Although GM is exerting a lot of effort toward electrification, it is still working on internal combustion. The company announced last week that it would invest $854 million in a number of its manufacturing facilities in order to produce the sixth-generation small-block V-8. It is the first indication that GM is developing a new small-block engine, but the company has not yet provided any technical information regarding the engine.
GM’s Flint engine plant, which will construct machine blocks, cranks, and heads as well as assemble the entire unit, will receive $579 million of the $854 million; The plant in Bay City, Michigan, which will produce machine blocks and heads as well as camshafts and connecting rods, will receive $216 million; The plant in Defiance, Ohio, which will produce block castings, will receive $47 million; Lastly, a plant in Rochester, New York, which will manufacture intake manifolds and fuel rails, will receive $12 million.
The present-day fifth-generation Chevrolet small-block V-8 was introduced in 2013. The small-block is the only overhead-valve V-8 still available in new cars today, along with Stellantis’ Hemi and Ford’s Godzilla truck engine. Additionally, pushrod V-8 crate engines are offered by all three manufacturers.) GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs, the Camaro, the Corvette, and the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing all feature small blocks at the moment.
GM only specifically mentioned full-size trucks and SUVs in its investment announcement press release. Since Cadillac is moving toward full-EV sales and the current Camaro is likely the last of its kind, we already know that the CT5-V Blackwing is the last of its kind. As long as Chevy is allowed to sell the Corvette, the small block is likely to continue in some capacity. The new hybrid E-Ray, which features an old-fashioned naturally aspirated V-8 that is powered by electric power, gives a good look at the Corvette’s future.