As GM begins production of its new 2.5 liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine slated for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac ATS, among other vehicles, car buyers the world over can not only expect a more sporty driving experience thanks to an increase in power, but also a much quieter driving experience.
See, the direct injected 2.5L Ecotec straight four has 16 percent more horsepower than the 2.4 it replaces, but its noise intensity is a whopping 40 percent less. And when you’re talking about a small engine being more powerful and less noisy at the same time, that’s quite the achievement — wouldn’t you say?
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I will drive an ATS as soon as they arrive here……I will try Verano when that is available also…..what a great choice.! I will have to decide….but, ATS will have to go ons sale,,,,just too expensive for what is offered at this point, I’m thinking. At any rate, GM is really hitting its stride of late…Im so impressed and proud that I can buy American quality that is so stylish and with such a quality build!!
put this on Regal!!
I really like the ’13 Malibu, but I would never buy the Eco. I’m waiting for the LT and LTZ trims to debut with this new 2.5L 1-4…
I’d rather buy the Malibu rather than the “Newly Designed” Accord.
This engine is shaping up to be a home run. I think this will be the best v4 engine on the market.
It’s not a “V4″… It is an in-line 4 cylinder engine.
By V4, I meant 4 cylinder, but congratulations, u got it right down to the wire its an “in-line 4 cylinder engine”, not a “V4” .
Happy? 🙂
So when will we see the new 2.5 in the Equinox / Terrain?
The 3.6 is already showing up in the 2013 models at dealers…
Will they use this new 2.5L with the Eco and eassist trims? Because it hurts to think that the new impala will be getting such a dissapointing engine.
I know that engine cover has a lot to do with noise, too. I wonder if it will fit on the previous 2.4 Liter.
That engine as an option in the CRUZE. Standard in the Verano …. Would be nice, wouldn’t you say?
Interestingly, that very engine has been criticised by almost every car magazine that tested the ATS. They made it sound as if it was only slightly removed from a VW Beetle’s mill. This is why you have to go out there and drive the cars and not take what people (ie, the magazines) say as gospel…If more people did that then BMW would not be getting away with the trash they are putting out on the road…
Richard, it’s one thing to praise the 2.5 mill for being used in a plethora of mainstream vehicles (Chevys) where it increases power and improves fuel economy, among other things. But it’s totally different to dislike the 2.5 for being present in a luxury performance car. I think we can all agree that the 2.5 has no place in the ATS, and that the 2.0T should be the base engine.
The other part of the equation here is that the mags you’re referring to are using the segment leader’s (BMW) wonderful base 2.0 turbo mill as the benchmark, one that the 2.5 doesn’t hold a candle to. So in that regard, I’d side with them.
Also, why don’t you like BMW?
Alex, how will the 2.5 be for average in-town driving, etc…..have you driven one yet? I’m waiting for one to whow up here.
Yes, I have. Haven’t driven the 2.5 though. It was a loaded 3.6… I’m sure the 2.5 would be fine for getting around. Heck, the Audi A4 2.0T makes a weak 211 horses, and it sells like hot cakes (it makes it up with 258 lb.-ft. Of torque). But if Caddy is serious about schooling the competition, then it should make its 2.0T the base.
Alex, how fun, I bet you enjoyed the car! How is it for ride and quiet? I am waiting my turn to take it for a nice spin….I will see what dealer has to look at. I would probably get 2.5 for my purposes?
Was definitely fun but a little short lived. Need to share 🙁
The ride is wonderful and the NVH is nearly non-existent. Prognosis: it’s very good. I would even say it’s 3er good, but the brand still lags that of BMW from a retail and image points of view.
I wonder if the Verano 2.5 will have the special intakes that were used on the 2.4 to make it quieter? Probably won;t need it on the new ones??? Sounds like a wonderful engine…bet it will do very well….glad it is finally quiet!!!
I think a lot of people should be happy with 2.5….I’m pretty sure that is what I would get….as long it goes up steep freeway hills, I’d be fine…..but I’m around town mostly anyways….still waiting for one to show up
I’d take BMWs 2.0 as a base engine any day. 36 mpg with RWD and 240 hp?! Hello!!!
“Interestingly, that very engine has been criticised by almost every car magazine that tested the ATS”
Mostly for beng under powered in a 3400lb car. Gets better in the lighter Verano, and better yet in the 3100lb Cruze.
