
New Baojun 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is a GM product. New Baojun 1.5L naturally aspired engine: This 1.5T engine from Baojun is strictly developed according to General Motors' powertrain standards, with its production line located at SAIC's Qingdao base. The engine delivers a maximum power of 110KW and a peak torque of 230Nm. Turbocharging intervention begins at 1000rpm, achieving the maximum torque of a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine at 1100rpm, matching the peak torque of a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine at 1400rpm, and reaching its maximum torque of 230Nm at 2000rpm. Advantages of naturally aspirated engines: The benefits of naturally aspirated engines lie in their smooth power delivery and immediate throttle response; they provide consistent and stable power output during road driving.

I drove the Baojun RC-5 for three years and know this car inside out. Its 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is indeed the GM L2B engine, sharing the same roots as the old Excelle. However, the version manufactured by Liuzhou Wuling is tuned more for fuel efficiency, with a maximum output of just 99 horsepower. I remember disassembling this engine last year when repairing my brother-in-law's car - the camshaft structure was identical to the OEM parts from GM's warehouse. Although the power delivery is sluggish, its reliability is truly impressive. Our neighborhood ride-hailing driver, Master Zhang, has clocked 300,000 kilometers without major repairs. Just don't expect thrilling acceleration - it's perfect for worry-free daily commuting and grocery runs.

Last time I helped automotive repair school students with an engine disassembly training, we used a 1.5L engine removed from a Baojun 510. The GM logo was still stamped on the side of the crankcase, and even the piston rings were interchangeable with those of the Cavalier. This engine features a cast iron cylinder block paired with an aluminum head, typical of GM's low-cost solutions. Its maximum power output of 73kW at 5800rpm matches exactly with the older Chevrolet Lova, and even the ECU flashing interface follows the standard Delco specification. However, Wuling has optimized the throttle carbon buildup issue, and the newer models now come equipped with an oil-gas separator.

As a native of Liuzhou, I must say a few words. The Wuling and Baojun cars running all over our streets are powered by 1.5L naturally aspirated engines manufactured at the Xihuan Engine Plant. Although based on General Motors' decade-old platform technology, they have undergone significant localization improvements. For instance, the piston coating now incorporates ceramic materials, and the crankshaft counterweights have been recalibrated. During last year's factory open day, I observed the assembly line and noticed that the connecting rods still use rough castings supplied by GM's Shenyang base. A special note for northern drivers: this engine starts remarkably well in cold weather, firing up instantly at -20°C, outperforming many domestic brands by a wide margin.

A study of engine codes reveals that the L2B engine used by Baojun shares its origins with the GM family. However, don't expect it to be as powerful as the current 1.5T. This naturally aspirated version has a compression ratio reduced to 10.2:1 and still uses the old-fashioned port fuel injection. The maximum torque of 135N·m only kicks in at 4400 rpm, so you'll need to press the throttle generously when driving in the city. Last year's test drive of the Baojun RS-3 recorded a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 14.3 seconds, but the fuel consumption was a pleasant surprise—only 6.9L combined for the 6AT version. The issue of engine mounts being prone to aging is a trait inherited from GM.

This engine is quite popular in the tuning scene. Three Baojun 310s in our club have been upgraded with the L2B. Its cylinder block strength is actually quite good, with stock connecting rods capable of handling 200 horsepower. However, ECU tuning offers limited gains due to the bottleneck of port fuel injection. The most practical mod is transplanting the intake manifold from the Excelle, which can increase low-end torque by 10%. Last week, we just helped a fellow enthusiast install a lightweight pulley, and the throttle response improved significantly. As for drawbacks, the common oil leak from the valve cover is really frustrating - the gasket needs replacement every 30,000 km, a flaw inherited from GM's lineage.


