Big grille, little engine?
A new “conventional wisdom” is arising at automakers as the result of the first serious attempts to increase fuel economy in the U.S. in decades. The new regulations – 35.5 mpg on average—by 2016, mean all vehicles will need to become lighter and engines smaller so rated fuel economy increases.
One approach to this that is widely embraced by makers is to substitute small, forced-induction direct- injection engine into vehicles that normally would have had a V6 or V8 engine. Power is roughly equivalent to bigger engines, and driven conservatively, real world fuel economy gains might be possible. What’s unknown is if buyers will accept the expense, complexity and maintenance required.
This approach has not been successful in the U.S. in the past with more than marginal numbers of buyers. Moreover, the U.S. still lacks an energy policy that would assure the expensive gasoline needed to, well, force large number of buyers in this direction
In addition, the initial cost involved for the technology, say $3,000 or more per vehicle, comes during the longest and deepest postwar recession in history and record levels of unemployment. It could be a rough ride for struggling automakers as sales remain at levels not seen for forty years if buyers balk.
Into this unknown comes the Buick LaCrosse CX model with a new fuel-efficient, direct injected “Ecotec” 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine priced at $26,995 (including $750 destination charge). The 4-cylinder is the third engine choice in the all-new 2010 LaCrosse sedan. Mated to a fuel saving, six-speed automatic transmission, the new powertrain combination is expected to deliver fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city – making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.
"A new choice not even offered by our competitors.”
“We’re pleased to announce a competitive price for this new engine,” says Craig Bierley, Buick’s product marketing director. “New customers have been attracted to the LaCrosse by its sculpted design and luxurious interior, and now the new 4-cylinder engine gives fuel-conscious customers a new choice not even offered by our competitors.”
The Ecotec 2.4 four-cylinder joins the lineup in the first quarter of 2010 as the standard engine in the LaCrosse CX. Direct injection technology helps it deliver 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm). Buick expects about 25% of customers will opt for 2.4L-equipped models.
The technology is well known and increasingly in common use outside the U.S. The engine’s injection of fuel directly into the combustion chamber enables a higher compression ratio, which increases efficiency and horsepower.
Every engine in the LaCrosse lineup is direct injected and matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. Along with the Ecotec 2.4L, a new, direct injected 3.0L V6 is offered and a larger-displacement, more powerful 3.6L V-6 is standard on the LaCrosse CXS model.