2012 Chevy Sonic Turbo Engine FAMILY 0

Image Source: GREEN AUTOBLOG

Chevy is once again adopting the FAMILY 0 turbo engine as one of the available power-train options for the 2012 Chevy Sonic; also available in the 2010+ Chevy Cruze line.  The FAMILY 0 engine was first introduced in an Opel during the mid 90's, of which many variations have followed (1).  One of GM's engineer's, Mike Katerberg describes some of the key features of the FAMILY 0 engine such as, VVT, forged connecting rods, piston squirters, timing chain (not belt), and even sodium valves (2).  A little history for everyone on the origins of sodium valves.  Sodium filled valves were first introduced in aeronautical combustion engines as a means to reduce heat, and patented by engineer, S. D. Heron of the Wright Aeronautical Corporation on May 22, 1928 (3).


(1). Wikipedia. 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2011 from: GM Family 0 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(2). YouTube. Chevrolet Upload, June 30, 2010.  Chevrolet Cruze: The Powertrain.  Retrieved August 25, 2011 from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sxmBZpGITE&feature=related
(3).  Eugene M. Emme, comp., Aeronautics and Astronautics: An American Chronology of Science and Technology in the Exploration of Space, 1915-1960 (Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1961), pp. 19-26.  Retrieved August 25, 2011 from: http://history.nasa.gov/Timeline/1925-29.html