2007 GM Powertrain Products Offer More Fuel Economy And Performance Options For Consumers

General Motors will expand the auto industry’s broadest lineup of powertrain products for model year 2007, introducing 19 new or significantly revised engines and transmissions that improve fuel economy, enhance performance, reduce emissions and increase customer choice.

These 19 products follow nine new engines and transmissions launched in 2006.

“The new GM Powertrain products for 2007 continue to demonstrate how we’re using advanced technologies to provide customers with an unprecedented choice of engines and transmissions in GM’s cars and trucks. These advanced powertrains are fuel-efficient while also delivering great performance,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain.

The new 2007 powertrain lineup ranges from a new, affordable fuel-sipping hybrid to the most powerful small-block truck V-8 yet produced; to increased offerings of E85 ethanol-capable FlexFuel engines and GM’s industry-leading Active Fuel Management technology, to new launches of six-speed automatic transmissions. Highlights include:

A 260-horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged gasoline direct injection Ecotec four-cylinder, generating the highest specific output (130 horsepower per liter) of any production engine in GM history, launches in the Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Red Line and Opel GT. The first GM V-6 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (AFM) cylinder de-activation technology launches in the 2007 Chevy Impala. A new GM hybrid system that improves fuel economy by 20 percent in the Saturn Vue Green Line. When launched this summer, it will be the most affordable hybrid SUV available to consumers. New six-speed automatic transmission variants for front-, rear- and all-wheel drive applications launch in nearly 40 global models in 2006 and 2007. The family of GM Gen IV small-block engines using combinations of Active Fuel Management, variable valve timing and E85 capability is the industry’s most powerful and fuel-efficient line of V-8 engines for light trucks. Right for the times

The 19 all-new engines and transmissions launching for 2007 emphasize GM’s leadership in automotive powertrain design and production. Moreover, the lineup reinforces GM’s commitment to alternative fuels and environmentally friendly products, as well as maximizing choice for new-vehicle buyers.

In 2007, GM will offer 14 E85-compatible models totaling about 400,000 vehicles, compared to nine models in 2006. GM’s E85 FlexFuel models operate on a mixture of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. A GM Flex Fuel vehicle can run on 100 percent gasoline, E85 ethanol or any combination of the two. The company has already nearly 2 million flex-fuel models on North American roads.

Likewise, GM is expanding application of its industry-leading Active Fuel Management technology with the company’s first V-6 (3.9L V-6 engine) in North America featuring AFM. Active Fuel Management allows the engine to operate on half its cylinders under light load conditions, improving efficiency and reducing emissions by reducing fuel consumption. GM also offers AFM on 5.3L V-8 engines in a variety of products, and by 2008, will have two million AFM-equipped models on the road.

This fuel-saving technology is available in 15 models of all types in 2007.

GM also leads the industry in applying the new voluntary SAE Certification process, and will certify horsepower and torque for all new engines under independent review. GM began SAE Certification in 2005, certifying seven engines for a total of 22 models. For the 2007 model year, GM certified an additional 24 engines, totaling 102 applications.

“Our customers demand models that can get the job done, are fun to drive, and are as fuel-efficient as possible,” Stephens said. “We continue to be committed to delivering great powertrain products that will power this company forward.”