New Modular ECOTEC Engines are More Adaptable, Efficient

Modular architecture streamlines powertrain portfolio, reduces manufacturing complexity

Global design and manufacturing processes enhance adaptability, with 11 engine variants ranging from 1.0L to 1.5L

Up to 2.5 million annual production at five global plants by 2017

Ecotec 1.0L Turbocharged three cylinder engine (right), Ecotec 1.4L Turbocharged engine (left) and the Ecotec 1.5L engine (center).

A new generation of Ecotec small-displacement engines streamlines General Motors’ global powertrain portfolio with a modular architecture that broadens its adaptability to global markets and reduces manufacturing complexity – while offering customers leading-edge efficiency, refinement and durability.

The new engines were developed for GM’s global vehicle portfolio and will power many of the company’s highest-volume small cars and compact crossovers – including the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze specifically tailored for China, which launches in 2014 as a 2015 model.

By 2017, more than 2.5 million new Ecotec engines are projected to be built annually in at least five manufacturing locations around the globe: Flint, Michigan (U.S.); Shenyang, China; Szentgotthárd, Hungary; Toluca, Mexico; and Changwon, South Korea. The Flint facility alone represents an investment of more than $200 million in technology and tooling to support the engines’ production.

“Transportation solutions vary around the world and GM is committed to developing engines matched to the needs of the regions where they’re sold,” said Steve Kiefer, GM vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. “The new engine family is designed to achieve segment-leading refinement and efficiency, and will make its way into five GM brands and 27 models by the 2017 model year.”

The new Ecotec portfolio will include 11 engines, with three- and four-cylinder variants ranging from 1.0L to 1.5L – including turbocharged versions – and power ratings ranging from 75 horsepower (56 kW) to 165 horsepower (123 kW), and torque ranging from 70 lb-ft (95 Nm) to 184 lb-ft (250 Nm). The architecture is also designed to support hybrid propulsion systems and alternative fuels.

The first production applications include a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder for the Opel ADAM in Europe, and 1.4L turbocharged and 1.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines for the 2015 next-generation Chevrolet Cruze in China.

The new Ecotec 1.5L naturally aspirated engine will debut in the 2015 next-generation Chevrolet Cruze in China.

The turbocharged variants enable the engines to deliver the power and torque of larger-displacement engines with the efficiency of smaller engines. For example, the turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder used in the Opel ADAM makes as much power as the naturally aspirated 1.6L four-cylinder it replaces – with an estimated 20-percent improvement in efficiency.

The all-new Ecotec 1.0L turbo, three-cylinder gasoline engine will debut in the Opel ADAM and make as much power as the naturally aspirated 1.6L four-cylinder it replaces while offering an estimated 20 percent improvement in efficiency.

In fact, the new Ecotec family is on the leading edge of efficiency, with the new 1.4L turbo up to five percent more efficient than the 1.4L turbo engine it will replace. The new Ecotec engines also deliver segment-challenging refinement. Noise intensity is up to 50-percent quieter than Volkswagen’s EA211 1.4L four-cylinder and up to 25-percent quieter than Ford’s 1.0L turbo three-cylinder.

The new Ecotec 1.4L turbo will be up to five percent more efficient than the 1.4L turbo it will replace.

Clean-sheet design

The new Ecotec engines represent a clean-sheet design and engineering process, leveraging the diverse experience of GM’s global resources. Technologies such as central direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing, turbocharging and variable intake manifold airflow help achieve efficiency goals with broad power bands, for an optimal balance of strong performance and lower fuel consumption.

“The new Ecotec architecture represents the most advanced and efficient family of small-car gas engines in GM’s history,” said Tom Sutter, global chief engineer. “Along with performance and efficiency targets, we’ve also aimed for segment-leading refinement with low noise and vibration – and we’ve hit the bulls-eye.”

Modularity in parts – such as four-cylinder and three-cylinder blocks – that share bore spacing, bore diameter, liners and other dimensions, reduces complexity while increasing the flexibility to quickly adapt the architecture for new applications.

