Chevrolets future offering to focus on alternatives

Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) could begin the next decade as a front-runner in alternative fuels if it can fast-track the introduction of its latest technologies – slated for use in global markets starting next year – locally. Earlier this month, GM Power train Europe announced two new fuel efficient engines which analysts believe could be making their way into the next-generation Optra family car, as well as the Captiva SUV. According to General Motors, the use of forced induction and the latest in variable valve timing has enabled the downsized petrol motor to achieve 8% better fuel economy than a bigger engine of comparable performance. Although it wasn’t mentioned whether the 1.4 units could run on E85 gasohol, executives of GM Thailand have made it known that the new Optra would be able to run on the fuel blended with 85% ethanol. The other engine announced is a 150hp/210Nm 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that can additionally run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and claimed to yield 25% lower CO2 emissions than a conventional set-up. (May 30, 2008)