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GM going for new engine range

LUTON, England - Vauxhall (General Motors in South Africa) will replace the core of its petrol and diesel engine line-up through the next 12 months with three all-new families that promise industry-leading low CO2 emissions, economy, torque and refinement.

The main unit will be a 1.6-litre turbopetrol with direct injection and stop/start technology that, it's claimed, will cut CO2 emissions by 13% from its predecessor. The four-cylinder SIDI (spark-ignition direct injection) Ecotec engine will be available in various outputs and across several model ranges.

it will set itself apart, the automaker says, from rivals "with its levels of torque, excellent linearity, reduced noise, strong performance and low fuel consumption".

'CORE RANGES TO CHANGE'


Engineers have achieved maximum torque of 300Nm from 1700rpm, resulting in a class-leading specific output of 187.5Nm per litre. Peak power also increased to about 150kW at 4700rpm – up 15kW from the existing 1.6 turbo.

Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall's chairman and MD, said: “The quality, reliability and driveability of our cars is improving at an unprecedented rate. Replacing core engine ranges with high-output, high-efficiency units will enhance our cars’ appeal still further and reinforce our commitment to producing first-class products.”

Vauxhall’s first spark-ignition direct-injection engine, the 116kW, 2.2-litre Ecotec was first seen in the 2003 Signum and Vectra models, followed by the Zafira. Today the Insignia two-litre turbo continues the direct injection theme and is available (in some markets) with 159kW to 187kW in some European markets.

Production will start in Hungary towards the end of 2012.

WHEELS24 adds: GM South Africa says it is aware of the new engines but could not comment on when or if they would be available in local products. Heck, if they're cleaner, use less fuel and give more power, is there a question here?
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