GM powertrain plans: high-tech, low weight
Click above for more early images of the production Chevy Volt
It's no secret that we appreciate what General Motors has been able to do with just two-liters. The direct injected and turbocharged mill powering the rear-wheel drive Solstice GXP and Sky Redline along with the front-wheel drive HHR SS and Cobalt SS models is an excellent one. What's more, its 260 horsepower represents 130-horsepower per liter, the highest ever from a GM production engine and on par with the best from the world. Expect to see more of this kind of technology from new GM engines along with more six-speed transmissions. Also expect an ever-higher percentage of aluminum to appear in all engines from all manufacturers.
GM also has plans for diesels and hybrids. The upcoming 4.5-liter diesel for full-size trucks and SUVs manages to weigh about seventy-five pounds less than other diesels of similar size. On the hybrid front, Automotive News says that GM will offer one new hybrid per quarter for the next four years -- that's sixteen new hybrids. That number would not include the Volt, a car which GM considers fully electric with a range-extender, and is something we've heard for a while now.
GM is also hard at work on HCCI engines, which we have covered extensively and offer the promise of diesel-like economy with the ability to use gasoline. Fuel cells are still on the table, though we'd imagine that today's tough financial times could slow down the development of GM's hydrogen plans. We'll take the trade-off of an HCCI engine over a hydrogen fuel cell as it would likely have a much larger impact and be ready for primetime much sooner.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Pete 8:57AM (8/26/2008)
I just purchased a 2009 Cobalt SS and it is an excellent buy. If you can get past the cheap plastics, which to be honest, really aren't that bad; then you will easily love this thing for it's handling, acceleration, and fuel economy.
On my first fill up I went 308 miles of in city driving and only had to put in 11.2 gallons...27.5 mpg...now granted I was staying out of boost, but this little engine is fantastic!
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Lad 4:22PM (8/26/2008)
There is a rumor afoot that the tax payers will need to come up with 25 billion dollars to save the American car industry during their change over to efficient autos.. And, that includes GM. Say it isn't so, please!
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AMcA 10:05PM (8/26/2008)
Want to avoid a $25b Detroit bailout?
Vote GOP.
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Will 8:38AM (8/27/2008)
You said it AMcA,
Because the GOP has done such a good job guiding Detroit so far. I mean, if having control of the House, Senate, and Whitehouse for six years isn't proof of all they have accomplished, then I don't know what is.
Sarcasm off.
Pete 11:41AM (8/28/2008)
Right, because John McCain didn't come to Detroit and pander to us...he didn't say bailout, but then again, neither did GWBush when referencing the special funds for Fannie and Freddie.