Production of General Motors Co.’s next-generation four-cylinder Ecotec engine will be done at its former Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tenn. Designed to provide reduced noise and friction, the Ecotec 2.4-liter engines have an output of 182 hp and 172 pounds-feet of torque. In particular, the engine’s direct-fuel-injection offer a 25% decrease of its cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.
2011 Ecotec 1.4L I-4 VVT Turbo GM claims that the all-aluminum engine is equipped with chain-driven, dual-overhead camshafts; variable valve timing; electronic throttle control; and automatic tension adjusters for the timing chain. A GM spokesperson told the Detroit Free Press that GM aims to start production in Spring Hill in 2013 and in a plant in Tonawanda, N.Y., in 2012.
The products of the Spring Hill plant include Ecotec engines for the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox crossovers and the Chevy Malibu, and Buick Lacrosse sedans. Because of GM’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, the operations of its former Saturn assembly portion of the plant were suspended last year. For the powertrain production, 1,045 workers will be recalled. GM also plans for all the versions of the engines to soon be made in the Spring Hill and Tonawanda plants. [via autonews - sub. required]
