It seems Ford’s arch rivals, General Motors (GM), has learned of Fords’ massive success with the 1.0L three-cylinder Ecoboost engine making all the headlines. The term “If you can’t beat ’em, join them” would best to describe GM’s direction this time when they revealed its new downsized 1.0-litre three-cylinder direct-injection turbo petrol engine. The new small engine is set to be introduced in the Vauxhall/Opel Adam supermini model and will debut in next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
There will be two options of power units made available, including 89bhp and 114bhp versions, both developing 166Nm of torque. Stop-start technology will be implemented for both engines. A new compact and lightweight six-speed manual gearbox has been developed to complement the downsized engines. The result of the downsized 1.0L 89bhp model is impressive as it returns a claimed 62mpg and emitting only 99g/km of CO2.
It seems downsized three-cylinder turbocharged engines could change the automotive industry as how small block V8s changed motoring in America decades ago. After all, GM has understood the term “good things come in small packages” for quite some time now.
[Source: Autoexpress]
