GM to Build the Volt's 1.4L Engine in Flint and Double Production of Small 4-Cylinder Engines by 2011
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 09.25.08
Small Displacement Engines are In
We now know what the GM Volt will looks like, and what type of engine will act as a range-extender, but until now we didn't know where that engine would be made. GM now announced that it wants to double its production of small (1.0 liter to 1.4 liter) four-cylinder engines by 2011. The first investment will be $370 million to build a new manufacturing plant in Flint, Michigan.
Read on for more details.
GM's Global 1.4-liter 4-cylinder Engine
The Flint plan will build both the 1.4L Turbo engine that will power the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, and the 1.4 naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine that will power the GM Volt when the batteries are empty.
Production is set to begin in 2010.
Technical Details on the GM Global 1.4 Engine
So far we can only estimate power rating for the turbo model at 140 horsepower (104 kW) with a torque rating of 148 lb-ft (200 Nm). "The 1.4L’s turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility in smaller vehicles. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods are unique, delivering additional strength to support the engine’s pressurized, high-rpm performance."
Some features of these engines:
All engines in the family share design elements including:
- Dual overhead camshafts
- Roller-finger follower valvetrain
- Chain-driven camshafts
- Flow-controlled oil pump
- Piston-cooling oil jets
- Thermal management
There are also many innovations to reduce weight as much as possible (f.ex. hollow-cast camshafts).
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Now look at that. GM is doing all the right things. You GM bashing nit wits can go stick it. NO VOLT FOR YOU, I'm keeping a list and making sure of it. ;)
It is indeed the right thing to do, though a bit late.
Too bad it's only going to be in the Cruze in 2011.
"Chain-driven camshafts"
Thanks goodness!
I really hate to sound negative, but GM and Ford are so tiresome.
GM will call this a revolutionary breakthrough to their business model.
I just call it too little too late.
It's a little disappointing that the Volt won't have a small diesel in it instead of gas. With diesel and the use of bio-diesel, the Volt would be closer to being carbon neutral. The carbon released would be close to the same as what the plants absorbed while it was growing. Still, The Volt is a step in the right direction, at this point in time.
GM has to build a new plant in Detroit to build these? Is this the only way they can get the millions in tax breaks they are probably going to get? GM has closed countless plants and Detroit is full of empty warehouses. Maybe they can add a little more positive spin to this publicity stunt by recycling an old building. Sadly the Volt is going to be nothing more than a flagship vehicle to get people into showrooms so they can buy something not so efficient.
"GM has to build a new plant in Detroit to build these? Is this the only way they can get the millions in tax breaks they are probably going to get? GM has closed countless plants and Detroit is full of empty warehouses."
Most of the time it is cheaper to start from scratch rather than retool an existing building. They will retool if possible, but the cost difference is huge. They can get more for selling the old building and take the cash to put it towards a newer more efficient and cheaper to run building.
". Sadly the Volt is going to be nothing more than a flagship vehicle to get people into showrooms so they can buy something not so efficient."
You must be mistaken it for the Prius. :)
Waaaa.... too late! No diesel! New building! Waaaa....
I swear. You lot are so tiresome in your inability to see the big picture. Here's a clue: EVERYTHING you see on this site and other like it is TOO LATE. We, as a species, knew about the impending issues many decades ago and chose to do nothing to mitigate them until now. That's the definition of "TOO LATE".
But, of course, as always, and as any quasi-sentient monkey knows... better late than never.
Grow up, you pathetic whiners. And while you're at it, buy some GM stock if you have even two brain cells to rub together.
People always bash aircooled VW engines for being so small and under powered. They are 1.6 liters and this volt is 1.4. This engine is way to under powered and i think is going to break easily.
People always bash aircooled VW engines for being so small and under powered. They are 1.6 liters and this volt is 1.4. This engine is way to under powered and i think is going to break easily.
"This engine is way to under powered and i think is going to break easily."
The air cooled VW's were something like 50hp. This one is 140 hp.
What makes you think it will break easily?
GM and Ford are over.
They're going to "double production of 4-cylinder vehicles by 2011?" What the hell is that going to do?
In 2011, I'll be looking to switch my 2000 4-cylinder Altima out for a car that gets 100 miles to the gallon.
Why are they so f--king antiquated? Do they absolutely have no vision?
Matthew08
"People always bash aircooled VW engines for being so small and under powered. They are 1.6 liters and this volt is 1.4. This engine is way to under powered and i think is going to break easily."
As gl said, what makes you think its going to break easily? Hell it doesn't even drive the wheels, its a gasoline powered generator, not a real engine that drives the car. Unless your talking about the Cruze's engine. They have been using engines around 1.4L for years in European markets. HP numbers haven't been announced yet but it personally guess its going to be in the neighborhood of 180hp. More than enough for a small sedan.
For the geographically challenged treehuggers:
This post said they are building the new plant in FLint, Michigan, not Detroit. Flint (of Micheal Moore's "Roger and Me" fame) is about 60 miles north of Detroit.
Flint has been in a recession since the 70's (this is no joke). This is very welcome news to this area. Too bad it wasn't quicker, yes. For many reasons, economic and environmental.
I haven't heard yet, but hopefully they will be at least re-using industrial property that GM abandoned here to build this new plant. This could be a couple of wins. New jobs and brownfield development. I really hope they don't go out into some farm field or wooded area and throw up a new hugh car plant.
Jacob seems to be a bit "confused". Leave him be, no value in trying to clear it up for him.
That aside, the "no diesel" whiner needs to realize that T2B5 emissions have made it such that a diesel option would be too expensive. Biodiesel is not the wondrous carbon neutral fuel it was touted to be, just like ethanol. But cellulosic ethanol will soon be along, and more efficient methods of creating BD will be along too.
Wow Willy
What pessimism
You don’t mind if we keep trying to make it a little better world do you or do you think we should just quit now.
Rod,
Uh...what? Maybe you have a touch of dyslexia? See, I'm pro-Volt and pro-GM. The pessimists keep bashing GM with all manor of nonsense. How on earth did you miss that?
Add to that my last post where I mention cellulosic ethanol and new methods for producing biodiesel. That's, well, OPTIMISTIC, dontcha think?
Sheesh... :-/