Vauxhall’s new cutting-edge 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol engine is set to debut in the urban-chic ADAM at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. ADAM is the first car in the Vauxhall range to receive the new, all-aluminium 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo petrol engine that has been developed at Vauxhall/Opel’s International Technical Development Centre.
The pocket powerhouse will come in two power outputs, giving 90PS and 115PS. Both deliver strong, low-end torque of 166Nm from just 1,800 rpm.
With Start/Stop functionality as standard, the 90PS version gives ADAM combined cycle fuel consumption as low as 62mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km, according to preliminary data. Efficiency enablers include direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, weight-saving all-aluminium construction and a switchable water pump.
The first in a completely new family of small displacement petrol engines, the 12-valve 1.0 ECOTEC is the next step in Vauxhall’s powertrain offensive following the recent introduction of new 1.6-litre mid-size petrol and diesel engine families.
Other noise attenuation measures include: acoustically-optimised covers for the top and front of the engine, the intake manifold and camshaft housings; crankshaft isolation with iron main bearing inserts; inverted teeth for camshaft drive chains; a low-hiss turbo charger, and a lower oil pan in steel.
With all these ‘sound engineering’ features, the new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo is not only more refined than other three-cylinder engines, it’s also quieter than many four-cylinder units. For example, in bench testing at full throttle, it emits lower noise levels across all engine speeds than similarly powerful petrol naturally-aspirated engines of 1.6-litre displacement.
Other noise attenuation measures include: acoustically-optimised covers for the top and front of the engine, the intake manifold and camshaft housings; crankshaft isolation with iron main bearing inserts; inverted teeth for camshaft drive chains; a low-hiss turbo charger, and a lower oil pan in steel.
With all these ‘sound engineering’ features, the new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo is not only more refined than other three-cylinder engines, it’s also quieter than many four-cylinder units. For example, in bench testing at full throttle, it emits lower noise levels across all engine speeds than similarly powerful petrol naturally-aspirated engines of 1.6-litre displacement.
The 1.0-litre powerhouse is mated to a new generation six-speed manual transmission. With a compact design and a dry weight of only 37kg, it is about 30 per cent lighter than units it replaces.
