The Chevrolet Trailblazer continues to impress with its compact yet powerful engine options. Let’s look into the specifications of the two turbocharged engines that power this versatile SUV: the 1.2T (LIH) and the 1.3T (L3T). Both engines represent the cutting edge of the GM small-displacement, high-efficiency powerplants, offering a blend of performance and economy that suits the needs of modern drivers.

Engine Overview

The 1.2T (LIH) and 1.3T (L3T) engines are part of the new GM generation of small-displacement, turbocharged engines. The former GM Opel subsidiary (now owned by PSA), the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), and MG Motor collaboratively developed these powerplants. This international collaboration has resulted in engines meeting global efficiency and performance standards.

Manufacturing and Distribution

GM manufactures the engines at its Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. From there, the company ships them to GM Korea’s Bupyeong facility in Incheon, South Korea, where workers install them in the Chevrolet Trailblazer and its cousin, the Buick Encore GX.

1.2T (LIH) Engine Specifications

The 1.2T (LIH) engine serves as the base powerplant for the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Let’s examine its key specifications:

Basic Specifications

• Engine Type: Inline 3-cylinder, Turbocharged
• Displacement: 1.2 liters (1199 cc)
• Bore x Stroke: 77.9 mm x 83.9 mm
• Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
• Fuel System: Direct Injection
• Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Performance

• Maximum Power: 102 kW (137 hp) @ 5000 rpm
• Peak Torque: 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) @ 2500-3500 rpm

Efficiency and Emissions

• Fuel Economy (combined): Approximately 7.8 L/100km
• Emissions Standard: Euro 6d-TEMP

Additional Features

• Start/Stop Technology: Equipped
• Turbocharger: Single-scroll
• Engine Block Material: Cast aluminum
• Cylinder Head Material: Cast aluminum

1.3T (L3T) Engine Specifications

The 1.3T (L3T) engine is the more powerful option available for the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Here are its detailed specifications:

Basic Specifications

• Engine Type: Inline 3-cylinder, Turbocharged
• Displacement: 1.3 liters (1341 cc)
• Bore x Stroke: 79.0 mm x 91.2 mm
• Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
• Fuel System: Direct Injection
• Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Performance

• Maximum Power: 115 kW (155 hp) @ 5600 rpm
• Peak Torque: 236 Nm (174 lb-ft) @ 1500-4000 rpm

Efficiency and Emissions

• Fuel Economy (combined): Approximately 7.6 L/100km
• Emissions Standard: Euro 6d-TEMP

Additional Features

• Start/Stop Technology: Equipped
• Turbocharger: Single-scroll with electronically controlled wastegate
• Engine Block Material: High-Pressure Die-Cast Aluminum
• Cylinder Head Material: Cast aluminum
• Balance Shaft: Included for reduced vibration

Detailed Component Analysis

Both the 1.2T (LIH) and 1.3T (L3T) engines share similar architecture and many components. Let’s examine some of the key components in detail:

Engine Block

The engine block for both variants is constructed of aluminum alloy using high-pressure die casting. This method ensures high strength while keeping the weight down. The block features three cast-in-place iron cylinder liners arranged in-line. The block incorporates a bedplate design to enhance rigidity and reduce noise and vibration, forming an upper and lower crankcase.

Crankshaft

Engineers craft the crankshaft from forged micro-alloy steel, selecting the material for its strength and durability. Four main journals support it on main bearings, which have oil clearance for proper lubrication. The thrust bearing, placed in the third position, controls crankshaft axial end play. To ensure precise engine balance and minimize vibration, the crankshaft features four scalloped counterweights for reduced mass. A harmonic balancer also manages torsional vibration.

Pistons and Connecting Rods

Engineers designed the pistons for low friction and light weight, giving them a recessed top and barrel-shaped skirt. Each piston includes two compression rings and one oil control ring assembly. The manufacturer uses chromium steel for the piston pins and incorporates a full-floating design.

Manufacturers make the connecting rods from powdered metal to ensure precise construction and weight control. They fracture them at the connecting rod journal and machine them for proper clearance. All pistons feature a graphite-coated skirt to reduce friction and improve efficiency.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is of the double overhead camshaft (DOHC) type, made of cast aluminum alloy for optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The combustion chamber increases squish and enhance swirl efficiency, maximizing gasoline combustion efficiency. An interesting feature is the integration of the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head, which helps in quicker catalyst light-off and improved thermal efficiency.

