GM Ready for Smaller Engines When Customers Are

[Slowrider5]

Sometimes customers don't know what they want, you have to show them.

This reasoning about "customers aren't asking for smaller engines" is the same reasoning that got GM in trouble today with too many truck/SUV vehicles and not enough competitive smaller vehicles. GM kept saying, "but customers don't want small cars".

Next thing you know you're caught with your pants down because your competitors were showing customers what they might want, and when there was a sudden shift in consumer tastes, they were prepared for it.

[sigma]

How about a blown I4 in the Malibu which gets better fuel economy than the 3.6VVT? Oh wait, that would require creativity on GM's part.

[igotzzoom]

I hate to sound like a misanthrope, but consumers are generally idiots. They don't know what the heck they want. If you just wait for a critical mass of consumers to ask for a smaller engine option, you'll be waiting forever, while your competition passes you by. (I'd venture to guess the majority of drivers don't even know what size their engine is, aside from [possibly] cylinder count.

GM needs to lead by example, and start producing smaller-displacement engines that still offer power and refinement comparable to current offerings. Customers won't even realize what they're missing, but will appreciate the improved fuel economy.

[vcs2600]

The Aura is a great example, because the segment is dominated by 4cyl sales, but GM was insisting on pushing a "value" V6.

Also, I think it's kinda ridiculous that Grandma's V6 Camry has 270HP and can outdrag race 1980s Ferraris - there's a lot of engines out there that are vast overkill for their market segment. If they could dial back the HP and get a few more MPGs, I doubt many consumers would even notice the loss of power.

[igotzzoom]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Is GM staring at a Ouija board? Is it scanning the sky for smoke signals?

No, Ms. Cleo, remember? "Call me now!"

[Mcmflow]

You still need a sign????? What is with this backwards thinking. How are customers suppose to tell them they want? Even when people take a poll on what they want (the beat) they still don't do it. What gives??

Wake up now GM!! If you can 'do it today' why aren't you dropping these engines in some entry level cars starting in the next couple of months? Instead you are going to let everyone else get better MPG, and then play catch up again.

[377Z]

Originally Posted by johnny smallblock

So how exactly, do customers signal that they want smaller engines? Buying from competitors who make smaller motors available?

Jeez, how about it.

It reminds me of GM's time honored "we're studying the market."

[motorman]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

Hopefully this 1.4T motor can help elevate GM's CAFE enough where they can bring back Ultra V8's.
GM, keep focus on all aspects of the powertrain options for all sorts of cars.


And in other news...what is that silver car to the left of the Malibu? Looks like a Corsa?

all that has to happen is every one of the enviro wienies buy one of these 4 cylinder engines so the rest of us can have our V-8s. i can just see al gore riding around in a TC 4 cylinder suburban. a lot of people talk the talk BUT DO NOT walk the walk !!!!!

[motorman]

Originally Posted by Mcmflow

You still need a sign????? What is with this backwards thinking. How are customers suppose to tell them they want? Even when people take a poll on what they want (the beat) they still don't do it. What gives??

Wake up now GM!! If you can 'do it today' why aren't you dropping these engines in some entry level cars starting in the next couple of months? Instead you are going to let everyone else get better MPG, and then play catch up again.

because not a lot of people are rushing into the dealership asking for 4 cylinder engines. my dealer,chevy, is still selling V-6 and V-8 vehicles at the rate of 2 to1 over the 4 cylinder ones.

[windvale]

Same old GM... The just don't get it, do they ???

[The Law]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

Hopefully this 1.4T motor can help elevate GM's CAFE enough where they can bring back Ultra V8's.
GM, keep focus on all aspects of the powertrain options for all sorts of cars.


And in other news...what is that silver car to the left of the Malibu? Looks like a Corsa?

Yeah!, it does like like the Saturn Corsa.Finally, my Corsa will be landing shortly.

Hopefully with 1.4t and 1.6t maybe 2.0t for Redline or Pontiac model.

4cyclinder turbo sounds good for small cars like CTS coupe, Europeans will mostly order turbo versions to the big 6.

[windvale]

Originally Posted by motorman

because not a lot of people are rushing into the dealership asking for 4 cylinder engines. my dealer,chevy, is still selling V-6 and V-8 vehicles at the rate of 2 to1 over the 4 cylinder ones.

And that's the PROBLEM ! People don't think of Chevy when they think of fuel efficient cars. The people that want a fuel efficient 4 cyl. don't even think of Chevy.

I needed to buy a fuel efficient commuter car two weeks ago. I pretty much just shopped Honda and Toyota. The Aveo is an inferior product.

I bought the Fit. It's a wonderful little car. GM has nothing, NOTHING that even comes close, and so I never even bothered visiting a Chevy dealership. When I want a new truck I'll shop Chevy.

[prototype66]

Reports of torches and pitchforks running up woodward twards the Rencen tonight at 6 and 11

[prototype66]

Originally Posted by windvale

And that's the PROBLEM ! People don't think of Chevy when they think of fuel efficient cars. The people that want a fuel efficient 4 cyl. don't even think of Chevy.

I needed to buy a fuel efficient commuter car two weeks ago. I pretty much just shopped Honda and Toyota. The Aveo is an inferior product.

I bought the Fit. It's a wonderful little car. GM has nothing, NOTHING that even comes close, and so I never even bothered visiting a Chevy dealership. When I want a new truck I'll shop Chevy.

Your way of thinking and people like you are part of the problem and GM not willing to change their way until they get smacked in the face is the other.

[AMERICA 123]

Originally Posted by vcs2600

The Aura is a great example, because the segment is dominated by 4cyl sales, but GM was insisting on pushing a "value" V6.

It's too late now, but an updated value V6 powertrain with even just a 5 speed AT would've worked. I'm to the point - it's all about 'benefits' couldn't care less about 'features' - and I 'started off ' with DOHC and alloy this that and the other when that was relatively rare.

Also, I think it's kinda ridiculous that Grandma's V6 Camry has 270HP and can outdrag race 1980s Ferraris - there's a lot of engines out there that are vast overkill for their market segment. If they could dial back the HP and get a few more MPGs, I doubt many consumers would even notice the loss of power.

Others have noted this same sort of thing and its true.

When the 'midsize' OHC choices ( and near luxury choices ) crossed over the 3.0 L mark - we went down the wrong road.

A simple performance trade off favoring fuel economy gains motivated by an industry favorable rise in CAFE of about 2.5 mpg for autos between '87 and '06 would've been a great move.

I'd love to see an Aura or Malibu offered with a 1.8/2.0L turbo 'gasoline' (E85) and Turbo diesel ( B10 -20 ).

Wouldn't care a bit if they got it done with a relatively large high value V6 and for AT buyers a simple 5 sp AT.