Four-cylinder engines to proliferate throughout Cadillac lineup

Traditionally, Cadillac buyers have been a V8-loving bunch. Over the past decade, the V6 came into vogue, but the four-cylinder has never really entered the discussion – until now. Car and Driver reports that Cadillac will offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the ATS and XTS. C/D opined that the engine of choice could be the 2.0-liter turbo that currently resides under the hood of the Buick Regal.

Based on current and (known) future applications of the 2.0-liter turbo, expect output to be somewhere between 220 and 260 horsepower, though we'd likely bet that even higher output could be in store. We wouldn't be surprised if the full-sized XTS featured a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that will soon find itself under the hood of the 2013 Malibu. That way, General Motors could still offer 300-plus horsepower from a powertrain that is likely more efficient than the automaker's similarly powerful V6 offerings. Cadillac can also help nudge power northward and further improve fuel efficiency with hybrid and plug-in powertrains.

While smaller powertrains are inevitable in the world of high gas-prices and increased fuel economy standards, getting Cadillac fans to buy into a four-pot mill could still be a challenge. But if gas prices continue to charge northward, we're guessing some consumers will actually accept the diminutive power sources with open arms. If that happens, we can expect Cadillac to offer the next generation SRX and CTS with a four-cylinder option, as well.