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According to a recent report, Chevrolet will use only I-4s in its future Malibu sedan, in an effort to improve fuel economy. Chevy will reportedly move to the smaller engines when it debuts the next-generation model for 2012.
According to GMinsidenews.com, General Motors is moving toward four-cylinder engines exclusively in its midsize offerings. The move makes sense as its major competitors expand their four-cylinder offerings, and Hyundai has made the switch completely, as well as in preparation for the 2016 Corporate Average Fuel Economy mandates. GM recently launched its 2011 Buick Regal with two different four-cylinder engines, while a similar move is expected to become commonplace among all GM’s midsize offerings before 2016.
The next-generation Malibu, which is expected to launch in late 2011 as a 2012 model, is reportedly the next vehicle on GM’s list for smaller engines. When the Malibu first roamed the streets back in the 1960s, it was offered with an available V-8; when it reemerged for the Nineties in 1997, a V-6 was the largest powerplant available. Now, if the rumors hold true, in 2012, the most powerful engine available for in the Malibu will be an I-4. GM’s 2.4-liter naturally aspirated I-4 is a supposed contender, but we suspect at least one turbocharged powerplant will make its way into the mix.
This move doesn’t signal the end for six-cylinder engines in GM vehicles, as it will likely continue to offer larger engines in its larger sedans. Will a four-cylinder engine be able to produce enough power for the Malibu, or should the Malibu go big?
Source: GMinsidenews.com
This would be a nice thing if GM could actually package the vehicle to be spacious, quiet, but lightweight. They have the first 2 down but the epilson platform is still way too heavy for just four cylinders. Also GM has yet to produce the horsepower numbers from it’s 4 cylinder engines that would make it truly competitive. The max power right on it’s 2.4 liter 4 is 255 and that’s turbocharged. I know that in Saab’s applications they have tweeked it to 300. this will be the magic number for GM and the Malibu. this is important because Hyundai is at 274, the V-6 offerings from Toyota and Honda are ever creeping towards 300. I just hope that GM will become more proactive in it’s approach versus the usual reactive.
Well, Hyundai did it with the Sonata and it seems good since the turbo 4 makes V6 like power, but with great fuel economy I am sure GM can do it too.
This seems to be the start of a trend for midsize sedans. With turbocharging and direct-injection, I don’t see the need for V-6s in midsize sedans anymore.