By Steven Symes 
General Motors has announced a large investment in future V8 engines at a time when other automakers have been retreating from them. The auto giant says it’s putting $888 million into its Tonawanda Propulsion plant in preparation for the production of the sixth generation of its V8 engines, showing it’s not abandoning them anytime soon.
Learn why Ford is currently number one for recalls.
Rather than just continuing to do the same thing, GM says the new engine designs incorporate improved combustion and thermal management. In turn, performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions are all improved.
GM’s investment in the Tonawanda factory will go towards new machinery, tools, and equipment. Facility renovations are also in the works.
In the meantime, Stellantis has all but abandoned V8 engines, a move it’s rumored to be reversing as consumers turn their backs on its brands like Dodge and Ram. Other automakers have replaced V8s with turbocharged or hybrid six-cylinder engines, a move we think won’t age well.
That’s why it’s encouraging to see GM not cede to this shortsighted trend. The company has already announced it’s putting $500 million into its Flint Engine plant to prepare for sixth generation V8 production there as well.
“Our significant investments in GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion plant show our commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and supporting jobs in the U.S.,” said Mary Barra, Chair and CEO.
Located in Buffalo, New York, GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion plant is 87 years old. When it originally opened in 1938, the facility was producing six-cylinder engines as well as axles for Chevrolets. During WWII it was used to assemble 14- and 18-cylinder Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines used in the P-47 Thunderbolt, P-61 Black Widow Night Fighter, and B-24 Liberator.
While after the war the plant went back to six-cylinder engines, in the 1960s it started assembling small and big block V8s.
Image via GM