GM’s Opel division is commencing its previously-announced powertrain renewal with its all-new 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec engine. In doing so, GM’s European subsidiary has announced that the new turbocharged Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) four-banger will not only be class-leading, but that it also will be available in two configurations: Eco Turbo, and Performance Turbo.
Eco Turbo
The Eco Turbo version is optimized to deliver superior fuel economy, high low-end torque, and exceptional elasticity. It delivers 125 kW (170 horsepower) and 280 Nm (206 lb.-ft.) of torque.
Performance Turbo
The Performance Turbo version is tuned for performance configurations and packs 147 kW (200 hp) and 300 Nm (221 lb.-ft. of torque), or a specific power output of 125 horsepower per liter.
Fuel Economy & CO2 Emissions
Far from being a thirsty power-dense four-banger, the new 1.6T is a frugal gasoline sipper: CO2 emissions and fuel consumption have been cut by 13 percent, all while peak power and torque have increased up to 30 percent. The Eco Turbo’s fantastic elasticity is further exemplified by a 20 percent improvement in fifth gear acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h.
Technical highlights
- Class-leading refinement: only engine in its class to feature balance shafts for smooth running. Innovative thin-wall cylinder block with mass-saving, two-piece crankcase and die-cast aluminum bedplate. Host of ‘sound engineering’ measures for low noise and vibration, including fine-tuning for specific vehicle applications.
- Optimum fuel efficiency with minimal emissions: spark plug/fuel injector units centrally located at top of combustion chamber.
- Fast throttle response: dynamic turbocharger boost strategy giving rapid response comparable to twin-scroll design, plus improved packaging. Compressor with low and high-pressure resonators to suppress airborne hiss and pulsation noise.
Opel is first making the new 1.6T SIDI Ecotec available in its new Cascada convertible, and the engine will eventually replace the last-generation 1.6 liter turbocharged Ecotec line. In addition, the new gas-powered 1.6T will have a diesel-sipping variant sporting the same 1.6L displacement.
The GM Authority Take
Giving the same (very-capable) engine two different configurations is a great strategy, and we’re sure that aftermarket tuners will have a field day tuning the new 1.6T in all sorts of fun and interesting ways — whether optimized for power or fuel economy. So, well-played, Opel/GM… well-played, indeed.
And as of this writing, neither General Motors nor Opel have acknowledged that the new 1.6T will make its way to vehicles in North America, but common sense tells us that it will. When it does, it will be available in everything from the Chevy Sonic to the Malibu, among others.
Comments
North America Please…
Any technical comparisons between this engine and Ford’s mainstay?
Elroy, they’re similar, but GM’s is slightly more powerful and efficient.
Needs to go into the Encore.
That would be sweet.
So someone please correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t we hear that a 1.6T was going to become the standard motor on Verano? Either way, this is a terrific pair of motors with numerous uses in the United States. I can’t imagine GM will deny us….although….
Now Alex, I hope GM can work some Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) magic to its 2.0 turbo as well to improve it fairly dismal mpg # by comparison to BMW 328i. To have 260 bhp to a Malibu while seeing 24 mpg city, 35mpg, would boost image and sales. I think GM should still keep it 2.5 in the Malibu and improve it mpg through some tranmission upgrades while offering this 1.6 as and optional engine. This = more sales for the controversal Malibu.
GM make sure this damn engine makes it to the Cruz and Sonic very soon, So you can take away some more Corolla, Civic, Mazda 3, Kia forte, Hyundai Elantra, Focus and Fiesta sales in the future. Alex, is this form of thinknig to hard for GM executive to comprehen? This is the formula that it necessary to increase GM’s market share world wide.
@valiance Not to worry, GM executives are plenty competent and will do what is best for the product lineup. It’s not really noticeable without having any direct contact with them, but their drive to be the best in the industry is really contagious — that’s my take after speaking to some of them in person.
But what’s even important is this: GM is approaching a huge product offensive that’s the culmination of years of work in vehicle and technology (powertrain) development. Remember that the 1.6T has just recently commenced production in Europe and will be rolled out gradually across the applicable vehicles globally. There’s nothing official to support this, but I expect that the next-gen Cruze (2015 MY) will introduce this all-new range of small displacement Ecotecs to the North American market; other vehicles (Sonic/Aveo, next-gen Equinox, and others) will also get it.
Meanwhile, the 2.0T LTG engine is a SIDI unit. It make more power in all of its applications than the 328i you mention. For instance:
– Cadillac ATS makes 272/260 and 20/30 MPG
– Malibu 2.0T makes 259/260 and 21/30
– BMW 328i makes 244/255 and 23/33
So while the BMW gets slightly higher fuel economy, it is at a power disadvantage. But the difference between these vehicles isn’t in the engine, but rather in the transmission. The 328i has an 8-speed auto, while both the 2.0T LTG-equippped ATS and Malibu make do with a 6-speed unit. As you know, a GM 8-speed was introduced on the 2014 CTS (it’s a temporary-measure Aisin unit), while GM’s own internal 8-speed gearbox will be out in the near future.
The obvious engine for the Cruze.
A diesel called Sid lol
Too bad BMW way underrates their turbo 4 banger in the 328i. GM rates the power of the engine itself and BMW rates the power of the car itself. Very different ways in how they rate the power of their cars. The 528i is near 3800 pounds, yet it still runs to 60 quicker than the new CTS will. I think the new CTS V Sport will beat the 550i though. Otherwise, I would love to see this new 1.6 liter replace the 1.4 liter turbo in U.S. applications
While at the NY Auto Show, GM had a pavilion of all it’s latest (’13 and ’14) models. The Cruze diesel was along the back wall and not a soul was looking at it. May be a NY thing but makes one wonder if this car has any big interest.
Well, diesel-powered passenger cars in general aren’t very popular in the States at this point in time, so the fact that the Cruze Diesel didn’t get much attention isn’t surprising. One of the metrics of the Cruze TD’s success will be its sales rate compared to its main competitor — the Jetta TDI. I imagine there wasn’t a huge crowd around that vehicle…
Oops, thought this was a Turbo diesel! My mistake.
This has to be on the Cruz, sonic, verano, and encore
Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition
1.6 154kw 207hp
http://fastestlaps.com/cars/opel_corsa_opc_nrburgring_edition.html
sonic ss. or supersonic. anyone?
I certainly look forward to seeing this in a Cruze or Verano hatch and, of course, the Encore (which should get it first in North America). A Sonic SS would also be very nice.
But the progressive improvement in engine technology is to be expected. The primary question that remains, to me, is whether or not GM/Ford’s new 8-speed transmissions will lock out the torque converter. It’s hard to imagine a fine engine like the new 1.6T being partially waisted on unnecessary drag, especially for cars that people purchase for their fuel economy. Of course, we not only want to know “if,” but “when.”
@VeranoHatch The upcoming 8-speeds are “regular” automatics with torque converters. As for eliminating the drag, stay tuned 🙂
Perfect engine for a Sonic SS!!!