Spring Hill Manufacturing Ecotech Engine

By Sinclaire Sparkman

Last week, the General Motors plant in Spring Hill produced it’s 4 millionth Ecotech engine, two years after the plant produced it’s 3 millionth Ecotech engine. This 2.5 liter direct injection engine powers the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu and the Chevy Impala.

The Spring Hill manufactured Ecotech engine has been named as one of WardsAuto‘s ten best engines for North America because of the power of the engine despite it’s small size. This was awarded twice, once in 2010 and again in 2012.

“This engine charges like an angry water buffalo when you get the revs up,” WardsAuto editor Drew Winter writes on his Regal GS scoresheet. “And yet, it’s silky smooth. It’s hard to believe this is similar to what was in the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.”

Ecotech is a line of GM engines hitting the market boasting a quieter ride, improved fuel efficiency, and the ability to run even the turbocharged engine off of unleaded gasoline in order to offer the consumer an affordable option for power.

The plant also makes two other Ecotech engines, the 2.0 liter turbocharged direct injection engine, and the 2.4 liter direct injection 4-cylinder engine. GM plans to eventually release 11 Ecotech engines.

“GM’s line of Ecotec engines continue to win awards and recognition from critics and consumers alike for their fuel efficiency and power,” said GM Spring Hill Complex Manager Ken Knight. “These engines represent the best of the best available in today’s market, and we’re proud to produce them in Tennessee.”

GM plans to put the Ecotech engines into five brands and 27 models by the 2017 model-year.