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{{short description|Family of high performance 90° V engines produced by General Motors}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2017}}
{{Infobox automobile engine
|name=Northstar engine
|image=Cadillac 4.6 L DOHC V8 engine.jpg
|caption=4.6 L Northstar engine
|aka={{ubl | Cadillac Northstar | Premium engine}}
|manufacturer=[[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]]
|production=1992–2011
|configuration=90° [[V8 engine|V8]]/[[V6 engine|V6]]
|block=Aluminum
|head=Aluminum
|predecessor={{ubl | [[Cadillac High Technology engine]] (V8)}}
|successor={{ubl | [[Cadillac twin-turbo V8]]}}
|valvetrain=[[DOHC]] [[Multi-valve#Four valves|4 valves x cyl.]] with [[Variable valve timing|VVT]]
|supercharger=In 4.4 L versions
|turbocharger=[[Twin-turbo]] in 2000 [[Cadillac Northstar LMP|Northstar LMP]] program only
|fueltype=Gasoline
|fuelsystem=[[Rochester Products Division|AC Rochester]] [[Sequential fuel injection|Sequential FI]]
|coolingsystem=[[Radiator (engine cooling)|Water-cooled]]
|compression=9.0:1, 9.3:1, 10.0:1, 10.3:1, 10.5:1
|displacement={{unbulleted list|{{convert|3473|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}|{{convert|3995|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}|{{convert|4371|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}|{{convert|4565|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}}}
|bore={{convert|87|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} {{convert|89.5|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} {{convert|91|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} {{convert|93|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}
|stroke={{convert|84|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} {{convert|92|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}
|power={{Convert|215-469|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}
|torque={{convert|234-439|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
}}

The '''Northstar engine''' is a family of high-performance 90° [[V engine]]s produced by [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]] between 1993 and 2011. Regarded as GM's most technically complex engine, the original [[double overhead cam]], four valve per cylinder, aluminum block/aluminum head [[V8 engine|V8]] design was developed by Oldsmobile R&D, {{citation needed|date=August 2017}} but is most associated with [[Cadillac (automobile)|Cadillac]]'s [[#Northstar series|Northstar]] series.

Displacing {{convert|4565|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} in its basic form, the direct family line transitioned to [[longitudinal engine|longitudinal]] and {{convert|4371|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[supercharged]] versions. Variants were used at [[Oldsmobile]] (as the [[#L47|Aurora L47]] V8 and [[#LX5 (Shortstar)|"Shortstar" LX5]] [[V6]]), as well as in several top-end 2000s [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]]s and [[Buick]]s.

The related '''Northstar System''' was Cadillac's trademarked name for a package of performance features introduced in mid-1992 that coupled the 4T80E transmission, a 100,000 mile service interval, road sensing suspension, variable power steering, and 4-wheel [[disc brake]]s to the Division's high-output and high-torque Northstar engines.

GM ceased production of the Northstar in 2011. The final cars to receive it, the [[Cadillac DTS]], [[Buick Lucerne]], and [[Cadillac STS]], rolled off the line in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/report-gms-venerable-northstar-going-out-of-production-in-july/2 |title=Report: GM's venerable Northstar going out of production in July, replacement not yet announced |website=Autoblog |access-date=2012-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221124116/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/report-gms-venerable-northstar-going-out-of-production-in-july/2 |archive-date=2011-02-21}}</ref> It was replaced by the GM [[General Motors small-block engine|LS small-block OHV engine]], used in newer Cadillac V8 models like the [[Cadillac CTS-V|CTS-V]], marking a step back to a simpler, more reliable pushrod engine design. These LS V8 engines were the only V8 engines used by Cadillac for the next eight years, until the clean sheet [[Cadillac twin-turbo V8|Blackwing V8]] was introduced in 2018 in the 2019 [[Cadillac CT6|Cadillac CT6-V]]. A Cadillac-exclusive, it was discontinued after just two years in early 2020.

