I've never even heard of a Cimarron before seeing that.
Cadillac was grappling with the energy crisis back then and basically failed with their three approaches:
1.) Offering a diesel (poorly engineered, converted gasoline engine) option.
2.) Developing a V8-6-4 engine as standard equipment (1981 only).
3.) Rushing a small Cadillac to market - basically a rebadged Chevy Cavalier.
Brilliant, ecologically-minded soul that I am, I was dumb enough to own one of each! The diesel would have been fine if they had started from scratch. Mine was mated to the same transmission they used in the Chevy Chevette and the starters were the same as on gasoline engines. It was a nightmare! Mine STAYED in the shop. The V8-6-4 was a good idea (and one that has reappeared recently, albeit with computerized technology to back it up). The theory was that eight cylinders would give you the power to get going, then as you increased speed the cylinders would drop out, to leave you cruising down the Interstate on four cylinders and getting terrific gas mileage. The six cylinder mode was basically for added power for getting up hills as needed. There was no way for the driver to deactivate the system - it all worked automatically. In their infinite wisdom, GM designed the engine to run a lopsided six rather than a V-6. You were using four cylinders on one side and two on the other. This caused major vibrations that are not acceptable in ANY car, let alone a Cadillac that cost $20,000+ in 1981! There were so many problems that GM extended the warranty and ceased production of the engine. Most ended up being mechanically converted back to standard V-8's, just as most of the diesels were converted back to gasoline. The Cimarron actually made more sense. It was small and fairly economical to operate. Cadillac viewed it as the perfect second car for their conventional Cadillac customers. They touted it as an American alternative to BMW. By the time they finally got it right (1987-88) the reputation had been destroyed by the early models. I drove one of the first Cimarrons that was equipped with a four cylinder engine and four speed manual transmission. Other than the grille, tailights, wheels, and emblems it was indistinguisha
ble from a Chevy Cavalier. The interior was a tad nicer, with leather and all power accessories made standard, but it didn't hold up to the expectations of Cadillac owners and was NEVER a threat to BMW or anyone else. The one I ultimately bought was a 1987, by which time a six cylinder automatic was standard. Styling cues on the exterior brought it more in line with other Cadillac offerings, the suspension was revamped for a much better ride, and the interior was upgraded significantly. All in all, it was a rather luxurious smaller car and I was happy with it. They were manufactured in small numbers to begin with, and then sales dwindled, so they are relatively rare today.
Dwayne