Tuning the 2013 Cadillac ATS 2L Turbo

2012 Ecotec 2.0L I-4 VVT DI Turbo (LHU) for Buick Regal GS

For 2012 models GM offers two tunes on the current LHU 2L Turbo:

Applications: Horsepower: hp ( kw )
Buick Regal CXL 220 hp (164kW) @ 5300 RPM SAE CERTIFIED
Buick Regal GS 270 hp (201kW) @ 5300 RPM SAE CERTIFIED
Applications: Torque: lb-ft. ( Nm )
Buick Regal CXL 260 lb-ft (353Nm) @ 2000 RPM SAE CERTIFIED
Buick Regal GS 295 lb-ft (400Nm) @ 2400 RPM SAE CERTIFIED
Maximum Engine Speed: 6350 rpm ( forward gears )

The LTG 2L Turbo announced for the upcoming Cadillac ATS makes 270 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.  Compare to the N20 2L Turbo in the 2012 BMW 528i, which makes 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

2013 Ecotec 2.0L I-4 VVT DI Turbo (LTG) for Cadillac ATS

The current LHU engine has these features:

DI ( direct injection )
Dual-scroll turbocharger
Dual CVCP (continuously variable cam phasing)
Sodium-filled Iconel exhaust valves
Aluminum pistons with jet-spray cooling
Forged Powdered Metal (PM) connecting rods
Forged Steel crankshaft
Semi-permanent-mold 356 Al cylinder head
Variable pressure fuel rail ( 50-150 bar )
Stronger block bulkhead and deeper water jacket
Coil-on-plug ignition
Direct injection high-pressure multi hole injectors
58x engine position sensing
Stainless steel fuel system components
Dual converter system
Cam driven high pressure fuel pump
Mechanical brake vacuum pump

and the new LTG engine features:

Among the 2.0T engine’s highlights: a direct-injection twin-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing; twin-scroll turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler; forged-steel crankshaft with modular balance shaft system; and a two-stage variable-displacement oil pump with jet-spray piston cooling.

None of which spring forth as new compared to the current design.  The current applications do have an air to air intercooler.

Looking at the two engine images above, there are some clear differences in configurations.  However, I wonder if the real secret of the new LTG 2L Turbo tune is that it can make 260 hp on regular unleaded instead of premium?  The current LHU engine is “premium recommended, but not required; L85 capable”.  Only needing regular unleaded would fit well with Cadillac’s tuning for the 3.6L to run on regular unleaded, and makes a nice bonus for the ATS.

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