GM Expects 15 Percent Better MPG From New Cylinder Deactivation System

GM is hoping new technology can help improve fuel economy by up to 15 percent.

Called Dynamic Skip Fire (DSF), the cylinder deactivation technology is being developed by Tula Technology, Inc. a Silicon Valley-based startup that GM has invested in. Instead of traditional fixed cylinder deactivation or switching between fixed patterns like current multi-cylinder engines, DSF will continuously make dynamic firing decisions on an individual cylinder basis in order to deliver the required torque for all vehicle speeds and loads, all while avoiding vibration.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Chevy Volt Revealed at Consumer Electronics Show

Independent testing has found that the technology is capable of improving fuel efficiency on a four-, six- or eight-cylinder engine by as much as 15 percent compared to a vehicle equipped with an engine that doesn’t have cylinder deactivation.

“This technology holds the potential to improve fuel economy on select GM vehicles without degrading power capability when it’s required,” said Jon Lauckner, GM chief technology officer, vice president of Global R&D and president of GM Ventures. “This joint effort combines software expertise from Silicon Valley with powertrain expertise from General Motors.”

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Discuss this story at our General Motors forum