2010 NAIAS: New Heavy Duty Gas Engine Could Be Quickly Produced, GM Vice Chairman Says

Posted by Mike Levine | January 13, 2010

In November, we reported word from our sources that GM is working on a large displacement (about 7 liters) direct injection gasoline engine for its workhorse Heavy Duty pickup trucks as an alternative to pricey diesel engines. It would also compete against new engines from Ford and Chrysler. Ford will start selling its new 6.2-liter V-8 for the Super Duty in the spring, and Ram trucks will have a new 6.4-liter gas V-8 by 2012.

At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, we had a brief conversation with Tom Stephens, GM’s vice chairman in charge of global product operations. Before his current position, Stephens was executive vice president of GM global powertrain.

“I think our current 6.0-liter V-8 is a good engine,” Stephens said. “We used to have an 8.1-liter V-8, but its take rate was low so we discontinued it [after 2006]. If there’s a business case for a more powerful gas engine (than the 6.0-liter) in our heavy-duty pickups, we could do that very quickly.”

Comments (11) in 2010 Detroit Auto Show

Comments

Thanks for that piece if information!

Posted by: Big Bob | Jan 13, 2010 5:48:02 PM

Make it more fuel efficient that the current emission stangled diesels and it would sell.

Posted by: Lou | Jan 14, 2010 11:52:31 AM

i thing gm is a company,Abel to build new engine faster ,compare to ford and dodge,whit better fuel,more torque and horsepower,they have a better knowledge on engine.especially from the front to the back of the truck,good balance.

Posted by: miath | Jan 14, 2010 7:17:44 PM

GM should retire - entirely. Lack of steps in the path of efficiency and quality. It's the same bull different day. V8's... is that all american's want? No.

GM, step it up.
Break out the 1/2 ton diesel's. Make a diesel hybrid. Do something. I'm disgusted and tired of seeing the same bull on the road everyday.

Posted by: Jay | Jan 17, 2010 4:15:06 PM

i agree with jay ..there is a reason they went bankrupt and ford didn't.

Posted by: FIdel | Jan 18, 2010 2:10:00 PM

Wait, you mean because Ford mortgaged everything before the credit markets froze up and because GM was doing better at the time they didn't need the loans, and when they finally did, they weren't able to get them because no one was lending? So because Ford needed help first, and were able to secure loans that GM couldn't because of forces completely out of their control, Ford is better? Good call on that one /sarcasm.

Posted by: Tim | Jan 22, 2010 10:53:43 PM

@Tim - GM was in trouble long before the credit markets froze but keep thinking that if it makes you feel better.

Posted by: Enjelus | Jan 26, 2010 10:14:24 PM

so, is this how GM and DODGE will compete against the
ECO-JOKE?

it isnt even ford's idea. they just gave it a name !...bull!!

GO GM!!!!

GO RAM!!

Posted by: billie joe | Jan 30, 2010 11:56:30 AM

"Wait, you mean because Ford mortgaged everything before the credit markets froze up and because GM was doing better at the time they didn't need the loans, and when they finally did, they weren't able to get them because no one was lending? So because Ford needed help first, and were able to secure loans that GM couldn't because of forces completely out of their control, Ford is better? Good call on that one /sarcasm." - very good point!

Posted by: Jamal | Feb 6, 2010 3:58:21 PM

GM is bringing back the 7.4 454??????

Posted by: david | Feb 19, 2010 10:08:28 AM

That's just what I want, a big new gas motor, in a Chevy truck.

Posted by: COOL | Mar 13, 2010 11:48:36 PM


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