http://wot.motortrend.com/ecotec-goe...es-125565.html

General Motors announced plans to replace a glut of naturally aspirated four cylinder engines with smaller-displacement turbo three- and four-cylinder engines, spelling an even greener future for the Ecotec range. GM says it will produce a “family” of three- and four-cylinder engines, ranging in displacement from 1.0 to 1.5 liters — all turbocharged, and all direct injected. The automaker also said that the engines would feature “alternative fuel compatibility,” but didn’t expand on the comment—given GM’s typical flexfuel strategy, we expect the engines to be capable of running on E85 ethanol blends.
GM didn’t say exactly how many engines would be replaced, but the range is expected to replace a slew of naturally aspirated small-displacement four-cylinder engines. Jim Federico, vehicle line executive for GM’s global small car offerings, did indicate that only the four-cylinder variantswill be sold in the U.S.
When, exactly, will these engines be sold? GM isn’t saying, only that the engines will start production some time in the middle of this decade, and could reach two million units annually by 2020.
These new small turbo engines spell another change for the Ecotec range: GM is currently hard at work finishing its 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Ecotec four cylinder for the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, which promises to increase both fuel economy and power in the new model over the previous engine. We’ve also heard rumblings of a possible new 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo four, which is reportedly going under the hood of the future Cadillac ATS.

 

Coincidence?

 

maybe my mind state is too old for somebody of my age, but a 4 cylinder Caddy, (and a four cylinder Lincoln) just seems wrong on all levels... JMHO

 

Works pretty well for Germans. BMW, Mercedes and Audi all have 4-cyl engines (and are developing 3-cyl engines). Audi A1 has the smallest engine of them all, a 1.2L NA rated at 85 hp.

And its a shame its not available for sale in the USA. It looks so good in person.

 

I thought GM said that Fords turboboost engines were a fad. So is this a fad too?

 

These engines are mostly for European market Chevrolets and Opels.

Opel has been losing the race against Volkswagen and Ford. They have probably the most durable engines, but right now Volkswagen and Ford have the same (or better) power from the smaller engines. Smaller engines = better fuel economy and cheaper tax (which is very high in Europe).
As for Chevy, they're finally making a run in Europe. For a while their cars there were a joke. The Cruze, Orlando, new Aveo and Spark came along and everyone loves them. They're like American Hyundai - their cars are almost as good as Germans and French, but much cheaper. For an example, base Chevy Cruze (1.6L 122 hp) starts at 10,700 euros. Base Volkswagen Golf (1.2L 82 hp) starts at 14,800 euros.
Next year Malibu will be here too and then probably SUV/Crossover lineup.

 

This.