== Development and features ==
GM initiated what ultimately became the Northstar's design at Oldsmobile R&D{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} some time in 1984 in anticipation of{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} the advanced [[DOHC|dual overhead cam]] V8 engines to be introduced by European and Japanese competitors later in the decade. At that time, Cadillac was using the aluminum ''[[Cadillac V8 engine#OHV|HT]]'' [[Overhead valve engine|Overhead Valve]] (OHV) V8 which GM pushed hastily into production because the [[CAFE standards]] for 1982 would preempt using 1981's [[Cadillac V8 engine#368 and V8-6-4|V8-6-4]]. At the time it was GM's corporate policy not to pass the gas guzzler tax on to the consumer.

Cadillac was developing new models which they hoped would compete against the best luxury cars from [[BMW]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], and Asian rivals like [[Lexus]], [[Acura]], and [[Infiniti]]. GM developed a laundry list of items to be included in the [[Cadillac Allanté|Allanté]] and updated [[Cadillac Eldorado|Eldorado]] and [[Cadillac Seville|Seville STS]], including sophisticated steering, braking, and suspension technologies, and an engine exclusive to "Cadillac" the Division's dealers were clamoring for. This group of features became known as the ''Northstar System''. Central to it was a high-tech V8 with the performance and sophistication to compete with an ever-expanding list of imported challengers.

Capable of producing {{Convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} out of its {{convert|4565|cc|L cuin|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} displacement, the Northstar featured a cast aluminum 90° V8 block with {{convert|4|in|mm|1|abbr=on}} bore spacing split into unitary upper and lower halves. The lower [[crankcase]] assembly supported the [[crankshaft]] without conventional main bearing caps. An oil manifold plate with an integrated silicone gasket forms the oil gallery under this. A typical oil change used {{convert|7.5–8|USqt|L impqt|abbr=on}} of oil.

GM specified cast-iron [[cylinder liner]]s and the cast aluminum pistons included valve clearance. Northstar is an [[interference engine]]: the valves will strike the pistons if they lose timing. It has bronze piston pin bushings and free-floating piston pins. GM used cast aluminum cylinder heads featuring 4 valves per cylinder. The heads used dual overhead cams driven through the "maintenance-free" cam-drive chain case. The cams act directly on [[hydraulic lifters]] on the ends of the valves and are fed with a lubrication passage drilled through the cylinder head lengthwise. The intake valves are inclined at 25°, while the exhaust valves are canted to 7° with center-mounted platinum-tipped spark plugs. The cam covers are magnesium for light weight and sound damping.

[[Sequential fuel injection]] was delivered via eight thermoplastic tubes. Ignition was [[Distributorless Ignition System|distributorless]], with a waste spark setup. The [[powertrain control module]] (PCM) controlled spark and fuel injection timing as well as the shift points for the new four-speed, transverse [[GM 4T80 transmission]]. All engines of this family share the same [[List of GM bellhousing patterns#Northstar pattern|Northstar bellhousing pattern]].

One notable feature advertised at the time was the "limp home" fail-safe mode, which allowed the engine to continue running for a limited time without any coolant. Supplying fuel to only one cylinder bank in turn, the engine would "air cool" the inactive bank. This technique, combined with its all-aluminum construction and large oil capacity, allows the engine to maintain safe temperatures, allowing a Northstar-equipped car to be driven with no coolant for about {{convert|100|mi|km|0|abbr=on}} without damage. Another unusual feature of some heavily electronic-laden Northstar-equipped cars such as the [[Cadillac Seville|Seville]], [[Cadillac DeVille|DeVille]], and [[Cadillac Eldorado|Eldorado]] is a liquid-cooled alternator. Although this was intended to prolong alternator life, GM reverted to a traditional air-cooled setup for 2001 to eliminate potential leak points and extraneous tubing.

Later developments included direct coil-on-plug ignition, roller lifters, and [[variable valve timing]], which can vary intake by up to 40° and the exhaust by up to 50°. VVT was devised for the [[longitudinal engine|longitudinal]] [[#LH2|LH2]] version, and was not used on the transverse front wheel drive engines due to packaging considerations.{{clarify|"Packaging"?|date=December 2017}}

== Northstar series ==
The engine was introduced in mid-1992 in the 1993 [[Cadillac Allanté]]; in 1996 the Northstar became the standard engine on all Cadillacs except the Fleetwood, but is now{{when|date=May 2024}} phased out of all Cadillac models. The {{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} Northstar engine was used on all Northstar equipped Cadillacs while the Deville Concours, Eldorado ETC, Seville STS, and in 2000 the Deville DTS, were fitted with the {{Convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} version. The original Northstar Allanté also introduced the ''Northstar System'' which included [[traction control system|traction control]], [[adaptive suspension]], and [[antilock brakes]]. Early Northstar required premium grade gasoline to run safely.

