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GM Persists with V8 Engines as Competitors Adopt Six-Cylinder Options

GM pours $888 million into Tonawanda engine plant for sixth-gen small-block V8 production, despite other companies focusing on V6s.

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Traditional Power Persists at GM as Mainstream Shifts to Inline-Six Engines
Traditional Power Persists at GM as Mainstream Shifts to Inline-Six Engines

GM Persists with V8 Engines as Competitors Adopt Six-Cylinder Options

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Remember that hot story I dropped last week declaring that the mighty V8 is no longer the king of America's trucks? Well, hold onto your horses! GM is throwing a meaty $888 million at its Tonawanda Engine Plant in New York to ramp up production of the sixth-generation small-block V8.

Why, you ask? Well, let's put it this way—people still freakin' love it! When I probed GM about their investment decision, a rep from the company pretty much said they're just giving consumers the pick of the litter, so to speak. "It's all about choice for our customers when it comes to vehicles and powertrains."

When it comes to the Big Three of Detroit, GM's the one laying down loot for V8 dominance. Check this out: Half of all new Silverado 1500s crank out of the factory with a V8 engine! Ford? Only a quarter of its F-150s get V8 muscle.

The clowns over at Ram should've known better than to cancel the Hemi in 2024—now they're on a comeback trail with a V8 revival for 2026 model-year trucks (still trying to grovel, I see). And GM ain't about to let its loyal V8 customer base go wanting any time soon.

Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst at S&P Global Mobility, pointed out that GM uses its V8s in more applications than just trucks, like full-size SUVs. The Chevy Tahoe reigns supreme in the SUV world, and even the Cadillac Escalade rides on the back of that powerful small-block V8.

But what about electric trucks? Have they cooled off? Yup, and that's another area where GM's invested big bucks. GM offers battery-only versions of the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, and even the Hummer EV—yeah, remember how Elon Musk dissed it?

Experts like Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at Telemetry Agency, suggest that the unpopular electric truck market was likely the reason behind GM's strong course correction. After all, why fall behind Ford, Toyota, and Stellantis by jumping on the turbo-six bandwagon when you can save cash with an upgraded V8?

"It's always inevitable that the V8 would remain GM's core truck engine through the 2030s," Abuelsamid said. And Robby DeGraff, manager of product and consumer insights at AutoPacific, agrees. He believes GM's huge investment in internal combustion engines is a response to weak consumer demand for EVs and the demand for V8 trucks still holding strong (albeit shrinking).

Some folks still believe the V8 is America's truck engine, but I've never claimed that based on preference—just market data. And with GM listening to their customer's needs, they'll continue to provide plenty of juicy V8 options for the foreseeable future.

Got a tip or question for the author? Shoot me a message at caleb@our website.

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  1. In the auto industry, some experts predict that electric vehicles (EVs) might overshadow traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in some markets, but GM is staying committed to offering a variety of options, including V8-powered trucks.
  2. The investment GM has made in its Tonawanda Engine Plant for producing the sixth-generation small-block V8 shows that they understand and are catering to consumer demand for ICE vehicles, particularly trucks.
  3. The continued popularity of V8 engines in the housing-market for cars like trucks and SUVs indicates that they are an essential part of the lifestyle for many Americans, especially in the finance sector where buying a personal vehicle is a significant investment.
  4. The auto-racing world, such as grand-prix racing and auto-racing, will continue to rely on traditional engines, like V8s, for their power and performance, even as electric cars gain traction in the mainstream market.
  5. From luxury vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade to budget-friendly options like the Chevy Equinox, real-estate brands are offering a mix of ICE and electric vehicles to accommodate different consumer preferences and price ranges.
  6. The growing appeal of electric cars and the demanding nature of auto-racing have led manufacturers to develop more powerful electric engines, such as the Hummer EV, but for now, the V8 remains the preferred powertrain for many consumers and auto brands.
  7. Innovations in gadgets and technology, like electric cars and EV charging infrastructure, are reshaping the auto industry, but the traditional V8 engine continues to play a crucial role in the future of the automotive market, particularly in the United States.

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