Talk about interesting news! Cadillac sources are muttering that GM is looking into putting it’s ultra-modern 4.5-liter V8 Duramax diesel in the new CTS. That’s right folks, a turbo-diesel Cadillac. Engineers are quick to point out that this engine was indeed designed for multiple applications, including passenger cars. It is compact enough to fit in the same space as any GM small block, and would only need the CTS-V’s taller hood to fit right into the CTS engine bay.

Though it first sounds a bit of a mismatch, the idea is rather brilliant actually. The Duramax is a thoroughly modern turbo-diesel engine and could provide the kind of performance and economy that people are looking for right now. And why not? The European luxury giants have been producing several great diesel cars in the past few years, and they are now starting to trickle them down to us. Cadillac knows if it wants to compete with the big boys in the future, it’s gonna need a decent diesel motor.

The Duramax sure wouldn’t be lacking in the performance department. Capable of delivering over 310hp and a monstrous 520ft-lbs of torque, this would be no slow poke. In fact, the car would slot perfectly between the 3.6-liter V6 CTS and the high-performance 556hp CTS-V.

Imagine a luxury car with the same performance as a small block V8, but with 20-25% better fuel economy. Sounds like a good bet to me, and I’m sure hoping they do bring it over. A car like that could really change American’s perspective on what a diesel luxury car could be like. Hopefully Cadillac can have enough foresight to build it, and at a competitive price.

-Source: Motor Trend