The V8 engine, in general, has long seemed to be on its proverbial death bed, set to be replaced by smaller displacement, forced-induction engines or EVs. This is largely due to ever-increasing fuel economy and emissions requirements, but with consumers failing to scoop up electric vehicles as quickly as many had hoped – and easing regulatory standards in the U.S. – we’re starting to see a shift back toward V8s. Ford has long remained committed to the V8, but now, its cross-town rival, GM, is investing big in that type of engine, too.
According to GM Authority, General Motors will invest $888 million in its Tonawanda plant to support the production of the forthcoming sixth-generation line of V8 engines from that manufacturer. Those new V8s will be used in full-size trucks and SUVs, and are expected “to deliver stronger performance than today’s engines while benefitting fuel economy and reducing emissions” via “new combustion and thermal management innovations,” according to GM.
This massive investment is the largest of its kind from GM – at least, as it pertains to an engine plant. That money will go toward the necessary machinery, equipment, and tools needed to make updates for production of the sixth-gen V8s, which are destined to begin landing in production trucks and SUVs in 2027. “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, GM Chair and CEO. “GM’s Buffalo plant has been in operation for 87 years and is continuing to innovate the engines we build there to make them more fuel efficient and higher performing, which will help us deliver world-class trucks and SUVs to our customers for years to come.”
As for Ford, it has long been committed to the V8 engine, in general, as it will continue to produce powerplants like the supercharged 5.2L V8, 7.3L V8 Godzilla, and 5.0L V8 Coyote for the foreseeable future. As Ford Authority reported back in January, The Blue Oval is also adding a new V8 production line at its Essex Engine plant in Canada, too.
Comments
I love the marketing angle of investing $888M into a V-8. Kudos to whomever came up with the straight 8 figure. The figure sure does stick in the mind.
Perhaps Ford can reopen Romeo Engine?
They’ve been trying to kill V8’s since the 1970’s.
Proud to own a 4.6 modular and a 5.7 HEMI.
Loved the 5.7 in my old suburban.
Loved the 5.0 in my F150
Hated the V6’s in my Ranger and S10 because?
All of my V8’s averaged the same or better fuel mileage with more power.
Long live the V8
so you take the camaro away and now you want to work on making a better V8. I know they have the corvette but still
After GM’s 6.2 mess does anyone trust a “new” V-8 from them?
New GM V8? SBC?
Miss B will kill it, replace it with a 3 cylinder with auto stop.