Click on the image for two high-res images of GM's new 2.9-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine.

General Motors has debuted a new 2.9-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine, destined to find its way into the 2009 Cadillac CTS. Indicating that it will be "sold mainly in Europe", GM have signalled their intentions to go after Europe's finest in the hotly contested executive saloon market with the powerful new engine.

Delivering 184 kW / 250 hp of power and a monstrous 550 Nm / 406 ft-lbs of torque (compare this to the 155 kW and 526 Nm of the new Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec), the oil burner is built to match Cadillac's performance-oriented brand character. But Cadillac is likely to be far from the only brand in GM's stable which will eventually get to take advantage of this new engine; it can be installed in a longitudinal or transverse layout and can be adapted to a wide range of two- or four-wheel-drive vehicles so expect it to pop up all over.

Other high tech features include a closed-loop combustion control system which has been designed to give the engine longevity by allowing it to meet future emissions standards; state-of-the-art injection and combustion technology for low emissions and high performance; a variable geometry turbo; and an advanced engine management system for optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise.

Analysis: GM's getting serious about the European market where you have to be packing an advanced clean diesel under the hood to be taken seriously when petrol prices are so high. It looks like a lot of work has gone into making this a really flexible engine through the emissions controls employed and its ability to be installed in a longitudinal or transverse layout. No word yet on whether it meets the latest Californian emissions standards or what the fuel economy can expect to be. I'll be looking forward to the details.



Full press release after the jump.

Related:

• Los Angeles Times: E320 Bluetec is best car Californians can't buy
• Geneva Motor Show: VW's new diesel line-up detailed
• Geneva Motor Show: Lotus unveils EVE Hybrid technology demonstrator

[Source: GM]

A Jaguar XJ, fitted with a twin-turbo V6 diesel engine, drove a total of 1000.2 miles before running the 22.45 gal tank dry. The car recorded an average fuel economy of 44.38 mpg, a number that would put many a gasoline powered sub-compact to shame. Even a few hybrids would be hard pressed to achieve this kind of gas mileage during highway driving. The combination of the advanced diesel engine with the lightweight aluminum body of the XJ made the journey possible. The driver effectively drove the length of the UK, after which he headed back to Jaguars HQ in Birmingham. I wonder if it would run just as well on biodiesel.

[Source: Motoring.Co.Za]