Buick Mulls Bigger Engine for Encore
When it launched, Buick wasn’t entirely certain where the Encore would fit in the market and that turned out not to matter.
The Encore is proving to be a strong seller, but its 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine only offers 138 hp . The engine compartment is too tight for the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine used in the Verano sedan. A new report suggests that Buick is weighing a more powerful version of the Encore to broaden sales appeal.
Earlier this year, GM unveiled a new family of engines for the European market that could fit the bill. In its mildest form, the new 1.6-liter engine offers 170 hp and can even make up to 200 hp. There are also diesel versions offered, although the less expensive gasoline engine.
Buick spokesman Nick Richards said in an email that while the engine is “designed for global applications, its potential application is determined by a number of factors including vehicle packaging, targeted power-to-weight, manufacturing locations, transmission integration, market demands and conditions.”
Richards couldn’t confirm whether or not Buick is considering the 1.6-liter engine, but said “our customers are generally happy with the balance of performance and fuel economy from the Encore’s 1.4-liter turbo.”
[Source: Edmunds]
Discuss this story at our Buick Encore forum.
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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More power sorely needed. This is the #1 barrier to me buying an Encore. I love my Honda Fit but want more 1) luxury 2) quietness and 3) power.