GM is in developing an all new engine platform for all its global models called the ECOTEC. This new family of engines will be providing better fuel economy, better quality, performance and reduced emissions. The ECOTEC engines range from 1L to 1.5L variants having a 3 or 4 cylinder arrangement. Some will also come equipped with turbochargers, direct injection and twin-cam technology. They will also have reduced noise levels. The US auto major is planning to engineer, develop and produce these engines from its different technical and manufacturing hubs across the globe. This will reduce the development and the manufacturing costs drastically.
These engines will be designed based on the modular approach meaning it have interchangeable global parts providing more flexibility in developing global vehicle models. Production is likely to commence by 2015 and the Ecotec-powered vehicles are expected to hit global markets by the end of the decade.“Our customers around the world agree we need to reduce our dependence on petroleum and reduce vehicle carbon emissions,” said Jim Federico, vehicle line executive for GM global small cars and electric vehicles. “We are working aggressively on vehicle electrification and other technologies, but the most immediate progress will come from continually improving the internal combustion engine.”
