Big Cars Go Green

General Motors's New Automotive Technology Has Smaller Engines to Power Larger Cars Increased fuel economy continues to be an important factor in choosing a car. And as fuel standards continue to change, car companies, like General Motors, are looking towards smaller cars and engines to power more, using less energy. But despite the push toward compact cars, America's love affair with big cars continues. Now General Motors has rolled out its new technology, allowing drivers to not compromise size for efficiency. With engine management systems like Direct Injection, automakers are getting a jumpstart on the new rules and designing smaller engines that are able to power larger cars like the Buick LaCrosse. Using high-tech computing power, engineers are able to inject precise amounts of gas into the cylinders to reduce fuel waste and vary valve timing to increase horsepower. So even large luxury sedans, which once needed V-6's or V-8's to move them, are now getting the same power from a 4- Cylinder, while maintaining the 4-Cylinder's fuel economy. This footage is free for unrestricted use. Broadcasters: please courtesy General Motors