The Northstar was sold exclusively by that name by Cadillac for over a decade before being introduced in the 2004-2005 [[Pontiac Bonneville]] and 2006 [[Buick Lucerne]]. However, the {{convert|3995|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''[[#L47|L47]]'' V8 Northstar variant was used in the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]] the [[#LX5 (Shortstar)|3.5L ''LX5'']] V6 in the [[Oldsmobile Intrigue]] and Oldsmobile Shelby Series 1. The LH2 engine variant received a forged steel crankshaft in October 2003. The LD8 and L37 variants received a forged crankshaft for the 2006 model year. Cadillac had planned to introduce a [[V12 engine|V12]] Northstar this decade, likely for use in the [[Cadillac Escalade|Escalade]], but economics and new CAFE standards killed the idea.

Most Northstar engines produce {{Convert|275|to|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, with power reaching as high as {{Convert|469|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} in the [[supercharged]]  [[#LC3|LC3]]. The engines were revised for 2000 with [[coil-on-plug ignition]] and roller follower valvegear for improved [[Fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]] and reduced emissions. Though power output did not change, this update made premium fuel merely recommended, rather than required.

All but the supercharged Northstars displaced {{convert|4565|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} with a {{convert|93x84|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} bore and stroke. For better head gasket sealing between cylinders, the supercharged version is de-bored to {{convert|91|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} for a total displacement of {{convert|4371|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}. The block is believed to be capable of expansion up to 5.4&nbsp;L, though no such engine has been produced.

The Northstar was on the [[Ward's 10 Best Engines]] list for 1995, 1996, and 1997.

The 4.6L V8 engine found in models from 1995-2005 were notorious for failure due to a design flaw involving the use of [[Torque-to-yield fastener|torque-to-yield bolts]] in the [[head gasket]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Njagi |first=Kevin |date=2022-09-26 |title=10 Cheap Sedans That Will Bankrupt You With Maintenance Bills And Repairs |url=https://www.hotcars.com/cheap-sedans-that-will-bankrupt-you-with-maintenance-bills-and-repairs/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=HotCars |language=en}}</ref> Essentially, these type of bolts are stretched beyond their elasticity upon installation, ultimately increasing wear and fatigue on the bolt and decreasing its service life. The high load of the engine would eventually cause these bolts to weaken and loosen in their threads, rupturing the seal and in turn blowing the head gasket.

===Northstar System===
The ''Northstar System'' was [[Cadillac]]'s trademarked name for a package of automobile performance features introduced in mid-1992 on the 1993 [[Cadillac Allanté]] and later on the 1993 [[Cadillac Seville|Seville]] and [[Cadillac Eldorado|Eldorado]].

The ''Northstar System'' included the following components:
** ''L37'' high-output {{Convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|295|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
** ''LD8'' high-torque {{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
* [[Variable valve timing]] (VVT), a continuously variable system throughout the rpm range, increasing fuel economy.
: GM engines use the [[double overhead cam]], varying both intake and exhaust for better performance.
* GM 4T80-E 4-speed [[automatic transmission]]
* ''Road Sensing Suspension'' (RSS), which monitored damping rates of the shock absorbers every 15 milliseconds, selecting between two settings.
: RSS was available in both standard and CV-RSS (continuously-variable) systems.
* 4-wheel [[disc brake]]s with [[Robert Bosch GmbH|Bosch]] [[antilock brakes]]
* ''Magnasteer'' speed-variable [[power steering]], which combines conventional [[hydraulic power steering]] and magnetized "doughnuts" mounted around the output shaft, which stiffen the steering as vehicle speed increases.

Later versions of the Northstar engine included the 4.6L {{Convert|320|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|315|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} '''''LH2''''' which began in 2004, and supercharged 4.4L {{Convert|469|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} '''''LC3''''' created for the STS-V which are detailed below.

