New 1.6L diesel in 2018 Chevrolet Equinox related to Opel’s 1.6L CDTi Whisper Diesel
24 September 2016
The new 1.6-liter diesel engine to be offered in the US in the 2018 Equinox (earlier post) is similar to Opel’s 1.6L CDTi Whisper Diesel (earlier post) in Europe, and is derived from a common Italian-German-American medium diesel engine design, according to GM. The first application of the 1.6L CDTi was unveiled in 2013 at the Geneva Motor Show in the Zafira Tourer. (Earlier post.)
Maximum power for the Equinox engine is estimated at 136 hp (101 kW), with 320 N·m torque. The engine has a bore x stroke of 79.7 mm x 80.1 mm and a compression ratio of 16.0:1. Fuel pressure is 2000 bar (29,000 psi).
Built with an aluminum block and head, the engine features a new combustion system (with variable swirl) and is also equipped with a variable displacement oil pump and ECU-controlled piston cooling jets.
A variable-vane turbocharger enables the engine to deliver more power with lower exhaust emissions and no decrease in overall fuel efficiency.
NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) after-treatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.
The 1.6L for the Equinox also includes GM’s latest diesel particulate filter system. An advanced ceramic-type (silicon carbide) exhaust gas filter is installed behind the oxidizing catalyst in the exhaust system, characterized by hundreds of small, porous tubes blocked at one end. This forces the exhaust gas through the walls of the tubes, trapping particulate matter, which is periodically burned off by the heat of the exhaust.
I think GM is silly to bring this to the states, the average consumer isn't ready for diesel, 29,000 psi is a very high rail pressure, no doubt this will be more susceptible to fuel issues. Yes, this will be cleaner than an alternate gas version(both CO2 and other emissions, assuming they don't cheat).
A loud few are pushing diesels in small cars, with modern emissions equipment and high rail pressures, diesel is best left for those that need it. Not for a family vehicle here in the states.
I'd hate to know the price of those injectors. People are going to learn quick what the cost of diesel ownership actually is. (with the necessary properly working emissions equipment)
Posted by: CheeseEater88 | 25 September 2016 at 11:04 AM
Hey, if they can make it work, more power to them. It would amount to an upset, GM doing it where VW couldn't. Priced mid 20k, I'd buy one.
Posted by: The Lurking Jerk | 25 September 2016 at 08:22 PM
@CheeseEater88
It is due to such ill-founded preconceptions as yours that diesel cars are not accepted in the USA. Furthermore, your comments on technical topics just shows how little you know. Let me just give one example. State-of-the-art injection pressure today is 2 500 bar, with next steps of 2 700 and 3 000 around the corner. 2000 bar is not considered much today. BTW, injectors last the life of the engine, which is much longer than a gasoline engine. This is why diesel engines are used in trucks and buses.
Posted by: Peter_XX | 25 September 2016 at 11:30 PM
I agree with Peter XX. I have never had issues with the electronic injectors on the equipment we own (knock on wood). Doesn't GDI also use high pressure injectors (I am not sure.) I also have equipment with old style mechanical pumps and injectors. The newer technology works.
We need more vehicles like this. As I stated in the newer VW article, "Urea is Cheap.... Please give us Diesel Hybrids....Save the self driving connected vehicles for city folks...."
Posted by: Dr. Strange Love | 26 September 2016 at 09:23 AM