GM to put V-12 engine in future Cadillac

DETROIT, Oct 4 Reuters reported that General Motors Corp. said it will dip into its past and build a V-12 engine, capable of more than 500 horsepower, for use in future Cadillacs, part of the strategy for restoring luster to the struggling luxury vehicle division.

"Cadillac had its last V-12 engine in 1937. It's only right to come back," Ned McClurg, vice president of GM's powertrain engineering, told reporters at a press conference.

GM declined to say when it would offer the 7.5 liter V-12 or in what Cadillac vehicle it would appear.

Earlier this year, Cadillac showed a 750-horsepower V-12 engine in a concept vehicle, a two-seat, mid-engine sports car called the Cien in honor of Cadillac's 100th anniversary.

Cadillac officials said then that a V-12 engine could be part of the division's future. DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes division also offers a V-12 engine in its S-Class sedan.

Automotive industry magazines have reported that Cadillac will unveil a large luxury sedan concept car at the Detroit auto show in January, which could be an indication that the engine will appear in the next-generation Cadillac DeVille.

Contrary to the trend among luxury automakers, Cadillac General Manager Mark LaNeve said in August that Cadillac will seek to bolster its image by moving upmarket with a vehicle in the $100,000 price segment in the future.