Chevy Volt and Cadillac ELR May Get Three-Cylinder Engine in 2015

The Chevrolet Volt, and its clever range-extender plug-in hybrid system marked a turning point in the way GM viewed green cars, and while the American giant may have tested the market in the past, it is the first of its kind to actually make an impact.

However, one can’t help but wonder if the 1.4-liter petrol engine used to recharge the battery was chosen for its efficiency credentials, or due to cost constraints – the Volt is quite expensive, as it is.

The unit is not particularly new, from what we gather, and is therefore not as efficient as it could be. Now, though, Edmunds reports that GM officials are pondering swapping the current engine for a more efficient three-cylinder unit, which should also be considerably lighter, thus boosting efficiency further. Displacement is said to drop to 1.0- or 1.2-liters and turbocharging is very likely.

According to a 2011 GM announcement, they said they would be developing a range of three- and four-cylinder engines, with capacities ranging from 1.0- to 1.5-liters. These engines will apparently be developed by GM’s Chinese partners, but aside from that, not a lot is known.

If the Volt is updated, then chances are that the Cadillac ELR, with which it shares its basic powertrain architecture, will benefit as well. The Opel- and Vauxhall-badged Ampera would also receive the same upgrade, as would the Holden model

The updated cars should be revealed in 2015, and reach the market in 2016.

By Andrei Nedelea

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