Chevrolet Breaks Down The 1.4 Ecotec

By Logan Utsman on Friday, July 13th, 2012

Carrying the ability to achieve up to 40 mpg while revving fast and lasting for ages is no easy task to accomplish, even for a modern-day engine. One of Chevrolet’s most recent members of the Ecotec family tree manages to do just that with some extra help from razor-sharp technology. By fitting piston rings with a diamond-like carbon coating (DLC), the 1.4 liter turbocharged engine should prove to reduce overall friction and wear thus, lasting longer than a block fitted with conventional rings.

“Thanks to diamond-like carbon coating, we can use lower tension on the Ecotec’s piston rings to reduce friction, which improves fuel economy,” said Rich Ricchi, GM Powertrain technical specialist. Used in both the Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic, the 1.4 liter can average 40 mpg on the freeway while under the hood of the subcompact. While breaking into the hypermile club may not be breaking news, the Chevys might just be able to pull off the task longer than some other rivals. The synthetic treatment allows for less and less friction that in theory, should hold up for miles on end.

“DLC also reduces oil consumption in high-mileage driving, due to the favorable wear properties associated with the DLC coating,” said Ricchi.

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