Infamy came in 1981 with the introduction of the V-8-6-4 variable displacement V8. Based on the 6.0-liter Cadillac V8, the V-8-6-4 theory was that individual cylinders would be electronically shut down as engine loads varied; a V8 for acceleration, a V6 for moderate loads and a V4 during cruise. It would have been nice — if it had worked. Instead, it was a mechanical nightmare only slightly less embarrassing than the ongoing diesel debacle. The V-8-6-4 also came hooked to the Eldo's first four-speed automatic transmission. Beyond that, Buick's 125 horsepower 4.1-liter V6 was also offered as an option — the first time any Eldorado had ever been offered with less than eight cylinders' worth of power (the Seville had the ignominy of ending Cadillac's 66-year streak of eight-or-more cylinders of power in 1980). Frankly, 1981 was the low point for Cadillac engineering.