GM Brings on the Fuel Efficiency with Direct Injection

Although Ford has been causing a hullaballoo with its direct injection announcements lately, GM hasn’t been sitting on its hands when it comes to DI – in fact, with the announcement of the 2010 GMC Terrain, the number of models with direct injection engine options rises to eighteen for the 2010 model year.

“Because there is no single solution, we’re applying advanced technology where it makes the most sense for customers in regard to fuel efficiency, performance and cost.  The efficiency gain with direct injection represents a great technological value that customers can benefit from immediately,” said GM’s vice chairman of Global Product Development, Tom Stephens, in a press release.

The GMC Terrain will be available with DI engines, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that will get approximately 30 mpg on the highway, and a 3.0-liter V-6 (we don’t know what the fuel economy figures for the V-6 are yet).  In addition to the GMC Terrain, GM is equipping several of its newer models with DI engines, including the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Cadillac SRX and 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.  

Currently available models that are already equipped with direct injection include the Cadillac CTS and STS, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and Traverse, the GMC Acadia, the Pontiac Solstice GXP and the Saturn Sky Red Line.

GM says the push toward direct injection is just the beginning of their fuel-economy renaissance (we’re not sure if that’s GM or the government talking, but we’ll withhold judgment).

“Direct injection is a near-term solution – along with hybrid and biofuels like E85 – that fits well within GM’s current portfolio, but our strategy envisions mid- and long-term powertrain solutions that will ultimately reduce vehicle emissions to zero, increase fuel efficiency dramatically, and displace petroleum as the primary energy source,” Stephens said in the release.  “Vehicles like the 2011 Chevrolet Volt… are tangible examples of GM’s vision.”