GM to fit smaller turbo’d engines in future cars

Posted: Jan 28, 2008
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Ford’s TwinForce.. err, sorry, EcoBoost motors have really gotten the attention of the automotive world lately, but GM is not to be outdone in the powertrain department. GM plans to fit a turbocharged version of it’s 1.4 liter four-cylinder in future iterations of the Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Astra.

The 1.4 liter motor already exists in non-turbo form in the European Opel Astra. If sucessful in small cars, these engine could see duty in mid-sized cars as well. Jim Queen, GM’s Chief Engineer, optimistically added, “You’re going to see turbocharged four-cylinders in vehicles that no one could have ever imagined that they would be in.” Oh the possibilities.

Turbocharged direct injection motors have provided automakers with a cost-effective method to improve mileage in wake of increased CAFE standards, without sacrificing our thirst for well-motivated machines.

With Ford expecting half a million EcoBoost-powered cars on the road by 2012 and GM ready to start seeking out more widespread use of its upcoming 1.4 turbo four-cylinder, the saying, ‘no replacement for displacement’ has become all but irrelevant.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

[tags]Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, Automotive, GM[/tags]


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  • Allen

    It was already irrelevant, but its good to see US manufacturers dropping the 40 year old tag-lines for the sake of making decent powertrains again.

  • Allen

    And post more comments people!

  • Kap

    GM’s 2.0 liter Ecotec turbo in the Sky Redline / Solstice GXP not only produces over 50% more power than the non-turbo 2.4 Ecotec in the standard Sky / Solstice, but it gets the same MPG city and 3 MORE highway. I think smaller DI/turbo motors will bring good things to Detroit engine bays.