Yesterday, we told you that the upcoming Buick Envision compact crossover will be offered with GM’s turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 Ecotec engine. But not only will the boosted four-banger likely serve as the range-topping powerplant for the new crossover, but it will also feature Stop-Start technology — a first for GM’s highly-acclaimed 2.0-liter turbo (LTG) engine.
Stop-Start shuts down the vehicle’s engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, such as at stoplights. When that happens, a more robust battery continues to power the vehicle’s various functions such as HVAC, radio, and other accessories. The engine seamlessly springs back to life to propel the vehicle when the driver lifts his or her foot off the brake pedal.
Depending on vehicle application and implementation, Stop-Start has the potential to significantly improve fuel economy. For instance, when General Motors first implemented an engine with Stop-Start on the revised 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, the sedan’s fuel economy increased by a healthy 3 MPG in the city and 3 MPG combined.
| VEHICLE:2013 CHEVROLET MALIBUÂ 2.5 I4 | 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBUÂ 2.5 I4 WITH STOP-START | |
|---|---|---|
| CITY MPG: | 22 | 25 |
| HWY MPG: | 34 | 36 |
| COMBINED MPG: | 26 | 29 |
Stay tuned to GM Authority over the next week as we find out more details about the 2016 Buick Envision ahead of its debut on August 28th.
Editor’s note: this article was updated, with fuel economy figures on the 2013 and 2014 Chevy Malibu replacing those for the 2010-2014 LaCrosse.
Comments
The increase in fuel economy from the 2010 Buick LaCrosse to the 2015 Buick LaCrosse had very little to with the stop-start. Beginning in year 2012, Buick replaced the 2.4 I4 with the eAssist 2.4 I4. The fuel economy for 2012 Buick LaCrosse with the eAssist was 25/36. I’m sure the stop-start technology should help the Buick Envision suv though.
Yup exactly, and start-stop isn’t going to do anything on the highway, so a 6mpg increase there should have been a red flag on their theory.
@Charger and @andrew: you are absolutely correct. Thank you for pointing this out.
We meant to use the 2013 and 2014 Malibu as an example of the benefits of Stop-Start, not the LaCrosse, which benefitted from eAssist. Article corrected.
Yay GM. Welcome to 2012.
Yo Mike! Bro! Name one 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with Stop-Start on the market today.
I would avoid any start stop car unless I can shut it off. I have no real interest in this system and have never been a big fan of it.
I also drive a 2.0 turbo in a 3200 pound HHR with a turbo upgrade kit from GM that with 290 HP and 315 Ft LBS gets 25 mpg around town and 32 mpg highway when driven hard.
I know some like the start stop but I only like it on golf carts.
The truth is the savings depends mostly on how much starting and stopping you do.
Scott, much of my driving is commuting in a sizeable city. I find myself spending a lot of time sitting at a standstill, with the engine running and needlessly burning gas. I have thought to myself many times how much time each day my car would spend with the engine shut off. I cannot wait to get my next car some day with start-stop feature. It will definitely benefit me and many other city-dwelling 9 to 5 types. 2018 Buick GTC 1.6T with start-stop here I come!
If it works for you that is great! For me I sit little and have no need for it or love of it. This is why I would love the ability to shut it off. This way you can have it and i can shut it off.
One test about start-stop technology
Let’s not also forget that the 2014 Malibu with the 2.5i also got Intake Variable Valve Lift. Real word mileage for the Malibu is around 29 City and 38 Highway after a healthy break-in. Stop/Start does help a lot, but you can’t deny that IVVL does even more. If the Envision is getting a new version of the LTG with 256HP and 260LB-FT, why not take some extra time to find a way to add in IVVL as well? Personally, I don’t like the route of detuning a larger displacement engine instead of creating a new smaller displacement, high output engine with all of the technology built right in from the start, but I get that this is what GM has to work with as of now. My Malibu Turbo is still achieving 24 City and 35 Highway which is great, but it could be better. By 2016, I’m expecting IVVL to be added to all GM DOHC Engines and at least Stop/Start in all Malibu’s.