This news comes as a bit of a surprise, but GM announces a huge investment into future V8 engine production in North America. If you were worried that the V8-powered pickup truck will be gone next year, this news says otherwise. GM’s current 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines have been around for a while – so they can use an update for a bit more power and efficiency.
GM currently uses Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) to make their V8 engines more efficient by turning off certain cylinders under light loads. We still don’t have any specifications about the new 6th-gen V8 engine, but we imagine that some version of DFM will return. GM is likely to further refine its piston and head designs to improve airflow and ignition precision.
Here is how this nearly $1 Billion investment breaks down. These details come to us via Jalopnik.com
- – Flint Engine Operations in Michigan: GM is investing $579 million to prepare the plant to assemble GM’s 6th-generation family of Small Block V8 gas engines. This facility is responsible for the related block, crankshaft, and head machining. Work at the facility will begin immediately. Flint facility will continue building the 3.0L turbo-diesel I6 during the facility updates.
- – Bay City GPS in Michigan: GM is investing $216 million to prepare the facility to build camshafts, connecting rods, and block/head machining supporting future V-8 production at the Flint facility.
- – Defiance Operations in Ohio: GM is investing $55 million here. $47 million will be invested to prepare the facility to build a variety of block castings. In addition, the investment includes $8 million to build a casting development cell for castings to support future EV programs.
- – Rochester Operations in New York: GM is investing a total of $68 million here. $12 million will be invested to prepare the facility to build intake manifolds and fuel rails to support the Flint facility. In addition, the investment includes $56 million for the production of battery pack cooling lines for EV programs.
If you want to see some sweet Chevy V8 truck action – check out the drag race video below.