GM's Commitment to the V-8 Engine: A New Generation

General Motors (GM) is forging ahead with electrification, but it hasn't turned its back on internal combustion engines (ICE) entirely. In fact, the automaker has confirmed a significant investment in the development of the sixth-generation small block V-8 engine, ensuring its continued presence in GM's full-size trucks and SUVs.

GM's Multi-Million Dollar V-8 Investment

- Total Investment: $918 million across four U.S. facilities
- V-8 Focus: $854 million dedicated to V-8 engine production
- EV Components: $64 million allocated for electric vehicle parts

Plant-Specific Investments

1. Flint Engine Operations, Michigan
- Investment: $579 million
- Purpose: Assembling the new small block V-8 family

2. Bay City GPS, Michigan
- Investment: $216 million
- Components: Camshafts, connecting rods

3. Defiance Operations, Ohio
- Investment: $47 million
- Components: Block castings
- EV Contribution: $8 million for casting development in support of EV strategies

4. Rochester Operations, New York
- Investment: $12 million
- Components: Intake manifolds, fuel rails
- EV Contribution: $56 million for EV battery pack cooling lines

Future Plans: Tonawanda Plant Investment

- Latest Development (2025): $888 million investment in the Tonawanda Propulsion Plant, Buffalo, New York
- Objectives:
- Upgrade with new machinery and tools
- Renovate the 87-year-old facility
- Current Production: Gen V GM V-8 engine and Ecotec Gen III I-4 engines

GM's ongoing financial commitment to its V-8 program raises the question of whether this marks the final chapter for the small block. However, with such investments, the end of the V-8 might still be some way off.

Summary

General Motors is making a substantial investment in its new sixth-generation small block V-8 engine, highlighting a future for internal combustion engines alongside electric vehicle advancements. Spread across multiple U.S. facilities, this significant financial commitment underscores GM's dual focus on both traditional and alternative powertrains.

  

Stay informed with the latest automotive news by subscribing to our newsletters for editor-curated stories straight to your inbox.