There is no denying America’s Big 3 auto producers have been caught asleep at the wheel. After decades of relying on high margin trucks and SUV’s to increase profitability, Ford, GM and Chrysler have been sent reeling by the economic slowdown and increased cost of petroleum. Rather than spending millions on new technologies, why not keep it simple?

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The four door four cylinder sedan is a responsible choice for most folks, but trying to power a 3,200 pound car with four pistons has been a problem. In the last decade, we have seen displacements inch up from 2 liters to 2.5 liters in order to provide the additional torque necessary for adequate throttle response and safe passing.

Current technology exists to produce just as much power and torque from a direct injected gasoline powered 2 liter engine without the need for turbocharging or even variable valve timing.  Because direct injection allows for higher compression ratios, torque is increased throughout the power band which boosts horsepower.  Additional torque allows for more aggressive cam profiles which can boost power even further, while greater efficiencies improve fuel economy.

Ford (Mazdaspeed 3) and General Motors are already producing 2 and 2.3 liter direct injected engines, so re-tooling would be minimal.  Dropping such an engine into a low-drag chassis built with lightweight alloy steel to contain weight, a 4 door sedan should approach or even exceed 40 highway mph.  If placed into an existing chassis, pricing should range between $20k and $30k depending on trim levels and accessories. The time has come, so let’s fire up the foundries.

Note to Big 3: Don’t forget the 6 speed manual transmission option!