The FINANCIAL -- When it comes to
developing a diesel-powered Chevrolet Cruze for the U.S. market to be
introduced in 2013, General Motors powertrain engineers have been there
and done that – half a million times last year alone.
According to General Motores, the Cruze diesel will leverage global powertrain expertise that has helped make GM’s fuel-efficient diesel engines popular options around the world.
GM sold more than half a million diesel-powered cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including 33,000 Cruzes. The introduction of a diesel option for Cruze – one of the top-selling gasoline-powered cars in the United States in 2011 – is expected to fuel GM’s diesel car sales success.
Diesel engines have long been known for their fuel efficiency and power. Due to a higher compression rate in the engine cylinders and greater density of energy in diesel fuel itself, diesel-powered engines are able to produce more power per gallon than gasoline-powered engines.
For Cruze, powertrain engineers at GM’s diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy, are working daily with counterparts in Pontiac, Mich., to develop a world-class engine that delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and torque while providing a smooth, quiet ride. In addition, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany, are supporting the program by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components.
Future Cruze diesel engine development will benefit from GM’s recent commitment to invest 20 million Euros ($26.5 million) to add five new dynamic benches at its Torino facility for climatic, noise and vibration and chassis dynamometer testing. These additions will speed development time.
Climatic tests simulate temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) up to (158 F) (70 C) and altitudes as high as 10,000 feet (3000 meters). Noise and vibration tests help minimize engine vibro-acoustic response. Chassis dynamometer tests measure emissions.
The latest generation of GM diesels has resolved drawbacks associated with the previous engines. Precisely controlled direct-injection fuel systems create a smooth-running engine. Particulate-capturing filtration systems dramatically reduce tailpipe emissions.
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