General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) unveiled a new 2.9-liter V-6 turbo-diesel engine that features state-of-the-art injection and combustion technology for minimum emissions and maximum performance.

This is GM’s First Production Application of innovative, Closed-Loop Combustion technology. The Cadillac CTS is adding this engine to its portfolio in 2009. This new engine has low emissions, high performance and excellent fuel economy. This engine has 184 kW/250 hp, 550 Nm (406 lb.-ft.) Torque, 2.9-Liter Displacement. This new compact design enables transverse and longitudinal installation.

The new engine (184 kW/250 hp) will be mainly sold in Europe and makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18). Its first production application is scheduled for 2009 in the new Cadillac CTS.

The compact dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine belongs to a new GM family of diesel engines, featuring an innovative closed-loop combustion control system designed to meet future emissions standards. The engine can be installed in a longitudinal or transverse layout and can be adapted to a wide range of two- or four-wheel drive vehicles.

GM’s development of the new engine is being coordinated under the leadership of GM Powertrain’s European operations in Turin, Italy, in cooperation with VM Motori based in Cento, Italy. GM Powertrain will focus on the development of the clean combustion process, electronic engine control and exhaust-gas after treatment, as well as calibration and integration into GM vehicles. VM Motori will build the new unit at its plant in Cento, Italy, and is responsible for the mechanical aspects of the engine’s design, development and bench testing.

The V-6 engine management system enables optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise by using a recently developed combustion control technology. Key enablers for the system are high speed piezo-resistive cylinder pressure sensors that are integrated within the engine glow-plugs. These specialized sensors acquire real-time data from the combustion process, enabling instantaneous fine-tuning of the fuel injection process. In the future, this clean combustion control technology will be introduced in other GM Powertrain diesel engines.

The high-pressure, common-rail system provides up to 2000 bar (29,000 psi) injection pressure. The injectors are quick-firing piezo-electrically actuated, allowing up to eight injections per engine cycle. The after-treatment system includes an oxidation catalyst and a particulate filter that are close coupled to the engine to achieve future emissions standards.

An electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger generates boost pressure. The engine has a torque of 550 Nm (406 lb.-ft.) beginning at 2000 rpm, while providing effective fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The new, compact V-6 powerhouse features aluminum cylinder heads and a 60 degree bank angle, 83.0 mm bore and 90.4 mm stroke, which results in displacement of 2935 cubic centimeters. The engine block is made of stronger and lighter Compacted Graphite Iron (as compared to lower strength aluminum or heavier grey cast iron) to optimize engine packaging, weight, refinement and performance.