Category Archives: GM News

General Motors’ Newest Engines Help Save Fuel And Money

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  • New technologies and vehicle enhancements will enable GM’s 2009 domestic car and light truck lineups to save 700 million gallons of fuel over vehicle life as compared to the 2008 GM fleet
  • Chevy Equinox four-cylinder model to offer class-leading highway fuel economy

PONTIAC, Mich. – Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox crossover will hit the streets next summer in a vehicle equipped with a highly efficient, all-new engine that will help save both fuel and money.

The 2010 Equinox will be offered with a choice of two new direct injected (DI) engines that use less fuel yet make more power – a 2.4L four-cylinder and a 3.0L V-6. The 2.4L engine delivers an estimated 30 mpg in highway driving (EPA certification pending), placing the Equinox at the top of its segment in highway mileage. Consumers who drive the 2.4L-equipped Equinox 15,000 miles per year will save 134 gallons of fuel or about $270 to $400 annually (assuming gas prices of $2 or $3 per gallon as compared to 2009MY Equinox).

The Equinox will join a growing roster of direct injected vehicles from GM, including the all-new 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover and 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan, which, along with the Equinox, debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In fact, for the 2010 model year, GM will offer more DI models in North America than any other manufacturer.

“We first introduced direct injection in North America in the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line and the Pontiac Solstice GXP,” said Tom Stephens, executive vice president, GM Global Powertrain and Global Quality. “We’ve been rolling out the technology across our portfolio as quickly as we can so that our customers will have additional fuel savings options. Direct injection is a state-of-the art engineering solution because it enables improved fuel economy and lower emissions without sacrificing power.”

In the 2009 model year, GM offers six engines in 18 models globally with direct injection. By 2010, GM will have eight direct injected engines in 38 vehicle models, covering 10 percent of its global volume. In North America alone, GM will offer 18 models with direct injection.

GM’s fuel-saving lineup

GM’s direct injection push is part of a larger effort to implement multiple fuel-saving technologies across its 2009 portfolio. The all-new 2009 Chevy Traverse crossover, for example, enjoys best-in-class highway fuel economy (24 mpg for FWD models) of any eight-passenger SUV, thanks in part to its 3.6L direct injected V-6 engine with variable valve timing. In 2009, GM expects to sell 500,000 vehicles with gasoline direct injection.

Here are additional fuel-saving facts about GM vehicles:

  • Twenty models in GM’s 2009 lineup deliver EPA-rated highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or more – more than any other automaker. GM’s non-hybrid models rank first in highway fuel economy in both the midsize sedan and subcompact segments. (Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura with 33 highway mpg; and Chevrolet Colbalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE at 37 highway mpg.)
  • GM’s 2009 domestic car and light truck lineups will use 700 million fewer gallons of fuel than the 2008 lineup, during the life of the vehicles, saving $1.4 to $2.1 billion in fuel costs, assuming gas prices of $2 to $3 per gallon. It’s estimated that GM’s 2010 lineup will add another 1.1 billion gallons of fuel savings and $2.2 to $3.3 billion, relative to the 2008 lineup.

GM’s advanced engine technologies are already saving fuel today in vehicles on the road or expected to be sold in 2009. They include:

  • More than 3.7 million vehicles with variable valve timing (VVT)
  • 700,000 vehicles with direct injection
  • 600,000 vehicles with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which automatically lets the engine run on half of its cylinders when full power is not needed
  • 200,000 vehicles with turbocharged gas engines
  • 42,000 vehicles with both direct injection and turbocharging
  • More than 2 million vehicles with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions

2.4L DI details

The new 2.4L DI engine delivers an estimated 180 horsepower (134 kW) @ 6700 rpm and 172 lb.-ft. of torque (232 Nm) @4900 rpm. It uses technology based on GM’s other four-cylinder direct injection applications, but with unique features designed for its specific application. This includes an 11.4:1 compression ratio that helps build power, slightly dished pistons that increase combustion efficiency and injectors with an application-specific flow rate.

GM benchmarked the best fuel system and noise attenuation products to provide customers with quiet operation.

3.0L DI details

The new 3.0L DI engine is a variant of GM’s family of high-feature DOHC V-6 engines that also includes GM’s 3.6L DI engine in the Cadillac CTS – an engine named to Ward’s AutoWorld’s 2009 “Ten Best Engines” list for North America, for the second consecutive year.

The 3.0L is rated at an estimated 255 horsepower (187 kW) and 214 lb.-ft. of torque (290 Nm), for an impressive power-to-displacement ratio of 85 hp per liter. (Output will vary by model.) The 3.0L DI features an isolated fuel injector system that reduces the direct injection high-pressure fuel system pulses for quieter operation. Rubber isolators are used with the fuel rail to eliminate metal-to-metal contact that would otherwise transmit noise and vibration from the high-pressure fuel system.

