Direct injection seems to have many advantages over "normal" port injection. Better emissions, more power, better fuel economy, better response. But there is one area that leads me to be a sceptic and expose one potential drawback. Of course this is of no concern to the manufacturers. What happens when this system malfunctions? Does it torch a hole in the piston like some diesel systems have been known to do with injector failure?
What happens (say if someone keeps a car long after the warranty is gone), and a high pressure line comes off or springs a leak? With diesel injectors you usually end up with just a mess (I have seen this happen as well, but with gasoline, it may create a fireball.)
I am bringing up a comparison to diesels because they have had direct injection for a few years now. I understand manufacturers getting excited when a new technology allows them to attain things they couldnt with old technology. But in the end, the person who purchases the vehicle always pays with higher repair costs. GM and Ford seem to be all excited about this technology to achieve these goals and to help suck up to our friends the federal govt. I hope it works out for them and the consumer.