GM goes lean-burn turbo

GENERAL Motors will introduce a new Austrian-built 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine for global applications from 2010, slotting into cars such as the European Opel Astra sold in Australia as a Holden.

According to GM, the 1.4-litre turbo will produce an estimated output ranging from 88kW to 104kW and 175Nm to 200Nm, and deliver an eight per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared to a higher-displacement naturally aspirated engine with similar output.

Featuring a turbocharger integrated into the exhaust manifold, full variable valve timing, thermal management, flow-controlled oil pump and a reinforced crankshaft and connecting rod, the boosted 1.4 will also comply with Euro V emissions standards.

It could eventually replace the 1.6 and 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated engines currently in service.

GM will also launch a Hungarian-built 110kW/210Nm 1.6-litre compressed natural gas (CNG) turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Opel Zafira mini-MPV and other vehicles from next year.

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