Along with direct injection technology, both the 3.0L DI and 2.4L DI engines use variable valve timing to optimize power and fuel efficiency across the rpm band, as well as reduce emissions.


How DI Works Animation

How DI works

In a conventionally port fuel injected engine, air and fuel are mixed before they enter the combustion chamber. With GM’s DI engines, fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder where it is mixed with air. As the piston approaches top-dead center, the mixture is ignited by the spark plug; and when the fuel vaporizes in the cylinder, the air and fuel mixture is cooled. This enables the use of a higher compression ratio in the combustion chamber, which improves the engine’s power and efficiency.

On cold starts, direct injection can be controlled to create a richer air/fuel mixture around the spark plug, making it easier to ignite in a cold engine. This results in a smoother operation of the engine andlower emissions during the cold start and warm-up, when most harmful tailpipe emissions are typically created. GM’s direct injected engines reduce cold-start vehicle emissions by 25 percent.

Because the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, direct injection uses higher fuel pressure than conventional fuel injected engines. This is enabled by a special high pressure pump driven by one of the engine’s camshafts.

2009 Powertrain changes

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GM’s Powertrain Division always seems to hide this stuff, so here it is ‘front page’:

GM’S 2009 Powertrain Lineup Features a New Hybrid and Advanced Technologies that Give Consumers More Miles With Less Fuel

PONTIAC, Mich. – For 2009, GM’s global lineup of 2009 advanced powertrains is dedicated to driving consumers further on a gallon of fuel. In North America, the company again leads the industry with 20 models that achieve an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 30 or more mpg, as well as fuel economy leadership among midsize and subcompact cars, two of the industry’s most hotly-contested passenger car segments.

“Our goal is to improve fuel economy, enhance performance, reduce emissions and increase customer choice,” said Tom Stephens, executive vice president, Global Powertrain and GM Quality. “Our new powertrain products continue to demonstrate how we’re using advanced technologies to provide customers with an unprecedented choice of fuel-saving options.”

Technological diversity covers all bases

GM has committed to multiple fuel-saving technologies across its product line. The all-new 2009 Chevy Traverse crossover, for example, enjoys best-in-class highway fuel economy (24 mpg for 2WD models) of any eight-passenger SUV, thanks in part to its engine, a 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing and direct injection technologies. In 2009, GM expects to sell nearly 700,000 vehicles with highly efficient direct gasoline injection.

The same commitment applies to a host of fuel-saving and emissions-reducing technologies already on the road in GM’s cars and trucks around the world for the 2009 model year. They include: more than 3.5 million vehicles with variable valve timing (VVT); 700,000 vehicles with direct injection; 800,000 vehicles with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which automatically lets the engine run on half of its cylinders when full power is not needed; 200,000 vehicles with turbocharged gas engines; and 42,000 vehicles with both direct injection and turbocharging. In addition, more than 40 GM models representing more than 2 million vehicles will be equipped with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions.

New-for-2009 North American powertrain products

GM will offer nine gas-electric hybrid models and 18 flex-fuel models that operate on renewable E85 biofuel, more than any manufacturer in the North American market. In addition, 20 GM models across three brands – Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn – achieve EPA highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or better, more than any other automaker.

Four-cylinder, six-speed models of the Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura lead among non-hybrid midsize sedans with 33 mpg highway, along with the Pontiac G6. The Chevy Cobalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE win among non-hybrid, gasoline-fueled subcompacts at 37 mpg highway.

Additional new powertrains in North America include:

  • The first transverse (or front-drive) application of GM’s patented two-mode hybrid (2MT70) technology in the 2009 Saturn Vue. In the Vue, the two-mode is matched with a new 3.6L V-6 with VVT and direct injection (LCS), which has beenengineered to maximize fuel efficiency. The Vue 2 Mode will be the highest-mileage V-6 powered sport-utility available.

  • A new Ecotec 2.2L I-4 VVT (LAP) base engine for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. It improves fuel efficiency with a 7-percent increase in horsepower.

  • A sophisticated Family 1 1.6L I-4 VVT (LXV) for the all-new 2009 Chevrolet Aveo that delivers 106 hp (79 kW) and 105 lb.-ft. of torque (140 Nm).

  • An expansion of biofuel capability, with two E85 FlexFuel Ecotecs, the Ecotec 2.2L (LE8) and the Ecotec 2.4L(LE9) for the Chevrolet HHR and a FlexFuel 6.2L V-8 VVT (L9H) for full-size pickups and SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and HUMMER H2.

  • Two ultra-powerful supercharged small-block V-8s that deliver an unmatched balance of specific output and fuel economy.

    • The 6.2L V-8 SC (LS9) in the 2009 Corvette ZR1, at 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm), is GM’s most powerful production engine ever built. Yet the ZR1 delivers better mileage (20 mpg highway) than the Ferrari GTB Fiorano or Lamborghini Murcielago, according to EPA ratings.

