4-cylinder engines account for 46% of Chevrolet’s sales

Chevrolet's 4-Cylinder Lineup
Chevrolet's 4-Cylinder Lineup

Four-cylinder models have moved to the top of consumer shopping lists, due to demand for fuel – efficiency and advancements in technology. In 2007, four-cylinder models represented 23% of Chevrolet retail sales, while so far this year, that number is up to 46%.

“The shift in consumer preference evidenced by Chevrolet’s lineup is a great example of how much four-cylinder engines have improved across the industry,” said Bill Visnic, analyst and senior editor for Edmunds AutoObserver.com. “Four cylinders used to be something to settle for. But advances in engine design and technology have made four-cylinder engines vastly more refined, and power output has increased to where V-6 engines were just a few years ago.”

Technologies such as turbocharging, variable valve timing, and direct injection allow smaller engined cars to receive a boost in power.

“Chevrolet’s investment in advanced engine technology is reflected in the increased popularity of our four-cylinder models,” said Rick Scheidt, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet. “These technologies offer the performance and refinement drivers expect from Chevy in smaller engines that deliver the fuel efficiency they want.”

– By: Stephen Calogera