The new Ecotec engines are calibrated to run on regular unleaded gas – even the high-output turbo variants.

The new 1.4L turbo for the 2015 next-generation Chevrolet Cruze in China is estimated at 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 173 lb-ft of torque (235 Nm). The 1.5L is rated at an estimated 113 horsepower (84 kW) and 108 lb-ft of torque (146 Nm).

In China, Cruze models with the 1.4L Turbo engine will also feature an all-new dual-clutch gearbox.

!NEW! Opel has Most Creative Booth at Geneva Motor Show 2014

• Creativity Award for demonstration of Opel’s digitally connected automotive world
• Opel hostess Chantal Breitinger elected Miss Auto Salon 2014

Most attractive booth at Geneva Motor Show 2014: Creativity Award for demonstration of Opel’s digitally connected automotive world.

Opel made a real impression in Geneva with its vehicles, technologies, exhibit and staff. Connectivity was the predominant theme of Opel’snew ADAM ROCKS, the ADAM S at the 84th Geneva Motor Show. The German automaker is already a market leader with its IntelliLink infotainment system featured in models from the ADAM to the Zafira Tourer. And from 2015, Opel will introduce the carefree, all-round vehicle services system OnStar in Europe. OnStar is the leading brand of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology. This announcement was one of four Opel world premieres in Geneva. In addition to OnStar, these were the new ADAM ROCKS, the ADAM S, as well as the Astra OPC EXTREME.

Most creative booth and most beautiful hostess: Opel premieres perfectly staged

The 1,544 m2 Opel booth in Geneva projected high-tech from every direction. The dark black, shiny glass floor reflected the spotlights, and one million LEDs showed Opel vehicles and technology in action in sharp HD quality on the 36-meter-wide video wall. Visitors were able to learn more about OnStar and IntelliLink on terminals and even become part of the motor show. Some 300 Opel fans used the opportunity to have their photos taken, which were then on show on the multimedia wall throughout the event. Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann was also interactive: he presented Opel’s Geneva exhibit to his Twitter followers with a booth tour – broadcast live via Google Glass. With so many innovations made so accessible to the public, Opel was honored with the Creativity Award.

New Opel ADAM ROCKS and Opel ADAM S at Geneva Motor Show 2014

The Creativity Award, founded by the Club de publicité et de communication de Genève (CPG), invites a panel of communications experts to the International Motor Show in Geneva every year. Benjamin Feijo is chairman of the award. After visiting all booths and discussing them, the panel decided to grant the Creativity Award to the automobile brand that fulfilled almost all the selection criteria: this year the 11th Creativity Award went to Opel.

New Opel Astra OPC EXTREME at Geneva Motor Show 2014

But there is more: Opel’s winning presence in Geneva with its trendsetting vehicles and corresponding booth concept also included its staff, which impressed visitors and journalists alike. For the 16th time, the trade publishing house AUTO&Wirtschaft and the automobile platform car4you.ch organized the selection of Miss Auto Salon. The jury of experts chose Opel’s Chantal Breitinger as the most beautiful motor show hostess in 2014 at a ceremony attended by 400 guests. The attractive law student was one of a total of 82 staff who manned the Opel booth and perfectly staged its innovative products.

Opel hostess Chantal Breitinger elected Miss Auto Salon 2014

!NEW! Opel Zafira Tourer: Powerful Compact Van now with IntelliLink

• Best infotainment: IntelliLink turns compact van into networked travel center
• Top performer: New 1.6 liter gasoline direct injection Turbo with 200 hp and 300 Nm
• Powerful duo: Opel Zafira Tourer with top engine and IntelliLink from 29,655 euros

Opel Zafira Tourer now combines its 147 kW/ 200 hp new generation 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with Opel’s cutting-edge IntelliLink system.

