I've heard about gasoline direct injection for a long time and I believe GM has even said the Ecotec is capable of gasoline direct injection, but when will we see GM first use of this tech?

 

They're waiting for low-sulphur gasoline here in North America. Lean burning (one of the main reasons to go to GDI) creates greater amounts of oxides of nitrogen, which can only be effectively cleaned with special catalytic converters. Sulphur poisons these converters.

 

Its' not just sulphur.

Another problem, at least in Canada is MMT- Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl. It's basically an octane booster that is, by all accounts low cost, so gas is "cheaper" but, it has an ugly side - there are environmental concerns and evidence that it hampers the lifespan of things such sparkplugs and O2 sensors, among others things. I have heard that even with engines spec'd to run premium grade gasoline, that it is best to go with the mid-grade gas due to MMT's detrimental effects on injectors.

Until this stuff is taken away from the refining stage, Direct Injection will not fly, at least in Canada. Here is a link to an article (non-technical in nature, I promise:-) that looks at MMT a little more closely. It's a good read.

Normally, we here in North America think that because of where we live, we have the best possible products available bar none, not so all the time. European gas, for instance is cleaner than ours, so direct injection is a no brainer across the pond.

 

Isuzu has had it on their 3.5L V6 Axiom and Rodeo since 2004, so I'm sure GM has access to it if they want it. Boosted HP by 20 and increased fuel economy by one in both city/highway. Good stuff!

-B