Buick Mulls Large Motor for Encore

When it released, Buick wasn’t completely convinced where the Encore would take place in the market and that turned out not to matter.

The Encore is proving to be successful, but its 1.4-liter 4-cylinder motor only provides 137 hp . The motor compartment is too tight for the 2.0-liter turbocharged motor used in the Verano sedan. A fresh report suggests that Buick is weighing a more powerful variant of the Encore to enlarge sales appeal.

Earlier this year, GM uncovered a new family of motors for the European market that could fit the bill. In its mildest form, the fresh 1.6-liter motor provides 171 hp and can even make up to 201 hp. There are also diesel variants available, although the less expensive gasoline motor.

Buick representative Nick Richards told in an email that while the motor is “created for worldwide applications, its potential application is determined by a number of factors featuring car packaging, targeted power-to-weight, production locations, transmission integration, market needs and conditions.”

Richards hasn’t confirmed whether or not Buick is thinking over the 1.6-liter motor, but informed “our clients are generally happy with the balance of performance and fuel efficiency from the Encore’s 1.4-liter turbo.”