=== L37 ===
The {{convert|4565|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} '''L37''' ([[VIN]] "9") was the original Northstar. It is tuned for responsiveness and power, while the later [[#LD8|LD8]] is designed for more sedate use. The L37 code had been used on all high-output [[transverse engine|transverse]] Northstars, even as the exact engine specifications evolved. The compression ratio for the L37 is 10.3:1 for engines built prior to 2000, and 10.0:1 afterwards.

The original L37 was specified at {{Convert|290|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, but 1993 production examples were rated at {{Convert|295|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The engine topped out at {{Convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} from 1996 through 2004 on the [[Cadillac Seville|STS]], [[Cadillac Deville|DTS]] and [[Cadillac Eldorado|ETC]] models, making these some of the most powerful domestic front wheel drive cars ever built.{{Citation needed|date=August 2013}} For 2005 the high output Northstar became Northstar NHP, and was downrated to {{convert|290|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} under the new [[Horsepower#SAE certified power|SAE certified horsepower]] rating system. In 2006, the updated DTS "Performance Package" model got a slight bump to {{Convert|292|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.
Vehicles using the L37 include:
{| class=wikitable
|-
!Year
!Model
!Power
!Torque
|-
|1993||[[Cadillac Allanté]]||{{Convert|295|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|290|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1993–1994||rowspan=2|[[Cadillac Eldorado]] ''ETC''||{{Convert|295|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|290|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1995–2002||{{Convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6000&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|295|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1993-1994||rowspan=2|[[Cadillac Seville]] ''STS''||{{Convert|295|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|290|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1995–2004||rowspan=2|{{Convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6000&nbsp;rpm||rowspan=2|{{convert|295|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1996–2004||[[Cadillac DeVille]] ''Concours/DTS''
|-
|2005||[[Cadillac DeVille]] ''DTS''||{{Convert|290|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|285|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2006–2011||[[Cadillac DTS]] ''Performance''||rowspan=2|{{Convert|292|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6300&nbsp;rpm||rowspan=2|{{convert|288|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4500&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2008–2011||[[Buick Lucerne#Lucerne Super|Buick Lucerne]] ''Super''
|}

=== LD8 ===
The {{convert|4565|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} '''LD8''' (VIN "Y") is a [[transverse engine|transverse]] V8 for [[front-wheel drive]] cars. Introduced in 1994, it is designed to provide more torque than the high-revving [[#L37|L37]]. The LD8 code had been used on all torque-tuned transverse Northstars, even as the exact engine specifications evolved. Compression ratio is 10.3:1 for engines built prior to model year 2000, and 10.0:1 for those built afterwards. The 1998 revision is quieter than previous Northstar engines, due to hydraulic engine mounts, and performs better due to a tuned intake system.

Most LD8 Northstars are rated at {{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}.

{| class=wikitable
|-
!Year
!Model
!Power
!Torque
|-
|1994||[[Cadillac Eldorado]]||{{Convert|270|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}||rowspan=2|{{convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|1995–2001||rowspan=2|[[Cadillac Eldorado]] ''ESC'' ||{{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5750&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2002||{{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4000&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1993-1994||rowspan=2|[[Cadillac Seville]] ''SLS''||{{Convert|270|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|1995–2004||{{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4000&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1994||rowspan=2|[[Cadillac DeVille]] ''Concours''||{{Convert|270|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}||rowspan=2|{{convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
|-
|1995||rowspan=2|{{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5750&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1996–2001||rowspan=2|[[Cadillac DeVille]]||rowspan=2|{{convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4000&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2002–2005||{{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2006–2011||[[Cadillac DTS]]||{{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6000&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|295|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2004–2005||[[Pontiac Bonneville]] ''GXP''||{{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|300|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4000&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2006–2007||[[Buick Lucerne]] ''CXL (optional)/CXS''||{{Convert|275|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6000&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|295|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|}

