General Motors Europe is introducing a range of newly developed Ecotec petrol and diesel engines which meet Euro 4 emission standards, and deliver high specific power with low fuel consumption.

With the face-lifted Vauxhall/Opel Corsa this summer, GME will introduce two new petrol engines – a 1.0 and 1.4 litre – using twinport technology. These new engines achieve fuel savings of up to 23% compared to the current models, depending on the gearbox.

GME will also debut the new 70hp 1.3 CDTI Ecotec in the Corsa, the smallest four-cylinder common rail turbo-diesel in the world. Fuel consumption of 58.3 mpg is achieved thanks to its innovative multi-injection system.

After its debut in the Signum, Vauxhall’s first petrol direct injection unit, the 2.2 Direct Ecotec (155 hp), will also be offered in the new Vectra estate (wagon). The new engine manages fuel consumption savings of 6% when compared to the conventional 2.2-litre manifold injection engine, while also providing more torque and power.

Twinport technology builds on the standard four-valve technology of Ecotec engines. Savings are achieved via a variable intake manifold in combination with a high rate of exhaust gas recirculation. Under ‘partial load’ the engine receives an additional 25% of its fuel air mixture from the already burnt exhaust gas recycled back into the mix.

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The advantages of twinport technology are achieved through a combination of fuel injection and exhaust emission control by three-way catalytic converter technology. This reduces technical complexity and consequently the cost to the customer, making the twinport solution particularly attractive for compact-class cars, as power output and efficient fuel consumption are maintained.

Average fuel consumption of the new twinport engines is claimed to be remarkably low. The 1.0 litre engine fitted in the Corsa achieves 49.5 mpg on a combined cycle, while the larger 1.4 90 hp unit returns 44.5 mpg – using nearly 13% less fuel than its predecessor with a five-speed gearbox.

When combined with the Easytronic clutchless manual transmission, the new 1.4 twinport engine achieves savings of over 23% compared with the current model.

For larger displacement petrol engines, GME is using direct injection technology to increase fuel efficiency, the first being the 155 hp 2.2 Direct.

Based on the 147 hp 2.2 16v, the petrol direct injection works with variable injection pressure (40 to 120 bar) and a variable intake system. With the engine operating under partial load, fuel consumption is low because of the high levels of exhaust gas recirculation. On average fuel consumption is 6% less than the conventional 2.2-litre engine, yet the new engine produces up to 10% more torque at low revs (220 Nm at 3,800 rpm compared with 203 at 4,000) and has 6% more power (155 hp compared with 147 hp). Following its debut in the Signum, the 2.2 Direct will also be available from launch in the Vectra estate.

The new 1.3 CDTI Ecotec (70 hp and 170 Nm at 1,750 to 2,500 rpm) is currently the smallest common rail diesel engine, and will be available in the autumn in the Corsa and Agila. Its technology provides for economical fuel consumption, (58.3 mpg in the Corsa and 50.5 mpg in the Agila) environmentally friendly exhaust emissions (Euro 4) and smooth, quiet running.