US Chevrolet Cruze to Get Honeywell Turbochargers

Honeywell Turbo Technologies will introduce its small gasoline turbochargers on the US-bound Chevrolet Cruze and is thus hoping that this move could support its goal to expand the market share in the United States. Honeywell hopes the turbo technologies will post a 4 to 6 percent increase in US light vehicle sales by 2014, according to official forecasts.

Getting back to Chevrolet's Cruze, the 1.4-liter engine developed by General Motors is equipped with Honeywell's gasoline turbocharger technology that was especially designed for small gasoline engines.

"Thanks to a turbo's unique ability to increase the performance output of smaller displacement engines, a downsizing revolution is underway in the US and around the world," said Alex Ismail, President and CEO of Honeywell Transportation Systems.

"Honeywell is excited to be leading the way in this sector. Over the next 10 years, this mega trend will see average engine displacement in the US reduce from 3.6L to 2.9L moving from V8 and V6 engines to 4 cylinders - a major reflection of this trend being high volume growth in smaller, 4-cylinder turbocharged passenger cars of around 1.4L. As the world's leading turbo manufacturer, we are well positioned to benefit from the move, which will help drive greater energy efficiency and reduced emissions in the auto industry."

The 1.4-liter engine of the Cruze develops a maximum power of 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque and provides an autonomy of up to 500 miles or 800 km with a full tank, if we are to trust the official figures.