New York show: Turbo four for Camaro

GENERAL Motors is considering turbocharged four-cylinder petrol power for the upcoming Camaro. Only V6 and V8 engines have been confirmed for the model, which is due for release in North America next year.

Speaking to American industry publication Automotive News, General Motors vice-chairman of global product development, Bob Lutz, suggested that a high-performance four-cylinder turbo petrol engine might be the right solution to rising fuel costs.

The unit thought to be under consideration is a variation of the 2.0-litre turbo engine found in the Pontiac Solstice GPX. It produces around 193kW of power and 353Nm of torque.

Such an engine would also lower the Camaro’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) legislation.

In January, Mr Lutz told GoAuto that meeting this is one of his company’s biggest challenges, as GM seeks to downsize its range in order for it to meet CAFE, which requires manufacturers to reach a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon (6.72L/100km) by 2020.

“In terms of fuel economy... we have to find ways to stimulate demand and desirability in cars that will get us closer to the 35mpg average,” Mr Lutz said.

The Camaro – one of the stars of the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit – is being partly developed in Australia as it is underpinned by GM’s Zeta architecture as found under the VE Commodore.