    • The 6.2L V-8 SC (LSA) in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V helps to deliver the sedan’s world-class status. At 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), the LSA is the most powerful engine ever offered in Cadillac’s history.

New powertrain products for Europe

For 2009, GM Powertrain will introduce a new Family 1 1.6-liter CNG turbocharged 4-cylinder (LGE) in the Opel Zafira. With fuel-delivery rails for both CNG and gasoline and an auxiliary gas tank, the 1.6L CNG Turbo can operate on gasoline if CNG is not available.

In addition, the new Family 1, 1.6 L Turbo (LLU) will be launched in the Opel Insignia, generating 180 horsepower (134 kW). This engine, which was previously launched in the Opel Astra, has lower emissions (meets Euro 5 standards).

New diesels for 2009 start with two new 1.3L 4-cylinder diesel engines (LSE, LSF) for the Opel and Vauxhall Corsa, ranging from 75 horsepower (55 kW) to 95 horsepower (71 kW).

Two new 2.0L direct-injection turbo-diesels (LBS, LBX) are available for the all-new Opel Insignia, with power outputs ranging from 110 to 160 horsepower (81-118 kW) and up to 350 Nm. A new 2.0L two-stage turbo diesel (LBY) with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm torque will be offered in the Opel Insignia.

Another new engine for 2009 in the Opel Insignia is a new variant of the high-feature 2.8L turbocharged V-6, which will generate 260 horsepower (191kW).

New powertrain products for Asia-Pacific

A new, 140-horsepower (103kW) Ecotec 2.0L I-4 VVT (LTD) will be launched in the Buick LaCrosse in China.

Two new four-cylinder engines, the Family 1, 1.6LVVT (LDE), which delivers 115 horsepower (85kw) and the Family 1 1.8L VVT (2H0), which delivers 140 horsepower (103kW), will be launched in Chevrolet applications in China in the 2009 MY.

The Daewoo Lacetti in Korea will also receive the 1.8L VVT (2H0) and the Family 1, 1.6L VVT (LXV).

New powertrain products for Latin America

Latin America’s cars and trucks will also be launched with several new 2009 MY powertrains, which are being launched in vehicles in North America, Europe and Asia. Highlights include:

The Ecotec 2.4L(LE9) will be launched in Chevrolet HHR, Captiva and Malibu. The FlexFuel 6.2L V-8 VVT (L9H) will be launched in full-size pickups.

GM’s two new supercharged V8s will also be available in Latin America, which includes the 6.2L V-8 SC (LS9) in the 2009 Corvette ZR1, and the 6.2L V-8 SC (LSA) in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V.

GM’s two new 1.3L 4-cylinder diesel engines (LSE, LSF) will be launched in the Opel Corsa. The Opel Insignia will have several new engines available in 2009: the new Family 1, 1.6 L Turbo (LLU) and the new Family 1, 1.6LVVT (LDE); the Family 1, 1.8L VVT (2H0); two new 2.0L direct-injection turbo-diesels (LBS, LBX) and a new 2.0L two-stage turbo diesel (LBY).

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

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GM Submits Plan for Long-Term Viability to the U.S. Congress

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 [NOTE:  not a bail-out.  Bridge loans]

  • Reaffirms GM’s commitment to energy-saving vehicles and technologies
  • Outlines the need for Federal bridge loans and line of credit
  • Requests Federal board to oversee loans, assist with restructuring
  • Aggressive plan details GM actions to support long-term success

WASHINGTON – General Motors Corp. today submitted a plan to use Federal bridge loans to create a leaner, more competitive company, one that is profitable and self-sustaining for the long term.

The plan, submitted in response to Congressional hearings in November, includes a detailed blueprint for a successful, sustainable General Motors. Building on a product renaissance and comprehensive restructuring that has been under way for several years, the plan calls for:

  • Increased production of fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-saving technologies;
  • Rationalization of brands, models and retail outlets;
  • Reduced wage and benefit costs, including further reductions in executive compensation;
  • Significant capital structure restructuring;
  • Further consolidation in manufacturing operations.

GM is requesting term loans of up to $12 billion to provide adequate liquidity levels through December 31, 2009. GM anticipates an initial draw of $4 billion in December 2008. In addition to the bridge loans, the company is requesting a $6 billion line of credit to provide liquidity should a severe market downturn persist. GM’s intent is to begin to repay the loans as soon as 2011.

Any draws would be conditioned on achieving specific restructuring requirements in the plan. To help expedite these actions and protect the taxpayers, GM is also seeking the creation of a Federal oversight board to oversee the loans and restructuring plan.

