GM Announces New Line Of Ecotec Engines
Green Car Congress reports that GM will offer two new engines in 2009, based on its global Ecotec four-cylinder architecture. The 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-banger and 1.6-liter Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) turbocharged four-cylinder will debut in "Europe and other regions." The Euro 5 compliant 1.4-liter four will offer between 120 and 140 hp and eight percent better fuel consumption than a higher displacement naturally-aspirated engine with similar output. Direct injection and independently-variable camshafts account for much of the improved efficiency, and provide a platform onto which GM's HCCI technology can be transferred. The 1.6-liter CNG mill should pump out about 150 hp and 155 lb/ft of torque. This announcement cements the trend towards smaller engines with forced induction, as championed by Ford's forthcoming Ecoboost line of turbocharged mills. Although we're not holding our breath to see GM launch a sub-two liter engine in the U.S., the 1.4-liter engine would likely make the Cobalt or the Aveo a force to be reckoned with– at least in terms of fuel economy.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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The 1.6 CNG engine could allow GM to sell CARS in CA for the 1st time in Decades. CNG gets you diamond lane privileges in the great Peoples Republic of Kalifornia. When I drive around Sacramento and other parts of Northern CA it is almost noteworthy when I see a big 2.8 car than is not a rental or fleet vehicle.
I've owned a Cobalt sedan since 2005. 43,000 miles. No problems. Great gas mileage. What's all the hub ub?
For people with Cobalts suggest you check Consumer Reports for their reliability, its just average over the last few years!
"Average" in CR today would probably be a "much better than average" rating 6 years ago by the relative scale CR uses. I, for one, think the peanut butter and toaster testers are out of their league when it comes to what is important in a car, at least as far as enthusiasts go...if a car is a Maytag appliance to you, well I guess CR has some value, then.