Cadillac CEO Johan de Nysschen has admitted the company needs diesel engines if it wants to succeed in global markets, especially in Europe.
“Cadillac wants to be more global and less U.S.-centric, and for many markets, diesel is simply a prerequisite. We will introduce an all-new diesel engine developed specifically for Cadillac by around 2019,” de Nysschen said in an interview with Car&Driver. Cadillac’s global plan includes both four- and six-cylinder diesel engines, which will also be offered in the United States.
Another reason for the adoption of diesel engines is their efficiency. “Diesel is the fastest, most cost-effective way to reduce CO2 and emissions. I think it has to be part of our portfolio approach to meeting compliance,” the executive explained.
Cadillac’s future plans also include a sports car, but we won’t see it earlier than a decade from now. “If you do a high-performance car like the 911, R8, or AMG GT too soon, then you run the risk of being too far removed from where the epicenter of the brand is, so it struggles to have relevance for people,” de Nysschen said.
However, a Cadillac sports car would make sense in the long term – that is “beyond 2020”. The executive also talked of the possibility of Cadillac building a V-badged SUV to rival BMW’s X5 M.
“I expect the V range to grow up to five or six models, and I expect, conceivably, that one of them could be a crossover, as well. Wouldn’t it be nice to go and hand out a spanking to a Cayenne Turbo? To be candid, don’t imagine a V of every car — a V Escalade, likely not. You always have to be credible to what V stands for,” de Nysschen said.
Note: 2009 Cadillac XLR pictured
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