Chevrolet has confirmed it will offer a third version of the 2013 Malibu, offering a turbocharged performance model that will join the new 4-cylinder and eAssist Eco hybrid model. The announcement was made today at the press launch of the new Malibu Eco model, in Austin, TX.
While not official, it's believed the engine is a version of the new turbocharged 4-cylinder that will also find its way under the hood of the Cadillac ATS. That said, and considering segment rivals like the Hyundai Sonata Turbo, look for power around the 270-hp mark.
The Eco model with GM's eAssist hybrid system will launch first, with 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque while achieving 25/37 mpg. Later in 2012 the Malibu will receive a base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a solid 190 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque fuel economy estimates for this model have not yet been given.
At what RPM? Getting the numbers up there is good, but if you have to rev it to heaven to get anything useable you lose a good portion of the grunt down low that you need while cruising, or getting off the line.
I'm not knocking the engine or the improvements being made, but forcing 4 little cylinders and a short crank to make that kind of power puts an enormous stress on all the components. I have no experience with forced induction, but to me it just doesn't seem like an engine like that will have all that long of a life. It sounds more like they're offering something to get you in the door, then when you learn how proud they are of it (and how much they want for it) you settle on a lesser model. The star has done its job and you drive off not consummating your dreams.
Driven, forced induction is not what it used to be. That motor will make more usable low end torque then the V6 for sure. Boosted engines also have lower compression and have lifespans pretty much equal to a NA motor due to this and intercooling. Belive me, this new unit will be more fun to drive, and get better mileage then the 3.6.
Peak torque is said to be held from 1,500 RPM to 5,600 RPM.
But with that being said, I wouldn't touch a GM 2.0T no matter what. Regarding low end pull, the current 2.0T is just lacking. I don't like it at all. Mileage is also a maybe. Over on fuelly, I've gotten better MPG's than all Turbo owners and I don't exactly have a light foot...
I believe ya. In my mind I see a dog trying to out-pull a horse. Maybe the dog is eating super treats or something, but it is just hard to imagine a dog outlasting a horse no matter what he's eating.
And I'm probably wrong, but that's the mental picture I see.
I believe ya. In my mind I see a dog trying to out-pull a horse. Maybe the dog is eating super treats or something, but it is just hard to imagine a dog outlasting a horse no matter what he's eating.
And I'm probably wrong, but that's the mental picture I see.
In a nutshell, why does DI need a specialty oil? Is it because the injectors are right in the combustion chamber and get really hot, or some other reason?
It doesn't NEED it, but it helps. DI runs very rich, has a lot of soot, and it is very high pressure. So with a good oil that works with DI well, it will keep this to a minimum and keep the oil cleaner longer.
OK, thick head here. Does the better oil keep the soot to a minimum, or does it just handle what gets in the oil better? Sorry, just tryin' to understand as fully as I can.