General Motors has announced that the 2005 GMC Envoy XL, Envoy XUV and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT will be the first vehicles to showcase its latest Displacement on Demand fuel-saving technology.
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Displacement on Demand will be a standard feature in the vehicles’ optional Vortec 5300 V8 engine. The more efficient engine will boost the fuel efficiency of these vehicles by about 8% (based on an EPA testing procedure).
In addition, GM previously announced it will introduce this technology as part of a new overhead-valve V6 family of engines in some 2006 mid-size passenger cars. By 2008, more than two million vehicles with the V8 and V6 engines will feature Displacement on Demand.
GM claims that both customers and the environment will benefit from the engines’ improved fuel economy.
“Displacement on Demand will enhance fuel economy without compromising performance or the ability to carry heavy loads,” said GM Powertrain chief engineer of Vortec V8 engines Sam Winegarden. “We will be able to deliver the same top-of-the-line performance with less effort and energy. That’s the essence of efficiency.”
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By GlobalDataEnabled by electronic powertrain controls, Displacement on Demand saves fuel by using only half of the engine’s cylinders during most normal driving conditions. When loads are light, the control system automatically closes both intake and exhaust valves for half of the cylinders, cutting off their air and fuel supply. The valves are reopened to provide all-cylinder operation when the driver needs it for quick acceleration or for hauling heavy loads.
The V8 engine always starts on eight cylinders, and in the case of the V6 engine, six cylinders. But once the vehicle has accelerated to speed, the engine control module activates Displacement on Demand, providing improved fuel economy through a relatively inexpensive change in displacement to meet the vehicle load requirements.
GM offered similar engines after the 1970s oil crises but they were reportedly unreliable and were soon dropped.
