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Chevrolet to discontinue/replace Volt's 1.4 L engine for 2014

An insider has revealed plans to ditch the 1.4L engine/generator in the Volt for the 2014 model and replace it with a different engine.

Perhaps more surprisingly, the rumour is they're not planning to downsize, but will instead upsize:

Quote:

It is thought that the 1.4L engine found in the Volt today was never the first choice of engineers who were designing the car, but was mated to the platform strictly out of the availability of the engine. When debuting the concept Volt, GM had envisioned a specially designed engine to optimize performance for the Volt, but had to abandon any such plan because of a freeze on all research and development in the period where GM was entering bankruptcy, and the Volt was in development.

When asked about what the replacement engine might be, it was said that apparently a new 2.0L turbo has been thoroughly vetted on the platform, and will most likely see its way into production of the Volt (and upcoming Cadillac ELR).

Source: Insider: 1.4L Engine Discontinued in 2014 Chevrolet Volt

i hope they don't plan on downsizing the electric motor and using a hybrid system like the prius...

The Volt is already almost the same as a Prius. I am waiting to hear more specifics, but a larger displacement engine is an odd choice, in my opinion. They can't call it an EV; as it is really a plugin hybrid, and it can use the ICE to directly power the wheels.

I thought I had heard that they originally wanted to use a purpose made 1L aluminum engine, but shelved it to save money; and used the "off-the-shelf" 1.4L cast iron unit? I am still hoping they go this route...

Neil -

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard (Post 311988)

...

I thought I had heard that they originally wanted to use a purpose made 1L aluminum engine, but shelved it to save money; and used the "off-the-shelf" 1.4L cast iron unit? I am still hoping they go this route...

I forgot it was cast iron. Here is the current Volt engine :

GM Family 0 engine - EcoFLEX

Quote:

The EcoFlex engine is a version of the TwinPort tuned to provide better fuel economy and lower emissions. The 1.4 L engine was introduced in 2008 and 1.0 L engine in 2010.
1.0 L Straight-3 (998 cc): 73.4 mm (2.89 in) bore, 78.6 mm (2.94 in) stroke, 10.5:1 compression, 64 hp (48 kW) @ 5300 rpm, 66 lbs.ft (90 Nm) @ 4000 rpm.
1.4 L Straight-4 (1398 cc): 73.4 mm (2.89 in) bore, 82.6 mm (3.3 in) stroke, 10.5:1 compression, 130 N·m (96 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm, 87 hp (65 kW) @ 5600 rpm or 100 hp (75 kW) @ 6000 rpm
For model year 2012, the EcoFlex engines have been updated with double cam phasing (DCVCP) in a 'Gen III block.
A special version of the EcoFlex 1398 cc engine delivering 85 hp is used in the Chevrolet Volt/Opel Ampera.

And the Cruze Eco version :

GM Family 0 engine - Turbo

Quote:

Opel and US-market Chevrolet versions of the Delta II platform compact cars use a turbocharged version of the 1.4 L engine with double variable cam phasing (DCVCP); in the future, an optional gasoline direct injection system will be introduced.[1] This small turbocharged engine delivers the performance of much larger naturally aspirated engines while maintaining fuel efficiency of a small engine. EPA estimated highway fuel economy is 42 mpg.[2] Opel versions feature Start&Stop system from 2011 and a Gen III block; a lower-power 120 ps version has been introduced as well.

CarloSW2

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard (Post 311988)

i guess they changed it since i read up on it last, bummer. i really liked the idea of a small generator motor and a larger electric motor.

...if that 2.0L engine is a NA version of the new 250 HP high-output 2.0LT that's going into the Buick Verano, then it too will have a cast-iron block, which is needed to handle the turbo's higher "spool-up" pressures.

Why didn't they just turbo the 1.4 that was in there if they felt is was needed?

I would have prefered 500cc or so, just enough to move the car down the road.

The new 1.0 Ford ecoboost is cast iron. Aluminum absorbs heat 4 times as fast as cast iron, so you may find that there will be a cast iron "comeback" in engines since you would expect the manufacturers to minimise the heat radiated to the atmosphere, expecially with frequent engine off cycling.

regards
mech

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic (Post 312269)

The new 1.0 Ford ecoboost is cast iron. Aluminum absorbs heat 4 times as fast as cast iron, so you may find that there will be a cast iton "comeback" in engines since you would expect the manufacturers to minimise the heat radiated to the atmosphere, expecially with frequent engine off cycling.

regards
mech

...exactly, especially with more & more vehicles using "idle stop" controls; want the engine to "stay" in 'closed-loop' operation as long as possible instead of having to break 'loop' with each "stop."

I would think about using the aluminum engine in the following manner:

Keep engine aluminum for less rolling mass
Use active radiator block to help maintain heat loss
Use engine underbody panel for same reason

Side affect of above, you get a lower Cd to boot.

Jim.