Cadillac SLS to Get 2.0l Engine

The Chinese version of the Cadillac STS, the longer variant, is rumored to receive a 2.0l direct-injected Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as a result of GM's downsizing strategy. Although not yet confirmed, the addition of the 2.0l engine is a natural choice, as it would fill in the gap between the existing engines.

The new unit will help the SLS achieve even more torque than the 3.0l direct-injected V6 and about as much power as the even bigger 3.6l unit. Fitted on the Opel Insignia, the new engine outputs 220 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque.

According to thetycho.com, the price for the Cadillac SLS equipped with this engine will be set at around 400.000 yuan ($59,000).

The SLS was unveiled by GM in 2006 as a means for the carmaker to tap into the chauffeur-driven local luxury car market. At that time, three engines were available, namely the 2.8L V6, a 3.6L V6 and the top-level Northstar 4.6L V8.

Based on the STS sport sedan, the SLS has been lengthened by 100mm to add rear seat legroom for the Chinese market.

The addition of the new engine comes in a time when, for the first time in history, GM's sales in China surpassed those in its home market. GM sold 1.21 million units in China in the first six months of 2010, while in the US it only reached the 1.08 million mark.

This means an increase of 48.5 percent compared to the same period of last year. At the beginning of June, GM announced it sold it's 1 millionth vehicle in the Asian country.