displacement oil pump with jet-spray piston cooling. Overall engine friction is said to be reduced by up to 16%.
In a literal twist to accommodate many different future GM applications and architectures, the 2.0-liter is turned around so that the exhaust system and turbocharger is on the driver’s side in the rear-drive Caddy application.
“The 2.0T is one of the most advanced and efficient engines of its kind, and contributes to the ATS’s exceptional balance of performance and great fuel efficiency,” said Mike Anderson, chief engineer for the 2.0T engine.
The 2.0T has a wide torque curve, delivering 90%of its peak 260 lb-ft. of torque (353 Nm) from 1,500 rpm to 5,800 rpm. The turbocharger generates up to 20 pounds of boost and its twin-scroll design helps optimize power availability. It is claimed turbo lag is eliminated.
