Confusion 2.0: GM Readies New Turbo Four-Cylinder

[nsap]

Confusion 2.0: GM Readies New Turbo Four-Cylinder
Expect the new 2.0 turbo to have at least 270 HP.
www.GMInsideNews.com
October 4, 2011
By: Nick Saporito

2012 "LHU" 2.0-liter turbo.

Debuting back in 2006, General Motors first became famous for the 2.0-liter displacement with the coveted LNF. The Ecotec four-cylinder was quickly made famous for its 260 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. Since then the 2.0-liter has been a hot topic in regards to GM applications, but GMI hears it’s about to get hotter with the launch of an all-new 2.0-liter turbo.

Today the LNF is no longer being utilized in any vehicles, however a variation of the engine is still in production for the Buick Regal Turbo and Regal GS in North America, and the Opel Insignia in Europe. The 2.0-liter mill in all three applications wears the name LHU.

In the Regal Turbo and Insignia the engine generates a modest 220 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque, while the high-output Regal GS generates 270 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque.

Much confusion has surfaced that the 2.0-liter turbo in the Regal GS is the "new" 2.0-liter, but that is incorrect. In the Regal GS GM has upped the boost level on the turbocharger and increased exhaust flow to generate the increased power figures. Because the modifications are minimal, it is simply referred to as the high output version of the LHU.

According to sources familiar with engine development, GM is readying an all-new Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine. The engine is expected to debut in 2012 in the upcoming Cadillac small sedan, codenamed ATS. Sources also state that the engine will be the V-6 replacement for the all-new Chevrolet Malibu.

Exact power figures for the new 2.0-liter turbo are not known at this time, however sources told GMI to expect it to generate between 270 and 280 horsepower. The engine is reportedly an all-new design and will be part of the new family of Ecotec four-cylinders at GM, joining the recently announced Ecotec 2.5-liter, also found in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

Back in August GMI confirmed that future GM midsize sedans would only see four-cylinder power. The news of this new 2.0-turbo suggests that the V-6 exodus in the GM midsize sedan lineup may not be as much of a problem as originally thought.

GMI's source concluded by saying that the new 2.0-liter turbo will be "The engine of choice" at GM going forward.

[bhoppes]

I guess I never realized how much horsepower the 2.0 had/has. I thought I was reading wrong. That's only 5 HP short of my 03 Northstar!!!

[WishIhadatruck]

Good to hear. I wonder what kind of fuel economy they will get out of it? I wonder if they could combine this engine with eAssist? Well, I'm sure they could, the question is if they ever will?

[Dr. Show-Me]

How about a 300 hp version of the engine in 2.5 liter form? Now THAT would be interesting!!!

[Quickening]

Sounds nice. If only if there was a crossover or Regal wagon at GM that interested me with this new engine.

[chevypowa670]

Great news!

270 HP in the new Malibu would be more than welcome!

So I'm guessing the ATS will make 280?

[All Star]

How about a 300 hp version of the engine in 2.5 liter form? Now THAT would be interesting!!!

The engineer in me has me very curious what upping the displacement would do for these engines.

[Ambalanche]

I loved the power the 2.0 turbo in my Sky Redline, this new one should be even better!

[VMax2007]

I still will never buy a 4-banger.

Why push a 4-banger so hard with FI to get the power of a V6 when it gets very little (if any) better FE than a NA V6?

[EJD1984]

I guess I never realized how much horsepower the 2.0 had/has. I thought I was reading wrong. That's only 5 HP short of my 03 Northstar!!!

True, but how about the low end torque.

[petervegas]

Hi Nick - Thank you for shedding some light on this!

[CaddyLac10]

That's what I had been saying all along -- The new 2.0 isn't even out yet. The GS is just a glimpse of what it will be.

Its hard to argue against a turbo four that meets global displacement laws and produces just as much power and more torque than most V6s. GM can tune it for various applications and still meet global standards.

I'm looking forward to the finished product.

[neshapop]

I loved the power the 2.0 turbo in my Sky Redline, this new one should be even better!

Current 2.0L turbo in Regal is fine with me, GS got a boost to the engine just push it to the torque and power limits. No modifications on that one, but people already tuning regular 220 HP turbo to 260 HP with no problem.

[GMNumberOne]

Does anyone remember the article (I can't remember the post) that indicated that the 2.5 would also be turbocharged? Perhaps reserve the 2.0 for smaller applications and the 2.5 for larger machines? Could be interesting....

[All Star]

Why push a 4-banger so hard with FI to get the power of a V6 when it gets very little (if any) better FE than a NA V6?

I see the merits of this, the LFX gets 30 MPG in the Impala.

My question is, are they really going to offer a 280 HP Turbo 4 and a 300 HP V6 in the ATS? That is redundancy if I have ever seen it.