GM to Build the Volt's 1.4L Engine in Flint and Double Production of Small 4-Cylinder Engines by 2011

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).

Via Green Car Congress