2.4 Liter for the new Buick Lacrosse
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GM announced today that the base engine for the 2010 Lacrosse will be their new 2.4 Liter with 182hp.
They are hoping to get 30MPG HWY with this engine.
Unfortunately, the smaller engine will only be available in the base model.
Although they might change their mind later like they did with the Malibu.
3.0 Liter and 3.6 Liter V6s are still available or standard of the other versions.
Audi is on a similar path and won’t even offer a V6 on the A4 anymore, at least in the US.
It looks like even near luxury car buyers are warming up to the idea that a good 4 cylinder engine is just fine.
We do live in a country where the speed limit is mostly 65 and a gallon of gas is pretty much over $3 now….
I remember reading that this thing will be growing in size – the base model will probably be about 3800 lbs – and the price will start around the $28k mark.
It may look nice, but Pricey + Underpowered = DOA.
But that's okay – wasn't expecting common sense now that politicians are running the show.
4 cylinder turbo is more appealing. But, this is a heavy car for a small engine. I hope it does not drive like a sofa.
a 4 cylinder in a 4000 lbs car is not fine.
a 4 cylinder in a 4000 lbs car is not fine.
But a 4-cylinder in a 3800 lbs car is better. Honda does it with 190 hp in the Accord weighing in at just under 3500 lbs. For most buyers, this will be just fine.
The 4-cylinder in the A4 works because it makes more than 200 hp. This 2.4 L in the Lacrosse doesn't compare. Why not offer the 260 hp 2.0 L turbo from the Solstice? It gets better mpg and a lot more torque than the 3.0 L V6 so why not offer it instead?
And A4 still comes with a 6-cylinder in the S4. Audi may consider it a separate model, but it's really just a trim level on the A4.
As stated above, this car is too heavy for the amount of power the engine can deliver. The problem with I4-turbo engines is that they generally don't give you better mileage than the V6s they replace (there was a big article about this in C&D last month).
Buick can put a 4 cylinder engine in the car if they want, but they need to have a bit more power (say, 210hp) so the driver doesn't feel like he's draggin' arse.
"Anonymous said…
a 4 cylinder in a 4000 lbs car is not fine.
But a 4-cylinder in a 3800 lbs car is better. Honda does it with 190 hp in the Accord weighing in at just under 3500 lbs. For most buyers, this will be just fine."
You are right, it isn't fine. It will be underpowered.
Honda's engine is arguably better though, DI or no DI. I'd take a Honda four cylinder over any GM four (short of the turbo).
I think putting a DI 4 cyl in this thing is a good idea. It won't be fast, AT ALL, but it should be a good idea for most people who want a nice big stylish car (competitor to the Taurus?), want to save a couple of dinosaurs and, believe it or not, won't be taking it around their local race track. I know that last statement might be unbelievable but trust me on this one…
I am a little dissappointed in the performance numbers of the new DI 4 cyl though. I expected such an engine to make 200 hp and 190 tq at low rpm but maybe there will be an improved version later. I do wonder if the DI 2.0l turbo 4cyl would be more appropriate, however then it would have been a more expensive 4 cyl option. It's ALWAYS a trade-off. I would'nt mind seeing a tuner put one or two turbo's on the DI 3.6l V6. LaCross GNX anyone?
Fernando, I agree that the mileage for turbo DI 4-cylinders often do not offer an advantage over a V6. However, the turbo DI 2.0 L makes much more torque than the wimpy 3.0 L V6 at similar or better mileage. The torque is the advantage.
Do people actually believe oil is from rotting dinosours? Did they go to public school? The hundred year hoax will never die.
The Equinox does 0-60 in 8.7 seconds with this engine and gets 32 mpg highway. This should do a little bit better.
The torque on a turbo come in later at about 1800 RPM…Before that is sucks really bad!
Go to http://www.gm.com and look at the 2.0L Turbo power curve (for a good laugh).
My '04 Accord EX-L Sedan with its 4 cylinder engine is fast enough and nearly as smooth as most V6s from other manufacturers.
You really can't go any faster than the 4 will go and still drive safely and legally.
With respect to needing power to "get out of a tough spot" with a burst of speed, I'd say that people with overpowered cars take more risks and probably have more wrecks than people who drive more modestly powered cars and drive more thoughtfully.
Some V6 Accord buyers probably never test drove an Accord 4 cylinder because they assumed it would be sluggish which it is definitely not.
Although it's a 4-cyl, it's not far behind the Dodge Charger SE with its 178-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 at 3727 lbs….with no complaints. Although I think that engine is an insult to it and the 300. All 2006 Chargers used the 3.5 as the base engine.
I think they should leave the 4-cyl for the upcoming Regal.
" iQuack said…
My '04 Accord EX-L Sedan with its 4 cylinder engine is fast enough and nearly as smooth as most V6s from other manufacturers."
That is because it is an engine made by Honda. Honda makes some of the best engines in the business, hands down.
"cubedtothex said…
Although it's a 4-cyl, it's not far behind the Dodge Charger SE with its 178-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 at 3727 lbs….with no complaints. Although I think that engine is an insult to it and the 300. All 2006 Chargers used the 3.5 as the base engine."
That 2.7 V6 in the Charger and other Chrysler products is a piece of shit.
It is a Mitsubishi engine and its entire line has been plagued with problems dating into the 90's. It is not a reliable engine.
"Do people actually believe oil is from rotting dinosours? Did they go to public school? The hundred year hoax will never die."
Next thing you'll be telling me is that there is no Santa and no Easter bunny.
oil is going to run out in a few years. We are all doomed.
Why do you people insist on HP numbers…They are pointless…What gets the pig moving is low RPM TORQUE…Study Physics!
"oil is going to run out in a few years. We are all doomed."
QUICK!!! Somebody clone some dinosaurs so we can make more oil for the future! Maybe our government can get a stimulasaurus package together to get things started.