=== LH2 (VIN "A")===
The {{convert|4565|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} Northstar was designed originally for transverse [[front-wheel drive]] applications. It was modified substantially in 2004 for [[longitudinal engine|longitudinal]] [[rear-wheel drive|rear-]] and [[all-wheel drive]] use in the [[Cadillac STS|STS]], [[Cadillac SRX|SRX]], and [[Cadillac XLR|XLR]], as well as receiving continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust sides. The RWD ('''LH2''') Northstar produces {{Convert|320|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|315|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}. The addition of variable valve timing enables most of the increase in power from the L37 and LD8 Northstars.
{| class=wikitable
|-
!Year
!Model
!Power
!Torque
|-
|2004–2009||[[Cadillac SRX]]||rowspan=4|{{Convert|320|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6400&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|315|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2004–2009||[[Cadillac XLR]]||{{convert|310|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2005–2010||[[Cadillac STS]]||rowspan=2|{{convert|315|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2007–2009||[[Cadillac STS#Chinese Cadillac SLS|Cadillac SLS]] (China)
|}

=== LC3 ===
A {{convert|4371|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[supercharged]] Northstar was used in the 2006 [[Cadillac STS|Cadillac STS-V]] and [[Cadillac XLR|Cadillac XLR-V]]. The bore was reduced for increased strength and improved head gasket sealing. [[Variable valve timing]] is used on both the intake and exhaust sides. The STS-V engine produces {{Convert|469|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6400 rpm and {{convert|439|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 3900&nbsp;rpm with 9.0:1 compression and the XLR-V engine produces {{Convert|443|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 6400 rpm and {{convert|414|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 3900&nbsp;rpm.

{| class=wikitable
|-
!Year
!Model
!Power
!Torque
|-
|2006–2009||[[Cadillac STS-V]]||{{Convert|469|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6400&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|439|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 3900&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2006–2009||[[Cadillac XLR|Cadillac XLR-V]]||{{Convert|443|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6400&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|414|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 3900&nbsp;rpm
|}

=== L47 ===
[[File:4.0 L V8 Aurora.jpg|200px|thumb|An ''L47'' inside an [[Oldsmobile Aurora|Aurora's]] engine bay]]
The '''L47 Aurora engine''' was a special V8 designed for the [[Oldsmobile Aurora]], based on the Northstar engine, used during the 1995-1999 and 2001-2003 model years. It is a DOHC {{convert|3995|cc|L cuin|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} V8 which produced {{convert|250|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|260|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque. The bore and stroke was {{convert|87x84|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}. The L47 had a 10.3:1 compression ratio and used premium fuel.

Although most of the Northstar's features, including the coolant loss system, remained intact, the decreased bore increased weight unacceptably. To reduce it, Oldsmobile used a one-piece glass-filled thermoplastic [[intake manifold]] and simplified [[Rochester Products Division|AC Rochester]] sequential fuel injection. A new die-cast structural aluminum oil pan incorporated baffling to reduce oil starvation in hard driving. A starter interlock prevented the starter from engaging if the quiet L47 was already running.

An early version or [[prototype]] of this engine was used in the 2nd generation [[Oldsmobile Aerotech]]. A highly modified {{convert|650|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} version of this engine was used by General Motors racing division initially for [[International Motor Sports Association|IMSA]] sports car competition in an Oldsmobile Aurora GTS-1 and [[Riley&Scott]] LMP prototypes in 1995, [[Indy Racing League]] competition starting in 1997, then was later used in the [[Cadillac Northstar LMP]] program in 2000. Both engines retained the 4.0 L displacement, but the Northstar LMP version was twin-turbocharged.<ref name=Aurora>Weitzman, Larry (2001).[http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/2001/lweitzman_oldsmobile_aurora.html The Aurora by Oldsmobile (2001), Better in every respect]. ''Autochannel''. Retrieved on June 28, 2009.</ref> The Aurora was also used in the [[Shelby Series 1]] car.
In the [[2000 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters|inaugural DTM season]], Opel would debut his [[Opel Astra|Astra]] with a V8 derived from the L47.

The Aurora engine was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year, and [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]] has not used this engine since the retirement of Oldsmobile in 2004.