Powerful performance and class-leading infotainment: the Opel Zafira offers a compelling combination of talents. The new generation 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, with 147 kW/200 hp and 300 Nm of torque on overboost, makes the Zafira Tourer one of the most powerful compact vans on the market. The versatile van now also features individualized infotainment with Opel’s cutting-edge IntelliLink system, which integrates numerous smartphone functions inside the vehicle, connecting the driver and passengers to the world around them. This most powerful Zafira Tourer with its advanced CD 600 IntelliLink system is available for an affordable 29,655 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). In addition, every Zafira Tourer can now be ordered with IntelliLink.

All clear: High resolution color monitor and voice-controlled navigation

Thanks to smartphone integration, Opel’s innovative IntelliLink technology guarantees first-class infotainment which can be tailored to each user’s personal priorities. The IntelliLink system in the Zafira Tourer features a CD drive, AM/FM radio, AUX/USB interfaces, iPod/mp3 and smartphone control via steering wheel remote controls, Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity and audio streaming. It also includes voice control for many functions, including the navigation system and smartphone, while both Radio CD 600 IntelliLink and Navi 950 Europe IntelliLink systems can read SMS messages out loud. In addition, images can be shown via a USB device when the vehicle is parked. The large, high-definition, seven-inch color monitor also offers a new interface with IntelliLink graphics, making commands even easier to read.

Navigation is embedded in the Navi 950 IntelliLink system which is extremely fast and precise to use. Destinations can be entered easily, either via the traditional control button or voice recognition using a rapid ‘one shot entry’ (request navigation, say ‘enter address’, followed by the address in a single phrase). Zooming in and out of the map is now literally instantaneous, and updates can simply be downloaded via USB. The top-of-the-line Navi 950 Europe IntelliLink contains maps for the whole of Europe, including Russia and Turkey.

Opel Zafira Tourer MPV with Navi 950 Europe IntelliLink

Opel Zafira Tourer drivers who place a premium on a wide variety of radio programs and high sound quality can also upgrade their infotainment with DAB+ - Digital Audio Broadcast. This option raises the bar in terms of the range of radio stations reached, reception reliability and sound quality, while offering a listening experience comparable to that of a CD.

Top performance in the cabin – top performance under the hood

The Zafira Tourer now offers superb performance that goes beyond the close connectivity of advanced infotainment. Under the hood, it boasts impressive power from the new generation, 147 kW/200 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine, enabling Opel’s compact van to outshine many of its competitors for high power and torque figures. With an impressive 300 Nm of pulling power (using overboost) on tap from just 1,700 up to 4,700 rpm, the Zafira Tourer offers superb performance that exceeds typical compact van levels.

High low-end torque gives strong acceleration and exemplary elasticity. With this new engine, the Zafira Tourer accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, while the transition from 80 to 120 km/h in 5th gear is achieved in just 8.3 seconds – a top value for a seven-seat compact van. Top speed is 225 km/h and combined cycle fuel consumption with Start/Stop is 7.0 l/100 km (according to NEDC test procedure) with emissions of 164 g/km CO2. Smooth running characteristics with very low levels of noise and vibration are a real forte of Opel’s high quality engine, which comes with a new generation, six-speed manual gearbox offering smooth and fast shifting with minimal effort.

The 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp is part of Opel’s extensive model and powertrain offensive. As the most powerful engine in the Zafira Tourer range, it extends a powertrain portfolio that includes: the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI top-of-the-range diesel, with 143 kW/195 hp and 400 Nm; the new generation 1.6 CDTI whisper diesel with 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Nm and fuel consumption of only 4.1 l/100 km (109 g/km CO2); and the 125 kW/170 hp version of the 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo. In addition to this wide gasoline and diesel choice, the Zafira Tourer offers alternative propulsion options with the 103 kW/140 hp 1.4 LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and the 1.6 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) models.

The high performance Opel Zafira Tourer is visually distinguished by dual exhaust tailpipes, with red ‘turbo’ lettering on the rear added as a discreet understatement for those with a keen eye for detail. Opel’s adaptive FlexRide chassis puts the Zafira Tourer’s power onto the road, and wheel choices range from 17 to 19 inches in size.