GM's New Engine Technology May Boost Fuel Efficiency By 25 Percent.(General Motors)(Brief Article)

General Motors Corp. said its new technology will be able to increase gas mileage by an average of 2 miles a gallon on certain large trucks and sport utility vehicles, a GM official told Associated Press. By using "displacement on demand," GM says it has discovered a way to squeeze up to 25 percent more fuel efficiency out of a V8 engine.

A 2001 Chevrolet Suburban with a conventional 8 cylinder engine, for example, currently has a fuel efficiency rating of 14 to 18 miles a gallon. The Vortec V8 engines will be installed beginning in the 2004 calendar year in GM's large trucks and sport utility vehicles, spokesman David Roman said.

Eaton Corp. said it will provide GM with variable valve actuation technology and components for new engine that provides a precise and instantaneous electronic matching of engine displacement to the performance level being demanded by the driver. "One of the really unique features of this system is that it is completely transparent to the driver," said Kynan Church of Eaton's Automotive Engine Component Operations

Using computer sensors, the displacement on demand technology automatically shuts off 4 of the 8 cylinders during normal driving conditions. Roman says that usually will happen in the third or fourth gear, regardless of whether the transmission is automatic or manual. "If you're pulling a trailer it will be in V8," Roman said. All 8 cylinders also are reactivated during acceleration.

Initially 150,000 Vortec V8 engines will be produced at plants in Romulus, Mich., and St. Catherines, Ontario, GM said. By 2007, GM hopes to build about 1.5 million of the fuel efficient engines. The new engine will be installed as standard equipment and the company expects a "minimal" sticker price increase to cover the cost of the engine.

Print Get the Mag Weekly Updates