I think the 2.5 should be a standard engine for Cruze LTZ just like how Mazda 3 make the 2.5 that was on the Mazda 6 and make it standard on the 3 Grand Touring. Or not unless GM is considering maybe putting 1.6T and tweak it up a little bit?
Vic ………….. I think thats what I said in another post. 2.5L in LTZ and base engine in the Verano. Leaving the ATS with the turbo 2.0L as the base engine.
But then if you say leaving ATS with turbo 2.0L as base, then what is CTS gonna have?
“But then if you say leaving ATS with turbo 2.0L as base, then what is CTS gonna have?”
I could care less …
of course you would
I’m looking to maybe buy a new Compact cat …. I’ve not had a med or full size car for more than 30 years. If they stopped building the CTS I’d hardly take notice.
RJ….what car would you actually buy?
What is wrong with the CTS? It’s a very nice car. Unless you owned one with the 3.6DI with AWD you wouldn’t care. Also, IMO, the 2.5L is not right for any Cadillac. Even with slightly more HP than the 2.4L, it’s still going to be slow as hell.
Dd someone say that there was something “wrong” ith the CTS?
“If they stopped building the CTS I’d hardly take notice.” That is what you said. While you may not said it how I typed it, a person with a logical thought process would assume that you don’t think to much of the vehicle.
I think I said …………. and please read in it’s entirety. Don’t try to read between the lines. Don’t assume anything.
“I’m looking to maybe buy a new compact car…. I’ve not had a med or full size car for more than 30 years. If they stopped building the CTS I’d hardly take notice.”
cat/car typo fixed
Whatever you say. You make ambiguously vague comments that you would hardly take notice if they stopped building the car then wtf is that supposed to mean?
Moron
Kiel
August 13, 2012 at 6:05 pm
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Whatever you say. You make ambiguously vague comments that you would hardly take notice if they stopped building the car then wtf is that supposed to mean?
Moron
Once you pass your childhhod days you’ll realize cars come and go. You’ll realize models come and go. Oh and names come and go. I guess you have not reached the level of maturity to understand this. Thats why you struggle with understanding wtf that is supposed to mean
RJ what is your point? You didn’t make one before. Can you make one now?
200 plus hp Cruze wagon would top my list. 200 plus hp Cruze Sedan would be second on my list.
Of the three ….. Cruze, Verano, and ATS as they are at this moment. The turbo ATS stands out. Just understand some things. One … I do not need a new car. Two … I do not buy cars so friends and family hold me in high esteem. Three … I don’t care for a moment what my neighbors think about whats in my garage. Four … If the car fits what I’m going to use the car for it fits.
Level of maturity? You’re an oxy moron. See, I understand the fact that cars come and go, I lease mine and every 24-36 months I trade it in for a new one. I’m not a child, RJ. In fact, I’m a responsible 28 year old with a masters degree and a high paying career in Information Technology. I don’t think that makes me immature in anyway. I struggle with nothing, other than stooping myself to your level to understand a stupid, vague comment post by you. So don’t be calling me immature and saying I have difficulties understand anything when clearly you assume that people know what you mean.
Level of maturity? You’re an oxy moron. See, I understand the fact that cars come and go, I lease mine and every 24-36 months I trade it in for a new one. I’m not a child, RJ. In fact, I’m a responsible 28 year old with a masters degree and a high paying career in Information Technology. I don’t think that makes me immature in anyway. I struggle with nothing, other than stooping myself to your level to understand a stupid, vague comment post by you. So don’t be calling me immature and saying I have difficulties understanding anything when clearly you assume that people know what you mean.
You made my point …
August 15, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Reply
“RJ what is your point? You didn’t make one before. Can you make one now?”
Silent Electrician: May I ask what you find needs clarification?
Anyone?
“So when will we see the new 2.5 in the Equinox / Terrain?
The 3.6 is already showing up in the 2013 models at dealers…”
I think it is only Malibu and ATS for 2013. MY 2014 for the rest. Just like the new LTG 2.0 L turbo is only for the Malibu and ATS in 2013. Buick gets the old turbo engine for MY 2013
I don’t think the Nox and Terrain will have that 2.5 engine until further notice so we don’t know anything until GM or chevrolet representative tells something. Now if it does come with that 2.5 engine I wouldn’t expect to come if both the Equinox and Terrain have a refresh.
technically, you COULD make a 2.5l (that has vvt) faster than a 2.0t, put a turbo on the 2.5 problem solved