The 2004 ION Red Line's Ecotec 2.0-liter supercharged engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission, will produce an estimated 200 horsepower.

The all-aluminum dual overhead cam, four-cylinder Ecotec 2.0L SC engine is built off the strengths of the original naturally aspirated Ecotec 2.2-liter engine introduced in the 2000 Saturn L-Series. The Ecotec 2.0L SC has a four-valve cylinder head, maintenance-free chain-driven camshafts, counter-rotating balance shafts and an integrated oil cooler.

The addition of the Eaton M62 supercharger allows the blower to spin at a lower rpm, which improves durability and creates less noise while allowing for plenty of top end power. Power delivery of the supercharged engine is instantaneous. Maximum boost of the supercharger is 12 psi.

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of Ecotec 2.0L SC," said Grant Brady, GM Powertrain system engineer. "We leveraged the knowledge of the Saab 2.0-liter turbo performance variant, GM Racing experience and the strengths of the naturally aspirated Ecotec 2.2-liter. With this launch pad, we designed our supercharged variant for reliable compact performance."

Global knowledge was used extensively in the development of the Ecotec 2.0L SC. GM has years of experience with Eaton superchargers in the high-volume 3800 Series II SC V-6 engines used in mid-size vehicles. This engine will also be produced in the same assembly facilities as other base Ecotec engines using common manufacturing processes and quality controls as opposed to being upfitted by an outside supplier.

Key components that carry over from the Saab 2.0-liter engine into the Ecotec 2.0L SC include direct mount oil cooler, oil jets for piston cooling, heavy duty pistons, stronger connecting rods, forged steel crankshaft, larger oil sump, sodium filled exhaust valves for improved durability, and a high strength aluminum cylinder head.

The Ecotec four-cylinder engine family is GM's first truly global engine family. The four-valve overhead cam family delivers excellent fuel economy and low emissions in a dependable, durable package with low noise and vibration. The Ecotec 2.2-liter debuted in the 2000 Saturn L-series and is currently available in the Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire and Grand Am, Olds Alero, Saturn ION and VUE. It is also used in several European applications, including the Opel Vectra, Astra and Zafira models. The Ecotec 2.2-liter was recently announced as the standard power in the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu and a direct injection gas version of the Ecotec 2.0-liter will be available in the 2004 Opel Signum.

2004 Ecotec 2.0 Liter Supercharged Engine
Preliminary Specifications

Source: General Motors