GM’S 2009 Powertrain Lineup Features a New Hybrid and Advanced Technologies that Give Consumers More Miles With Less Fuel

PONTIAC, Mich. – For 2009, GM’s global lineup of 2009 advanced powertrains is dedicated to driving consumers further on a gallon of fuel. In North America, the company again leads the industry with 20 models that achieve an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 30 or more mpg, as well as fuel economy leadership among midsize and subcompact cars, two of the industry’s most hotly-contested passenger car segments.
“Our goal is to improve fuel economy, enhance performance, reduce emissions and increase customer choice,” said Tom Stephens, executive vice president, Global Powertrain and GM Quality. “Our new powertrain products continue to demonstrate how we’re using advanced technologies to provide customers with an unprecedented choice of fuel-saving options.”  
Technological diversity covers all bases
GM has committed to multiple fuel-saving technologies across its product line. The all-new 2009 Chevy Traverse crossover, for example, enjoys best-in-class highway fuel economy (24 mpg for 2WD models) of any eight-passenger SUV, thanks in part to its 3.6L V-6 VVT DI engine. In 2009, GM expects to sell nearly 700,000 vehicles with highly efficient direct gasoline injection.
The same commitment applies to a host of fuel-saving and emissions-reducing technologies already on the road in GM’s cars and trucks around the world for the 2009 model year. They include: more than 3.5 million vehicles with variable valve timing (VVT); 700,000 vehicles with direct injection; 800,000 vehicles with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which automatically lets the engine run on half of its cylinders when full power is not needed; 200,000 vehicles with turbocharged gas engines; and 42,000 vehicles with both direct injection and turbocharging. In addition, more than 40 GM models representing more than 2 million vehicles will be equipped with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions.
New-for-2009 North American powertrain products
GM will offer nine gas-electric hybrid models and 18 flex-fuel models that operate on renewable E85 biofuel, more than any manufacturer in the North American market. In addition, 20 GM models across three brands – Chevrolet, Pontiac and Saturn – achieve EPA highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or better, more than any other automaker.
Four-cylinder, six-speed models of the Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura lead among non-hybrid midsize sedans with 33 mpg highway, along with the Pontiac G6. The Chevy Cobalt XFE and Pontiac G5 XFE win among non-hybrid, gasoline-fueled subcompacts at 37 mpg highway.
Additional new powertrains in North America include:
• The first transverse (or front-drive) application of GM’s patented two-mode hybrid (2MT70) technology in the 2009 Saturn Vue. In the Vue, the two-mode is matched with a new 3.6L V-6 engine with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct injection (LCS), which has been engineered to maximize fuel efficiency. The Vue 2 Mode will be the highest-mileage V-6 powered sport-utility available. 
• A new Ecotec 2.2L I-4 VVT (LAP) base engine for the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. It improves fuel efficiency with a 7-percent increase in horsepower.
• A sophisticated Family 1 1.6L I-4 VVT (LXV)  for the all-new 2009 Chevrolet Aveo that delivers 106 hp (79 kW) and 105 lb.-ft. of torque (140 Nm).   
• An expansion of biofuel capability, with two E85 FlexFuel Ecotecs, the Ecotec 2.2L  (LE8) and the Ecotec 2.4L(LE9) for the HHR and a FlexFuel 6.2L V-8 VVT (L9H) for full-size pickups and SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade and HUMMER H2.
• Two ultra-powerful supercharged small-block V-8s that deliver an unmatched balance of specific output and fuel economy.
o The 6.2L V-8 SC (LS9) in the 2009 Corvette ZR1, at 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm), is GM’s most powerful production engine ever built. Yet the ZR1 delivers better mileage (20 mpg highway) than the Ferrari GTB Fiorano or Lamborghini Murcielago, according to EPA ratings.
o The 6.2L V-8 SC (LSA) in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V helps to deliver the sedan’s world-class status. At 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), the LSA is the most powerful engine ever offered in Cadillac’s history.
New powertrain products for Europe
For 2009, GM Powertrain will introduce a new Family 1 1.6-liter CNG turbocharged 4-cylinder (LGE) in the Opel Zafira. With fuel-delivery rails for both CNG and gasoline and an auxiliary gas tank, the 1.6L CNG Turbo can operate on gasoline if CNG is not available.
In addition, the new Family 1, 1.6 L Turbo (LLU) will be launched in the Opel Insignia, generating 180 horsepower (134 kW). This engine, which was previously launched in the Opel Astra, has lower emissions (meets Euro 5 standards). 
New diesels for 2009 start with two new 1.3L 4-cylinder diesel engines (LSE, LSF) for the Opel and Vauxhall Corsa, ranging from 75 horsepower (55 kW) to 95 horsepower (71 kW).
Three new 2.0L direct-injection turbo-diesels are available for the all-new Opel Insignia, with power outputs ranging from 110 to 160 horsepower (81-118 kW) and up to 350 Nm.  A new 2.0L two-stage turbo diesel (LBY) with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm torque will be offered in the Opel Insignia.     
Another new engine for 2009 in the Opel Insignia is a new variant of the high-feature 2.8L turbocharged V-6, which will generate 260 horsepower (191kW).   
New powertrain products for Asia-Pacific
A new, 140-horsepower (103kW) Ecotec 2.0L I-4 VVT (LTD) will be launched in the Buick LaCrosse in China. 
Two new four-cylinder engines, the Family 1, 1.6LVVT (LDE), which delivers 115 horsepower (85kw) and the Family 1 1.8L VVT (2H0), which delivers 140 horsepower (103kW), will be launched in Chevrolet applications in China in the 2009 MY. The 1.8L also launches in the Daewoo Lacetti in Korea.