The GM LZR is a 2,000 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced from 2021 to the present. It features an aluminium block and cylinder heads, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT), and a twin-scroll turbocharger, delivering responsive power and improved thermal efficiency over previous generations. The use of a high-pressure direct injection system with 350 bar capability enables precise combustion control for reduced emissions and enhanced part-load efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Buick Regal, and Cadillac CT4, the LZR was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of urban agility and highway cruising refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filter (GPF) integration, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and advanced ignition control, allowing all units to meet Euro 6d-Final standards.
One documented concern is intake valve carbon buildup due to port fuel injection absence, highlighted in GM Service Information Bulletin SIB 15-NA-107. This issue arises from oil vapors depositing on uncleaned valve surfaces during normal operation. GM introduced revised PCV valve designs and updated ECU calibration in 2022 to mitigate accumulation rates.
Production years 2021–present meet Euro 6d-Final standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The GM LZR is a 2,000 cc turbocharged inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size vehicles (2021–present). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient high-speed cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d-Final emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,000 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with twin-scroll turbocharger | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm | |
| Power output | 170–190 kW (230–258 PS) | |
| Torque | 350–400 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-Final | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with electric water pump | |
| Turbocharger | Twin-scroll turbocharger (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) | |
| Timing system | Chain (dual-row; rear-mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The direct-injection architecture provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 10,000–15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent intake valve carbon buildup and turbo degradation. GM Dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its low SAPS formulation minimizing deposit formation. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce oil vapor migration into the intake tract. Use of ultra-low-sulfur petrol (ULSP) meeting EN 228 standards is mandatory to protect injector nozzles and GPF. Post-2022 models feature revised PCV valves and updated ECU calibrations per SIB 15-NA-107; pre-2022 units benefit from periodic induction cleaning.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos1 Gen 2 (5W-30) specification (GM SIB 15-NA-107). Supersedes ACEA A5/B5 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6d-Final certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 190 kW output requires ULSP fuel quality (GM TIS Doc. A26021).
GM Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A24701, A24702, A24703, SIB 15-NA-107
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The GM LZR was used across GM's Global Small Car platforms with transverse mounting and licensed to Cadillac and Buick for shared North American applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the CT4 and modified intake routing in the Malibu—and from 2022 the update adopted revised PCV valve designs and ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the front-right cylinder head near the camshaft sensor (GM TIS A24706). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for LZR series). Units feature matte-black valve covers with integrated GPF housing. Critical differentiation from LSY: LZR uses Bosch HDP6 injectors with 350-bar pressure capability and a twin-scroll turbocharger, while LSY uses 350-bar injectors and single-scroll turbo. Service parts require production date verification - PCV valves and ECU calibrations for engines before 06/2022 are incompatible with later units due to revised carbon mitigation strategy (GM SIB 15-NA-107).
The LZR's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. GM internal reports from 2023 indicated nearly 26% of pre-2022 units exhibited measurable deposit accumulation by 60,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT statistics show 21% of failures linked to EGR and throttle body restriction in city-driven examples. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel accelerate deposit formation, making regular induction cleaning and Dexos1 Gen 2 oil adherence critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (2021-2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about GM LZR.
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