The investments – announced simultaneously at GM plants in Flint and Bay City, Mich.; Toledo, Ohio, and Bedford, Ind. – will support production of a new Ecotec small gas engine, a new V6 engine, 8-speed transmission, and tooling for an existing 6-speed transmission, said GM.

GM also said it is increasing previously announced powertrain investment in plants in Romulus and Saginaw, Mich., to $646 million – an increase of $46 million – to support production of the new V6 engine.

“We are investing in technologies and manufacturing capabilities that produce high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles and components for our customers,” said Diana Tremblay, vice president of GM North American Manufacturing.  “Today’s announcement demonstrates GM’s commitment to growing the business and strengthening the plant communities where we receive so much support.”

GM’s newly announced $331.8 million investment will be broken down as follow:

• $215 million in Flint Engine Operations for a new small Ecotec gasoline engine, which is part of a new family of engines that includes 3- and 4-cylinder variants with displacements ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 liters. Details of what variants the plant will build will be announced later. The plant will also upgrade tooling for its current V6 engine.
• $55.7 million in Toledo Transmission Operations for increased capacity and tooling to produce an all-new, advanced 8-speed automatic transmission and an existing 6-speed transmission. The Toledo-based 8-speed will be used in numerous GM vehicles by the end of 2016.
• $31.7 million in Bay City Powertrain including $19.2 million to produce components for a new V6 engine and $12.5 million to produce components for the small Ecotec gasoline engine.
• $29.4 million in Bedford Castings including $19 million to produce components for the small gas engine and $10.4 million to produce components for the new 8-speed and existing 6-speed transmissions.

The additional $46 million brings the total to $646 million for the V6 project, which includes:

• A $41 million increase to $256 million for Saginaw Metal Castings Operations to produce castings for the new V6 engine.
• A $5 million increase to $390 million for Romulus Engine Operations to build the new V6 engines.

The new small Ecotec gasoline engine is part of a global engine family that GM said could top 2 million engines a year by the end of the decade, based on production in Flint and other locations around the world.

The new Ecotec engines will offer improved fuel economy, higher quality, better performance and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The new family will include three- and four-cylinder engines ranging in displacement from 1.0 liter to 1.5 liter.

The 8-speed automatic transmission will assist in improved fuel economy and performance.

Details about the new V6 engine program will be announced later.

The post GM To Invest $332 Million In New Fuel-Efficient Powertrains appeared first on HybridCars.com.

GM said this Cruze diesel is featuring the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced.

Clean diesels generate at least 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels.

The 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will be built in Lordstown, Ohio.

Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has an estimated best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway.

“Chevrolet has a diverse portfolio of products and technologies to meet the needs of the most discerning customer, whether it’s driving across town gas free in a Spark EV or cross-country  in a clean turbo diesel,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and 258 pound-foot pf torque, which will result in a 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 horsepower and 258 pound-foot pf torque

According to GM, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel’s emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet’s diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy,” said Perry. “We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”

The Diesel Cruze will have a starting MSRP of $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees).

It looks like the Cruze Diesel will be a high-trim only car as GM says it will come with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.

Leather-appointed seating will be part of the Cruze diesel interior equipment.

Other standard features will include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced,” said Jens Wartha, GM global program manager and chief engineer for the Cruze’s diesel engine. “We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers.”

GM has sold nearly 2 million Chevrolet Cruze models globally since it was launched in mid-2010.

GM is no stranger to diesel engines in passenger cars as it has produced more than half a million small diesel-engine cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including the Cruze. In Europe, approximately 40 percent of Cruze models are diesel-powered.

The post 42 MPG Cruze Diesel Coming This Summer appeared first on HybridCars.com.