GM is requesting the bridge loans and credit line because of a sharp industry-wide decline in vehicle sales. This decline, due in large part to tight credit and record-low consumer confidence, has led to a corresponding drop in dealer orders that is adversely impacting GM’s first-quarter production schedules, revenue forecasts, and liquidity outlook. Federal assistance would enable GM to weather a credit crisis that has driven U.S. industry sales to their lowest per-capita level in half a century, and help the company emerge fully competitive with all manufacturers operating in the U.S.

The complete GM plan is available online: General Motors Corporation Restructuring Plan for Long-Term Viability. Following are highlights from the plan.

Product Portfolio and Fuel Efficiency – GM has made significant progress in revamping its product lineup, with new GM cars like the Chevy Malibu, Cadillac CTS, Saturn Aura and Opel/Vauxhall Insignia earning car of the year awards.While remaining a full-line manufacturer, GM will substantially change its product mix over the next four years, and launch predominately high mileage, energy-efficient cars and crossovers.

In addition, the Chevy Volt, which can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone, is scheduled for production in 2010, and GM is planning other vehicles using Volt’s extended-range electric drivetrain. By 2012, more than half of GM vehicles will be flex-fuel capable, and the company will offer 15 hybrid models. GM will continue development of hydrogen fuel cell technology, which, when commercially deployed, will reduce automotive emissions to just water vapor.

During the 2009-12 plan window, GM will invest approximately $2.9 billion in alternative fuels and advanced propulsion technologies, which offer fuel economy improvements ranging from 12 percent to 120 percent, compared with conventional gas engines. As a result, we expect GM to become a significant creator of green jobs in the United States, as well helping suppliers and dealers transform the U.S. economy.

Market and Retail Operations – In the U.S., GM will focus its product development and marketing efforts on four core brands – Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Pontiac will be a specialty brand with reduced product offerings within the Buick-Pontiac-GMC channel. Hummer has recently been put under strategic review, which includes the possible sale of the brand, and GM will immediately undertake a global strategic review of the Saab brand. As part of the plan, the company also will accelerate discussions with the Saturn retailers, consistent with their unique relationship, to explore alternatives for the Saturn brand.

Manufacturing and Structural Costs – GM will accelerate its current efforts to reduce manufacturing and structural costs, building on significant progress made over the past several years. GM currently has the most productive assembly plants in 11 of the 20 product segments measured by the Harbour Report, and it is a global leader in workplace safety. With the recently negotiated wage rates, turnover expected in our workforce, planned assembly plant consolidations, further productivity improvements in the plan, and additional changes to be negotiated, GM’s wages and benefits for both current workers and new hires will be fully competitive with Toyota by 2012.

Balance Sheet Restructuring – Under the plan, GM would significantly reduce the debt currently carried on its balance sheet. GM plans to engage current lenders, bond holders and its unions to negotiate the needed changes. GM’s plan would preserve the status of existing trade creditors and honor all outstanding warranty obligations to both dealers and consumers, in the U.S. and globally.

Compensation and Dividends – The plan calls for shared sacrifice, including further reduction in the number of executives and total compensation paid to senior leadership. For example, the chairman and CEO will reduce his salary to $1 per year. The common stock dividend will remain suspended during the life of the loans.

Temporary Federal Bridge Loans – GM is seeking a term bridge loan facility from the Federal government of $12 billion to cover operating requirements under a baseline forecast of 12 million U.S. industry vehicle sales for 2009. In addition, GM is seeking a revolving credit facility of $6 billion that could be drawn should severe industry conditions continue, resulting in sales of 10.5 million total vehicles in 2009. This bridge loan is expected to be fully repaid by 2012 under the baseline industry assumptions. Also, warrants issued as part of the loans would allow taxpayers to benefit from growth in the company’s share price that might result from successful completion of the plan.

Once GM has completed the restructuring actions laid out in the plan, the company will be able to operate profitably at industry volumes between 12.5 and 13 million vehicles. This is substantially below the 17 million industry levels averaged over the last nine years, so it is considered to be a reasonably conservative assumption for gauging liquidity needs.

Federal Oversight Board – Given the importance and urgency of this restructuring for GM, other domestic manufacturers and the U.S. economy as a whole, the company supports the formation of a Federal oversight board. The board would help facilitate restructuring negotiations with a range of stakeholders.

GM’s Commitment to Success

General Motors and its management are committed to the success of the plan summarized in the Congressional submission. The company’s responsibility to its customers, shareholders, employees, retirees, dealers and suppliers is well recognized, as is its century-long commitment to our nation.

GM has never failed to meet a Congressional mandate in the important areas of fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions. We are among the leaders today in fuel efficiency, and set the industry standard for green manufacturing methods. We are committed to meeting the new fuel economy requirements of the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act. The company’s role in creating green technology and high-paying jobs of the future will increase substantially as a result of implementing the plan.

GM is proud of its century of contributions to the growth of our nation, and the company looks forward to making an equally meaningful contribution over the next century.