General Motors‘ Small Block engine design is the go-to option for many boutique automakers looking to build a limited-production performance car. The venerable pushrod V8 engine has powered all sorts of limited-production sports and supercars, such as the Felino CB7R, Glickenhaus 004C and Sin R1, just to name a few.
Now GM’s LFV four-cylinder engine family is being used in a similar way by specialty vehicle company Vanderhall. The New Jersey-based manufacturer’s Venice three-wheeler and its different model variants have received a new GM-sourced turbocharged 1.5L engine for the 2020 model year, which replaces the GM turbo 1.4L motor that it used in the 2017-2019 Venice.
The 1.5L engine isn’t much more powerful than the old 1.4L engine it replaces, but it should offer added refinement and superior fuel economy in the three-wheeler. The turbo-four, which is mounted transversely in the front of the vehicle, is good for 194 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It sends power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, enabling a 0-60 mph time of around 4.5 seconds.
Other new features added to the 2020 model year Vanderhall Venice include electronic cruise control, a boost gauge, new satin black-painted 18-inch wheels and a three-inch exhaust. The Venice wasn’t built with luxury in mind, really, but there are at least some creature comforts in the way of a new heater and heated seats, along with a tan leather interior.
We should point out that the Vanderhall Venice isn’t technically a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration views this oddball creation as a three-wheeled motorcycle, so it’s not beholden to the same safety regulations as a regular vehicle might be. It does have front and rear crumple zones and roll hoops, however, but these features have not been crash-tested.
Pricing for the 2020 Vanderhall Venice starts at $29,950, while the range-topping Venice GT starts at $33,950. There’s also an entry-level Venice Blackjack model for $29,950, which uses the old 175 horsepower 1.4L engine and has less standard options.
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Comments
…and some people say it will soon be avaiable with the Cadillac Blackwing 4.2L Twin-Turbo V8.
If that’s the old 1.4T, then the new 1.5T switched from that iron block to aluminum block so the trike should drop weight too!
BTW, Vanderhall is not based in NJ. It is based in Provo Utah.
mine came with 210hp and blowoff valves stock not all are 194hp
How do you know it is 210hp?
have anyone had problems with the code 172 and po1101 code on 1.5 GM 2020 Vanderhall Venice