Gen V Rumor Watch: More Teasing from GM On New Combustion System

GM continues teasing Gen V small-block watchers with new engine technologies coming out on other powerplants. The new 2.0-liter Ecotec for the 2013 Malibu will have direct injection, variable cam timing and all-alloy construction–features that EngineLabs predicts will be on the next-generation small-block. But GM also reveals the that Ecotec will utilize  a mysterious “all-new combustion system.” Again, that’s a promise that’s been emphasized for the Gen V.

GM’s latest news release says, “GM proprietary CFD analysis techniques were used to develop an all-new combustion system with a higher compression ratio, which also helped boost efficiency.” There are no other references to this combustion system in the remainder of the release, but there are a few details regarding the other features.

Although the Ecotec is DOHC and turbocharged, it boasts technologies that can be applied to a pushrod V8–which is the configuration many auto pundits think GM will use with the Gen V. Some of these include oil jet-spray cooling on the underside of the pistons and using the cam to drive the fuel pump. 

But GM has yet to go into more detail on the “all-new combustion system,” which could lead some to believe it will be announced at the Gen V introduction. This would establish a halo vehicle to “brand” the combustion system, then GM could share that brand identity with other engines that use that system.

Re the 2.0L Ecotec, it’s making some serious horsepower for a little 4-banger. Using 20 pounds of boost from the twin-scroll turbocharger, it’s rated at 259 horsepower. That’s 2.12 horsepower per cubic inch.