Details of General Motors' new turbocharged 1.0-liter SIDI three-cylinder engine have been revealed: the new engine will be rated 114 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque when it arrives in the Opel Adam next year. The automaker claims the new engine is more powerful and more efficient than the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter I-4 currently in the Adam.
GM has invested heavily in its Flint Engine Operations plant in Michigan to build a new family of small EcoTec I-3 and I-4 gas engines ranging from 1.0- to 1.5-liters. If any U.S.-spec vehicles ever get the new turbocharged 1.0-liter I-3 engine at all, the Chevrolet Spark and Sonic are the most likely candidates. The 2014 Chevrolet Spark's naturally aspirated 1.2-liter I-4 makes 84 hp and 83 lb-ft, though; the Sonic's base naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder makes 24 hp and 3 lb-ft more than the new turbo three-banger.
Ford also builds a turbocharged 1.0-liter EcoBoost I-3, and is introducing the engine on a low-volume variant of the Fiesta. The engine is rated 123 hp and 148 lb-ft and will only be mated to a five-speed manual. A bit higher in price in the subcompact segment is the 2015 Mini Cooper, which will get a turbocharged 1.5-liter I-3 making just over 130 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.
Should GM's new turbocharged 1.0-liter I-3 replace the Spark and Sonic's base engines? Check out the chart below and tell us whether you think GM's or Ford's turbo three-cylinder should see use in more U.S.-spec cars.
Source: GM
