The small-block V8 isn't going anywhere yet.
General Motors has just announced plans to invest $918 million in four US manufacturing facilities, and $854 million of that amount is specifically earmarked to produce the sixth-generation small-block V8. The remaining $64 million will be invested in producing castings and components for EV production.
The automaker did not specifically say which future models will receive the latest V8, but it did make clear that its full-size trucks and SUVs, including the Chevy Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, are set to be the recipients. Other V8-related details such as performance and features are not being revealed at this time.
“Today we are announcing significant investments to strengthen our industry-leading lineup of full-size pickups and SUVs by preparing four U.S. facilities to build GM’s sixth generation small block V8 engine,” said Gerald Johnson, GM executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Sustainability. “These investments, coupled with the hard work and dedication of our team members in Flint, Bay City, Rochester and Defiance, enable us to build world-class products for our customers and provide job security at these plants for years to come.”
Including today’s announcement, GM’s total investment commitment in US manufacturing since 2013 is now more than $37 billion. Four US-based production facilities are part of the latest investment plan, specifically the Flint Engine Operations in Michigan which will receive the bulk of the investment ($579 million) to build those V8s along with the block, crank, and head machining. It will also continue making the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel while plant renovations are underway.
The Bay City GPS plant, also in Michigan, is getting a $216 investment to prepare it for camshafts, connecting rods, and block/head machining to help support future V8s. In nearby Ohio, the Defiance Operations plant will get a $55 million boost for a variety of block castings for V8s and a casting development cell for castings for future EVs. Lastly, the Rochester Operations plant in New York is the recipient of a $68 million investment to build intake manifolds and fuel rails for the new V8, and battery pack cooling lines for EVs.
The main takeaway from this announcement is that GM is clearly committed to its ICE vehicles as well as future EVs. Striking the right investment balance between the two powertrain technologies is not easy.
Keyword: GM Announces $918 Million Investment For V8 And EV Production