Engine recognized for design leadership in fuel efficiency and performance

DETROIT, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- GM's Ecotec 2.4L I-4 has been awarded Ward's Auto World magazine's 2010 "10 Best Engines" for North America. The direct injected engine with variable valve timing helps deliver segment-best highway fuel economy in GM's popular new crossovers, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. The engine also debuts in the all-new Buick LaCrosse and Regal sedans next year.

Ward's reviewed 34 engines from 13 automakers in the competition. Winners were chosen based on several factors, including power, NVH, fuel efficiency, new technology and comparative data for similar engines.

The new Ecotec 2.4L engine includes technology that provides a number of benefits. "Direct injection (DI) was designed into the 2.4L to boost fuel efficiency and for refined power," said Chris Meagher, chief engineer for Ecotec engines. "The VVT (variable valve timing) system is tuned to work in tandem with direct injection to achieve optimum fuel economy and lower emissions. The engine achieves a respectable 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque, which makes for a pleasing customer driving experience."

With direct injection, fuel is sprayed directly into the engine cylinder, where it is mixed with air. As the fuel vaporizes in the cylinder, the air and fuel mixture is cooled. This enables the use of a higher compression ratio, which improves engine efficiency and performance. Direct injection also reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by up to 25 percent.

The Ecotec 2.4L engine is an all-aluminum, dual overhead cam, four-valve engine with forged steel connecting rods and oil spray cooling for reduced friction and noise. In all models, the engine is mated to a highly efficient six-speed automatic transmission.

About General Motors: General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

SOURCE General Motors

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