Is the Northstar going to be updated soon?

[rearden82]

Does anyone know if GM is going to update the Northstar anytime soon? It was amazing when it first came out and it's still great, but the competition has come a long way. It's sad to see it being outclassed by 3.5-liter Japanese V6's.

Considering that it hasn't had any significant power increases by now, I'm starting to wonder if the basic design of the engine is capable of delivering more power (aside from forced induction of course). If not, that would be very bad for GM considering they aren't really in a position to fund a new high-tech V8, and if they did, they REALLY can't afford to further damage their image in the event it isn't completely perfect.

Any thoughts?

[mgescuro]

Well, Northstar was just revamped about 2 years ago.
The Northstar SC is totally new and handbuilt.

Ultra V8 was supposed to replace the Northstar, but because ogf GM's budget crisis, the program was delayed 1-2 years. So expect Ultra V8 by at least 2008-9.

There was a thread about it somewhere on GMI. It was supposed to have 375-385 base HP and was based off the HF engine architecture, like the 2.8L found in 9-3 and CTS and the 3.6L found in CTS and Lacrosse.

[haleykeek]

the VVT (variable Valve Timed)engines are a step-forward from the older Northstar V8's but it would be nice to see a stroked version of the Northstar V8.i would like to see it grow to at least 5.4Litres in size.that way,this engine could make 400bhp on ease.

[CADILLACSIXTEEN]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

Well, Northstar was just revamped about 2 years ago.
The Northstar SC is totally new and handbuilt.

Ultra V8 was supposed to replace the Northstar, but because ogf GM's budget crisis, the program was delayed 1-2 years. So expect Ultra V8 by at least 2008-9.

There was a thread about it somewhere on GMI. It was supposed to have 375-385 base HP and was based off the HF engine architecture, like the 2.8L found in 9-3 and CTS and the 3.6L found in CTS and Lacrosse.

I hope they come up with a new name instead of Ultra... I think the Northstar name is a great name... so original...
How about Northstar 2.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by CADILLACSIXTEEN

I hope they come up with a new name instead of Ultra... I think the Northstar name is a great name... so original...
How about Northstar 2.

That's what I said too.

[Carguy]

I dont see why with new heads/intake and the new type fuel injection system being done for the HFV6's that the NS V8 could not make an easy 370HP while staying 4.6L's. I could also see a larger version of the NS V8 with a taller block of 5.6L and 430HP as a BELLOW V level performance/premium opt.

[zl-1]

Originally Posted by Carguy

I dont see why with new heads/intake and the new type fuel injection system being done for the HFV6's that the NS V8 could not make an easy 370HP while staying 4.6L's. I could also see a larger version of the NS V8 with a taller block of 5.6L and 430HP as a BELLOW V level performance/premium opt.

I remeber reading someone's suggestion that cadillac could have a 5.0 and that other divisions could have a slightly smaller variant. Seems like a smart move if there are any fears that sharing engines might dilute Cadillac's image.

Over here Audi shares almost every engine with VW, Seat and Skoda, and by no means that detracts from Audi's reputation.

[rearden82]

Originally Posted by CADILLACSIXTEEN

I hope they come up with a new name instead of Ultra... I think the Northstar name is a great name... so original...
How about Northstar 2.

Apparently even Ford agrees..

"Sometimes I wonder how we get into these boxes. (Cadillac's) 'Northstar' sounds fantastic... Northstar... follow the North star. And we've got something called 'Duratec!' "

"It sounds like a pair of pliers to me," program manager **************** Landgraff complained to author Mary Walton.

[giagastormer]

When the Northstar went RWD, it recieved about 70% new components, along with VVT.