NEW YORK, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors broke ground on the plant that will build the engine for the Chevrolet Volt and many of its next generation, fuel efficient 4-cylinder engines. In direct response to the current economy, there has been a significant shift to smaller cars. According to J.D. Power and Associates, sales of four-cylinder vehicles grew from 27.1 percent in 2004 to 35.7 percent in 2007.
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To meet the current demand for great performance and fuel economy, GM announced a $359 million investment to build a new powertrain plant in Flint for production of smaller engines. In fact, they plan to double global production of four-cylinders by 2011 - with more than half of the increase coming in North America. The new strategy is highlighted by an all-new 1.4L Turbo engine that will power the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The 1.4L performs like a larger engine when needed, but retains the efficiency of a small four- cylinder in most driving conditions.
A non-turbocharged version will also be offered as the range extender for the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. When the battery's energy is depleted, the 1.4L flex-fuel engine activates - generating electricity to power the Volt several additional miles until its battery is recharged.
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