New engine/powertrain for 2014 Chevy Volt?

Just days after GM might have slightly cannibalized Volt sales for the next couple months by announcing a tweaked battery and other updates due in August, a GM insider reportedly revealed that a 2.0-liter turbo engine will be introduced by summer 2013 for the 2014 model year.
Since their launch, the extended-range electric Volt and Opel/Vauxhall Ampera siblings have relied on an 83-horsepower 1.4-liter generator mated to electric propulsion for a combined 149 horsepower, 273-pound-feet torque. But word has it that present four cylinder is “definitely not” going to make it to 2014, according to an anonymous source speaking to Jay Cole (aka Statik) for Inside EVs.


The 1.4 was reportedly always considered a compromise pressed into service at a time of limited/frozen budgets when GM was undergoing restructuring. If the info is correct, the now better-funded company will select for the gasoline portion of the powertrain something closer in specification to the 260-horsepower, 2.0-liter (GM-sourced) Ecotec turbo engine Fisker uses in the Karma.
The actual 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo said to be pending for the Volt – currently rated at between 220-270 horsepower – has “been thoroughly vetted” and “will most likely” be the 2014 replacement, said Inside EVs.


This more-potent powerplant would possibly also call for an upgraded electric motor and the improved gas-electric powertrain would also be used in the pending Cadillac ELR which GM has said will rely on the Volt’s powertrain, and is positioned as a sleek, high-line corporate halo.
The speculation about the electric motor was by Inside EVs, and otherwise no news from the insider was reported as to possible updates to the 2014 Volt’s battery pack, or what should be specifically expected regarding range, or other performance parameters from the more powerful powertrain.
In any event, since it has also been leaked that the Cadillac ELR will launch in 2014, updating the Volt’s powertrain for that year would make all the more sense to fit with the sporty image portrayed by the extended-range Caddy that would compete with Fisker’s six-figure extended-range Karma.


While it was noted GM engineers had always wanted a purpose-built generator, the 2.0-liter Ecotec believed to be in the most-favored status at the moment will be used in the pending Buick Verano that rides on the same Delta II platform that the Volt does. Inside EVs quoted GM Global Chief engineer for Ecotec engines, Mike Anderson, who praised the engine that already sees duty in the Buick Regal GS.
“Our continuously variable valve timing is tuned to work in tandem with direct injection and twin scroll turbocharging to achieve optimum fuel economy, lower emissions, and instant performance when needed,” he said. “Having 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) of torque available over a wide range of engine speeds makes for a very exciting driving experience.”
Of course, if utilized the in the Volt, Opel/Vauxhall Ampera siblings, and ELR, the 2.0 Ecotec Turbo engine that was awarded by WardsAuto as one its “10 Best Engines,” would be mated with an electric motor and tuned for use as a generator. It nonetheless promises to spice up performance, or it could be optimized to help extend range, or offer a combination of both.
As would be expected, GM refused to confirm or deny truth of the news leak of the 2014 engine, citing the usual policy of not commenting on future product, so this is officially a rumor until further notice.


Source: GM-Volt.com