Valvetrain

Each cylinder has two intake and two exhaust valves, all featuring positive valve stem seals. The valvetrain employs Valve Lash Adjusters with roller finger followers, which are acted upon by hydraulic lash adjusters. This design reduces friction and noise, contributing to the engine’s smooth operation.

Camshafts

Both engines use two camshafts – one for all intake valves and another for all exhaust valves. The camshafts are hollow to save weight and are assembled with steel lobes for durability.

Turbocharger

The 1.2T and 1.3T engines employ a single-scroll turbocharger to boost power and efficiency. The 1.3T engine features an electronically controlled wastegate for more precise boost control. This allows for optimized boost pressure across all engine conditions, contributing to the engine’s broad torque curve and responsive performance.

Fuel Injection System

These engines utilize a central direct injection system consisting of three separate direct injection fuel injectors, a high-pressure fuel rail, and a high-pressure fuel feed pipe connecting the fuel pump to the rail. Each injector seats into its own bore in the cylinder head using a combustion seal. The intake camshaft drives the high-pressure fuel pump, which mounts to the front of the cylinder head and connects via a tri-lobe on the rear of the camshaft through a hydraulic roller lifter.

Balance Shaft (1.3T L3T)

The 1.3T engine includes a balance shaft to reduce noise and vibration, a common concern in three-cylinder engines. This shaft is housed in the engine block and is driven by the crankshaft via balance shaft gears.

Performance and Efficiency

The 1.2T and 1.3T engines offer impressive performance for their size, with the 1.3T naturally providing a bit more punch. The broad torque curves of both engines, particularly the 1.3T with its peak torque available from 1500-4000 rpm, ensure responsive performance in everyday driving situations.

In terms of efficiency, both engines perform admirably. The 1.2T engine achieves a combined fuel economy of approximately 7.8 L/100km, while the 1.3T manages an even more impressive 7.6 L/100km. These figures put the Chevrolet Trailblazer among the more fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.

The inclusion of start/stop technology in both engines further enhances their efficiency, particularly in urban driving scenarios with frequent stops.

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer: Efficient and Powerful

The 1.2T (LIH) and 1.3T (L3T) engines powering the Chevrolet Trailblazer represent the culmination of GM’s efforts in creating efficient, powerful, and compact powerplants. These engines demonstrate that it’s possible to achieve impressive performance and efficiency from small-displacement turbocharged engines.

The choice between the two engines largely depends on individual needs and preferences. The 1.2T offers ample power for most daily driving scenarios while maximizing efficiency. The 1.3T, on the other hand, provides a noticeable boost in performance for those who desire more power without significantly compromising fuel economy.

Both engines benefit from advanced technologies and careful engineering, resulting in powerplants that are well-suited to the needs of modern drivers. Whether opting for the 1.2T or the 1.3T, Chevrolet Trailblazer owners can expect a vehicle that delivers a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and reliability.

Q&A: 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Engine Specifications

What are the displacement volumes of the two engine options for the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

• The two engine options are the 1.2T (LIH) with a displacement of 1.2 liters (1199 cc) and the 1.3T (L3T) with a displacement of 1.3 liters (1341 cc).

How much horsepower does the 1.3T (L3T) engine produce?

• It produces a maximum power of 115 kW (155 hp) at 5600 rpm.

What is the peak torque of the 1.2T (LIH) engine, and at what rpm range is it available?

• The engine produces a peak torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) between 2500-3500 rpm.

Are both engines turbocharged?

• Yes, both the 1.2T (LIH) and 1.3T (L3T) engines are turbocharged.

What type of fuel injection system do these engines use?

• Both engines use a central direct injection system.

How many valves per cylinder do these engines have?

• Both engines have 4 valves per cylinder, with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC).

What is the compression ratio of the 1.3T (L3T) engine?

• The compression ratio is 10.0:1.

What is the approximate combined fuel economy for the 1.3T (L3T) engine?

• It achieves an approximate combined fuel economy of 7.6 L/100km.

Where are these engines manufactured?

• These engines are manufactured at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.