{| class=wikitable
|-
!Year
!Model
!Power
!Torque
|-
|1995–2003||[[Oldsmobile Aurora]]||{{Convert|250|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||{{convert|260|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|1999–2005||[[Shelby Series 1]]||{{Convert|320|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 6500 rpm||{{convert|290|lbft|0|abbr=on}} @ 5000 rpm
|}

== LX5 (Shortstar) ==
The '''LX5''' is a DOHC [[V6 engine|V6]] from [[Oldsmobile]], introduced in 1999 with the [[Oldsmobile Intrigue|Intrigue]]. It was produced by the ''Premium'' engine group at GM and was thus called the Premium V6, or PV6, while it was being developed. It is based on the [[GM L47 engine|L47 Aurora]] V8, which is itself based on the Northstar engine, so engineers called it the Short North, though Oldsmobile fans have taken to calling it the '''Shortstar'''.

Although it has a 90° V-angle like the Northstar, the engine block was engineered from scratch, so bore centers are different. It has chain-driven [[dual overhead cam]]s and four valves per cylinder, but is an even-firing design with a split-pin crankshaft similar to the [[Buick V6 engine#3800 V6|Buick 3800 engine]]. The LX5 displaced {{convert|3473|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} and produced {{convert|215|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 5,600 rpm and {{convert|234|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 4,400 rpm. Bore and stroke is {{convert|89.5x92|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}. It was also one of GM's first engines to use coil-on-plug ignition. Compression ratio is 9.3:1.

The cost of building this engine was high, and it was not used in many vehicles. It was said at the time that a family of premium V6s would follow, with displacements ranging from 3.3&nbsp;L to 3.7&nbsp;L, but only the LX5 was ever produced before GM discontinued the Shortstar in favor of their current flagship V6, the [[GM High Feature engine|High Feature engine]], in 2004.

The LX5 was entirely different from any other V6 in the GM inventory - the only other DOHC V6 engines ever offered by GM included the [[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#LQ1|Chevrolet Twin Dual Cam]] produced from 1991-1997, which was made by modifying the traditional Chevy 60-degree OHV block V6 for the dual overhead cams rather than building a DOHC engine from the ground up, and the [[GM High Feature engine|Cadillac/Holden HFV6]] available from 2004 to the present day. These three designs are completely unrelated and  leave two gaps in 1998 and 2003 where no DOHC V6 was available from GM (except for the 54 degree Opel V6 used most notably in the first generation Cadillac CTS at launch as well as the Saturn L Series and Catera). This contrasts starkly with competitors practices of evolving engineering over multiple, continuously improving designs. As with the Aurora V8, production stopped with the demise of Oldsmobile.

{| class=wikitable
|-
!Year
!Model
!Power
!Torque
|-
|1999–2002||[[Oldsmobile Intrigue]]||rowspan=2|{{Convert|215|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 5600&nbsp;rpm||rowspan=2|{{convert|234|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} @ 4400&nbsp;rpm
|-
|2001–2002||[[Oldsmobile Aurora]]
|}

The 3.5L LX5 was on the [[Ward's 10 Best Engines]] list for 1999 and 2000.

== Notes ==
{{reflist}}

== References ==
* {{cite journal|title=1993 Technical Highlights|journal=[[Car and Driver]]|issue=October 1992|pages=59&ndash;60|author=Frank Markus}}
* {{cite journal|title=Technical Highlights|journal=[[Car and Driver]]|page=115|issue=October 1993}}
* {{cite journal|title=Northstar is heart of Allante re-do for '93 - V-8 engine, General Motors' Cadillac Motor Car Div.'s new model roadster|journal=[[Ward's Auto World]]|author=Joel D. Pietrangelo|issue=February 1992}}

== External links ==
{{commons cat}}
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20101220200818/https://www.gm.com/experience/technology/gmpowertrain/engines/northstar/northstar_engine.jsp|Northstar engine - official website}}
* [http://www.autospeed.com/cms/A_1569/article.html Technical article from AutoSpeed]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US8740532 Wiebe Patent #8,740,532, Cylinder Head Stud Kit for the Northstar engine]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Northstar}}
[[Category:Buick engines]]
[[Category:Cadillac engines]]
[[Category:Automotive technology tradenames]]
[[Category:1992 introductions]]
[[Category:V6 engines]]
[[Category:V8 engines]]
[[Category:Gasoline engines by model]]

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