Cadillac is enjoying resurgence thanks to a raft of good-looking new models that also promise to be much more competitive than their predecessors. Still, it is missing something that its European competitors in the luxury segment such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz already have: diesel engines.
But that may change soon as during an interview at the LA Auto Show, Don Butler, Cadillac’s marketing vice president, said that GM’s luxury division is considering adding diesels to its engine range.
“We absolutely mean it when we say we aim to compete with the best of the best without compromises”, said Butler. “If that means making the right powertrain choices, then those are the choices we will have to make”, he added.
Butler pointed out that for now, Cadillac is considering offering diesel engines for models sold outside North America, but quickly added “it could be a potential hedge in the U.S. because of diesel’s great torque and great performance with great efficiency.”
This won’t be the first time that Cadillac has attempted to offer diesel-powered models. In the late 1970s, the wreath and crest brand introduced an optional diesel V8 as a response to Mercedes-Benz.
But while the diesel V8 helped GM comply with the 1978 CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) rules that were enforced after the fuel crisis, the numerous and constant reliability problems destroyed its image and created
Hopefully, GM has learned its lesson and won’t repeat the mistakes of the past. After all, its European Opel and Vauxhall division – even though it’s bleeding money– has a lot of experience to share on the issue.
Story References: Autonews
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