The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel�s advanced 2.0L engine uses a variable-swirl intake system to create a �perfect storm� of air and fuel that helps enhance performance while reducing emissions.
�Variable swirl helps put the �clean� in Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel. It increases the mixture-motion of air and fuel in low-speed, low-load driving, like when you�re doing the commuter crawl to work every day,� said Mike Siegrist, 2.0L turbo diesel assistant chief engineer. �It contributes to Cruze Diesel�s great fuel economy, and helps give drivers the most torque for the least amount of fuel at the lowest emission and noise levels.�
In Cruze�s variable-swirl intake manifold, each cylinder has two separate intake ports, with one of them controlled by a valve. During variable swirl, each throttle valve varies how much it opens to create mixture-motion of air and fuel within each cylinder. General Motors� Powertrain team devoted countless hours to calibrating the actuator to precisely open and close the valves for optimal performance.
As a result of this and other advanced powertrain technologies, Cruze�s clean diesel engine offers a segment-leading EPA-estimated 46 mpg highway and range of more than 700 miles per tank � better than any non-hybrid or gasoline-powered passenger car vehicle in America.
Cruze�s diesel engine, married to an automatic transmission, provides greater fuel economy than a comparably sized gasoline engine through greater thermal efficiency, a higher compression ratio and an unthrottled combustion process.
Cruze�s diesel engine also is the cleanest ever produced by GM. In general, clean diesels generate at least 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels. Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel�s emissions will meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency�s (EPA) stringent Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.
�All combustion engines have swirl, but having variable swirl is a real difference maker for Cruze�s diesel engine,� Siegrist said. �Ultimately, it means more driving satisfaction with less environmental impact.