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4-cylinder engines now account for 46% of Chevrolet retail sales, up from 23% in 2007

In 2007, four-cylinder models represented 23% of Chevrolet retail sales in the US— less than either V-6 or V-8 equipped models. So far this year, that number has increased to 46%, making fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines the top choice in the Chevrolet lineup, according to GM.

Chevrolet’s investment in advanced engine technology is reflected in the increased popularity of our four-cylinder models. These technologies offer the performance and refinement drivers expect from Chevy in smaller engines that deliver the fuel efficiency they want.

—Rick Scheidt, US vice president, Chevrolet

Customers are moving out of V-8 powered SUVs into V-6 powered crossovers like the Traverse, and from V-6 powered cars and crossovers into fuel-efficient four-cylinder models, such as Cruze, Malibu, and Equinox, he said.

Some examples of the new 4-cylinder line-up include:

  • The Cruze is available with turbocharged, Ecotec 1.4L four-cylinder engine that delivers 138 hp (103 kW) and 148 lb-ft (201 N·m) of torque and up to 42 miles per gallon (5.6 L/100km) on the highway for Cruze Eco models. By comparison, the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE featured a larger 2.2 liter four-cylinder, with nearly identical output at 148 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque, but five fewer miles per gallon on the highway.

    The 1.4L, turbocharged engine will also be used in the all-new Chevrolet Sonic, which will arrive at US dealers this fall.

  • The Malibu features an Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine, with variable valve timing. The result improves performance and fuel economy for the Malibu, with 170 hp (123 kW), 160 lb-ft of torque (217 N·m), and an EPA estimated 33 miles per gallon (7.13 L/100km) on the highway.

  • The Equinox also features an Ecotec 2.4L engine, with both variable valve timing and direct injection. In the Equinox, the direct-injection 2.4L Ecotec is rated at 182 hp (136 kW), and 172 lb-ft (233 N·m) of torque, while delivering an EPA-estimated 32 mpg highway (7.35 L/100km)—more than any vehicle in its class, including the Ford Escape Hybrid. By comparison, the previous-generation 2008 Equinox had a 3.4L V-6 that delivered a comparable 185 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque with 24 mpg highway.

Comments

ejj

In 2007 Chevy wasn't making a 4-cylinder vehicle people really wanted to buy (when they easily could've been).

SJC

The Malibu and Equinox are 2.4l only, no V6 options. In the past the marketing people would have said that sales would suffer, they do not seem to have missed a beat.

ejj

Detroit News: What consumers want in car market trumps government desires. http://bit.ly/e2tBv6

ejj

If GM never went bankrupt & never went through gov't mandated reorganization, it would be business as usual: a few crappy small cars and a market flooded with mediocre large cars & trucks sold with massive dealer incentives.

HarveyD

Well said ejj. If the transition to electrified vehicles (HEV-PHEV-BEV) could be carried out as fast the the transition from V-6 to 4 cyls units, we could have a lot of them on our roads by 2015/2016.

ToppaTom

Childlike belief in what you wish to be true.

The GM bankruptcy was in June 1, 2009. The gov't mandated reorganization followed.

This magically shortened the time it takes for GM to bring cars to market ?

While we are at it, I think we should credit GM with using the EV1 to scare Toyota into bringing the Prius to market.

These 4 cyl cars were already developed and available, as were other 4 cyl cars - for the last 40 years.

The people had all they wanted, they still do.

HarveyD

....the people had all they wanted.... O yes, with Big-3 Ads repeated every minute telling us to be American by buying the most powerful V-8 gas guzzlers. The majority is still very much influenced by those Ads.

Secondly, Big-3s 4 cyl cars were mostly lemons for the last 40-50 years.

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