GM Flint Plant Transitions to New 4-Cylinder Engines

General Motors Co.'s engine plant in Flint, Mich., built its one millionth 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine this week.

The milestone was reached just before production was stopped to retool the facility to make two new four-bangers. Production of the outgoing engine, which is used in the Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic small cars as well as the Volt hybrid, started in 2011.

The plant's new 1.4-liter turbocharged mill, which generates 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, will be fitted in the 2016 Cruze. The powerplant will be built alongside a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine that will serve as a range extender in the Volt.

The retooling is part of a previously announced $200 million renovation of the Flint facility, which was opened in 2002. The facility will be one of eight plants worldwide that produce the two new engines.

In addition to the new 4-cylinders, Flint will continue to produce GM's 3.6-liter V-6 powerplant.