General Motors-SAIC to develop small turbocharged engines for future lineup

As the old saying goes, “There’s no replacement for displacement”. But that’s not true anymore. Engines are downsizing, but with the addition of turbos and go-faster tech, there’s not much difference in terms of outright performance. Smaller displacement engines also emit way less carbon dioxide and offer better fuel economy. This probably explains why more and more carmakers are choosing to develop smaller displacement turbocharged engines.

Ford’s high-tech, 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine started it all. The award winning engine has created quite a stir globally. Here in India, it will power Ford’s upcoming mini SUV, the EcoSport. Following Ford’s lead, one more American carmaker, GM is now working on a range of small turbocharged engines for its future lineup. The range which comprises of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.5-litre engines, will be developed at an all-new production facility in Shenyang, China. 

With production scheduled to start by the end of next year, the plant will churn out about 450,000 engines every year. These engines will be powering a number of cars from GM’s global lineup as well as SAIC’s range of models like the Roewe 350 and the MG3.