GM Midsizers Going All Four

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GM Midsizers Going All Four
It comes as no surprise...the next Malibu won't have a V6.
www.gminsidenews.com
August 30, 2010
By: Nick Saporito

A reoccurring theme that has come out of General Motors since 2008 has been that they fully intend to physically downsize their product lineup. With new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) legislation coming online in 2012 through 2016 and an overall shift to more fuel efficient vehicles, GM has made some critical decisions regarding their future midsize sedans.

According to sources working on the next-generation GM midsize sedans, GM has elected to go with an all four-cylinder engine lineup for each midsize sedan going forward. The beginnings of this have already been witnessed with the recently launched 2011 Buick Regal, which has two four-cylinder engines to pick from. The upcoming Regal GS performance model will also pilot a four-cylinder mill.

Our sources tell us that the real fruit of this movement will be noticed most in the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu, which is slated to launch in late 2011. The new Malibu will sport only four-cylinder engines in North America. It is unclear which four-cylinder mills GM will place in the Malibu, but the direct injected 2.4-liter from the Equinox is a likely contender. GM is currently working on several new four-cylinder engines—both turbo and naturally aspirated—including a non-turbo 2.5-liter.

Products on the larger side of GM’s midsize sedan lineup will still have optional V6 power, including the next Chevrolet Impala.

[PHAT-JAY]

I don't see this as a good idea...I know a lot of people who love there V6 powered FWD cars.

[FenwickHockey65]

Doesn't surprise me at all.

[Ammo]

I applaud this move. Hyundai is currently doing this and have shed weight off the chassis because of it. Ford is probably following suit with the next-gen Fusion.

Besides, the low-end torque of turbo fours is going to become very addicting to drivers in the next several years.

[emh]

Maybe okay if there's an updated Imapala (or another bigger sedan with V6) to supplement the mid-sizers.

[DBeaSSt]

I don't like it but not surprising with the new gov't regs being forced on us.

Maybe okay if there's an updated Imapala (or another bigger sedan with V6) to supplement the mid-sizers.

Agreed.

[Nelson Kyle K]

Oh Brother no love for V6 and V8 any one have a time machine so I could go back to the muscle car era?

[RamJet502]

I hate this but its got to happen, CAFE sucks!

[joemac]

V8 cars where they do exist will likely get more expensive, as if they aren't already.

[bone]

Makes sense. The new fours are just as powerful as older V-6s and just as smooth and quiet.

[Uzzy]

I don't see this as a good idea...I know a lot of people who love there V6 powered FWD cars.

I agree. Even though I4s of today are much more powerful than V6s of 20 years ago, there are a lot of people that just don't trust them and want a V6.

[majicbz07]

I don't really like this but its a good move on GM to start doing this early and not wait for everyone else to and then do it. Hyundai was first and now GM with the Malibu. Hopefully they have some really good 4 bangers they are working out to put the Sonata to shame and from any other competition.

On a side note, my buddy just bought a 2006 Passat with the 2.0L turbo and hes tells me gets about a 700km from a tank.

[Schadenfreude]

As with anything, it's not just about the engine, it's about the car in general. If the car is world-class, people won't notice nor care about the engine. If it's not, that's just another mark against the vehicle when it's reviewed by the automotive press.

Also, good marketing and building nameplate recognition is a given (I'd hope the people who are paid to do this for a living already realize this?).

[neuronbob]

This is exactly the thinking that led to my buying a CTS-V last year. All the mainline automakers are going to be doing this and I wanted a chance to own a "muscle car" (if you can call a 4300 pound four-door sedan that ) before the era ended forever.

I don't like it either, but I understand with the new fuel economy requirements. Just give us lots of low-end torque (e.g. turbo) and I think the average driver will be OK.

[ejfx]

Sigh ...Im sick and tired of being forced into doing or buying certain things ... This is no longer a free country when the government forces us to do things they want us to ...
We are not talking about engines from the 1970's here ... todays engines are cleaner and more efficient than ever ... when will this "so called progress" end? ...eventualy it will be deemed that the 4 cylinder is too wastefull and we will all be slugging around it 2 bangers ... I hear Briggs and Stratton will be out sourcing thier 2 stroke engines to the next Corvette.