Geneva Motor Show: Cadillac unveils new 2.9L V6 diesel for CTS

click above image to view high-res angles of GM's new 2.9L turbodiesel V6

General Motors has used the occasion of the 2007 Geneva Motor Show to announce a new powertrain for the European market. The 2.9L V6 turbocharged diesel engine will make its production debut in 2009 beneath the bonnet of the Cadillac CTS where it will produce 250 horsepower and a stout 406 ft-lbs. of torque, though GM hasn't released any fuel economy figures for the sedan just yet. The 2.9L diesel will be very versatile, able to be mounted in a longitudinal or tranverse layout in rear-wheel, front-wheel or all-wheel drive platforms. The motor features some high tech hardware to meet future emissions standards including advanced engine management software, piezo injectors, a variable geometry turbo and exhaust-gas aftertreatment technology to cut down on the nitrous oxide emissions.

GM says the new turbodiesel will be sold "mainly" in Europe, which we suppose leaves the door open for seeing this engine in the States one day, though likely not in the near future.

[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE:

Cadillac to Debut GM's Powerful New V-6 Clean Diesel

  • GM's first production application of innovative, closed-loop combustion technology
  • Cadillac CTS adds engine to its portfolio in 2009
  • Low emissions, high performance and excellent fuel economy
  • 184 kW/250 hp, 550 Nm (406 lb.-ft.) torque, 2.9-liter displacement
  • Compact design enables transverse and longitudinal installation

GENEVAGeneral Motors Corp. unveiled a new 2.9-liter V-6 turbo-diesel engine that features state-of-the-art injection and combustion technology for low emissions and high performance.

The new engine (184 kW/250 hp) will be sold mainly in Europe and makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18). Its first production application is scheduled for 2009 in the new Cadillac CTS.

"We expect the V-6 diesel to be highly competitive in the European luxury segment," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "With its excellent low-end torque and its high power output, it is a great fit with Cadillac's performance-oriented brand character."

The compact dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine belongs to a new GM family of diesel engines, featuring an innovative closed-loop combustion control system designed to meet future emissions standards. The engine can be installed in a longitudinal or transverse layout and can be adapted to a wide range of two- or four-wheel-drive vehicles.

GM's development of the new engine is being coordinated under the leadership of GM Powertrain's European operations in Turin, Italy, in cooperation with VM Motori based in Cento, Italy . GM Powertrain will focus on the development of the clean combustion process, electronic engine control and exhaust-gas aftertreatment, as well as calibration and integration into GM vehicles. VM Motori will build the new unit at its plant in Cento, Italy, and is responsible for the mechanical aspects of the engine's design, development and bench testing.

"The V-6 diesel integrates leading technologies and will deliver outstanding performance, fuel economy and low emissions," said Roger Johansson, GM Powertrain Europe vice president.

The V-6 engine management system enables optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise by using a recently developed combustion control technology. Key enablers of the system are high-speed, piezo-resistive cylinder pressure sensors that are integrated within the engine glow plugs. These specialized sensors acquire real-time data from the combustion process, enabling instantaneous fine-tuning of the fuel injection process. In the future, this clean combustion control technology will be introduced in other GM Powertrain diesel engines.

The high-pressure, common-rail system provides up to 2000 bar (29,000 psi) injection pressure. The injectors are quick-firing, piezo-electrically actuated, allowing up to eight injections per engine cycle. The aftertreatment system includes an oxidation catalyst and a particulate filter that are close-coupled to the engine to achieve future emissions standards.

An electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger generates boost pressure. The engine has a torque of 550 Nm (406 lb.-ft.) beginning at 2000 rpm, while providing effective fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The new, compact V-6 powerhouse features aluminum cylinder heads and a 60-degree bank angle, 83.0 mm bore and 90.4 mm stroke, which results in displacement of 2935 cubic centimeters. The engine block is made of stronger and lighter Compacted Graphite Iron (compared to lower-strength aluminum or heavier grey cast iron) to optimize engine packaging, weight, refinement and performance.

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