The long-rumored smaller Cadillac now looks set to debut in 2010 and may be offered exclusively with four cylinder engines. The new sedan would be slotted under the existing CTS and be built on a new rear drive platform. The last time that Cadillac offered a four cylinder car in the U.S. market was in the early 1980s with the Cavalier based Cimarron. More recently, the Saab 9-3 based BLS has been on sale in Europe. Neither of those cars has been a commercial success, but neither was a particularly appealing car in its segment either.

The new car would be developed specifically as a premium Cadillac model. Nonetheless, Cadillac general manager Jim Taylor is concerned that American consumers might not yet be ready to accept a Cadillac without at least the option of a V6. The new model would likely use the 2.0L direct injected turbo as used in the Pontiac Solstice GXP. At this point it appears that Cadillac will likely offer the 6-cylinder option, although if gas prices resume their upward spiral that could well change. If a V6 is part of the plan, it will probably be a rumored smaller displacement 3.0L version of the 3.6L currently offered in the CTS.

Popularity: 1% [?]

wo separate reports out of Australia say that Holden is looking to maximize the Commodore’s fuel efficiency in an effort to stoke sales. Both stories quote General Motor’s Asia-Pacific vice president, Nick Reilly, but the separate reports, while sharing a common theme, come to decidedly different conclusions about how the General plans to proceed.

The first story from the Sydney Morning Herald (thanks Patrick!) cites Reilly as saying that Holden is looking into hybrid technology to power the Commodore. “[It] could be one of the first hybrids that you will see,” but Reilly insists that a gasoline-electric Commodore is still a few years out.

The second report comes courtesy of Drive.com.au, who also spoke with Reilly and asked if a four-cylinder version of the Commodore was in the cards. “It makes a lot of sense,” Reilly said, “and therefore we’re probably looking at it, but I can’t tell you when.” While that’s far from a confirmation that a turbocharged four is on the way, it coincides with earlier reports that the new Camaro, which shares its platform with the Commodore, might benefit from the same 260 hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline.

Both stories are somewhat devoid of hard details, but despite that, it may be proof that General Motors’ operations Down Under are willing to look at a variety of solutions to address the Commodore’s slipping sales.

Popularity: 1% [?]