So, what does it take to make the tiny Solstice into something that
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| the new turbocharged 2.0L by far the most powerful Ecotec motor currently in production, generating an estimated 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: General Motors) |
will embarrass big-dollar sports cars? GM's solution is different than the usual, 'no replacement for displacement' answer, as it would throw the Solstice's weight distribution and handling characteristics off. Instead, power for the GXP comes from an all-new 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder that's been turbochaged, not unlike Chevy's new Cobalt SS and Saturn's ION Quad Coupe Red Line - at least in principle. This is by far the most powerful Ecotec motor currently in production, mind you, generating an estimated 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Do the (very) simple math, and that's a supercar-rivaling 130 horsepower per liter, giving it the highest specific capacity of any motor GM has ever created.
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| The new Ecotec engine is one of GM's most advanced to date, featuring adual-scroll turbo, direct injection and variable valve timing withcamshaft phasing. Wow! (Photo: General Motors) |
The inner workings of the Solstice GXP's engine are truly impressive - this is one very advanced powerplant, words you normally wouldn't hear describing your average GM mill. The engine found in the Solstice GXP is a second generation Ecotec motor, which has evolved from the remarkable range that includes the 240 hp 2.0 liter turbo in the Opel Astra OPC/VXR, the supercharged Ecotec in the Cobalt SS Supercharged/ION Red Line, and the naturally aspirated 2.2 and 2.4 liter engines in various other products.
For starters, the engine receives variable valve timing with dual camshaft phasing to improve efficiency and peak performance. But this is nothing new, and is technology that's already in use on GM's 3.9 liter V6 and the first-gen Ecotec motor series. The big step forward comes from the introduction of SIDI, Spark Ignition Direct Injection, making this GM's first North American powerplant with direct injection.
