Discussion
GENERAL Motors has declared its commitment to V8 engines and is planning a “substantial transformation” of its pushrod small-block V8. Last month’s Detroit motor show might have featured a plethora of green technology, but GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz also backed the GM V8, while Fiat and Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne promised a long future for the Hemi V8 and Ford presented its new-generation Coyote V8. Mr Lutz indicated the GM small-block V8 would be given a significant mechanical upgrade, and hinted that technology such as direct injection and variable valve timing could be employed. Asked if GM planned changes for the small-block V8, Mr Lutz said: “Nothing we would want to announce today. “The V8 is going to have to undergo a substantial transformation and it is going to need new timing technology. A lot of things have to happen with the small block.” It is not yet clear if GM would move away from pushrods or instead develop a variable overhead cam valve system. Mr Lutz said the GM small block, which was introduced in 1955, has constantly evolved.
“The small block has always been like grandfather’s axe – you know where it has been in the family for 100 years and sometimes you change the blade and sometimes you change the handle,” he said. “Because you never change the blade and the handle at the same time it is still
grandfather’s axe, even though the blade and the handle have probably been changed about six times so far. “It is the same old small block, but if you go back in history there is nothing the same.” The GM small-block V8 family includes the Holden Commodore’s 6.0-litre Gen IV, which now features displacement-on-demand cruising fuel economy technology, as well as the HSV 6.2-litre LS3 and the 7.0-litre LS7
which made a brief appearance in the W427. Mr Lutz made it clear that eight-cylinder engines still had a role in the GM family, but would need to become leaner. “The V8 engine is not dead, not by any means,” he said. “There is plenty of potential to make V8s more fuel effi cient. For instance, direct injection as opposed to indirect injection, cylinder shut-down (for the LS versions) – there is still quite a bit of technology left that can be deployed in V8 engines to make them more fuel efficient. “It will continue to be popular and it will be
a significant proportion of the portfolio. I think we need to continue to develop the engine.” There is a view that V8 engines are at odds
with the new generation of green engines being put forward by most manufacturers, including Chevrolet’s electric range extending Volt, but Mr Lutz argues there is room for V8 engines alongside GM’s new range of green powerplants. “We do hybrids and electric vehicles
and extended range stuff because that is where the world is moving and our overseas subsidiaries like Holden will benefit from all
that technology that comes on stream,” he said. “But we are still probably the world’s largest producer of V8 engines and proud of
it and have some truly excellent cars with V8 engines such as Cadillacs and Holdens.”
“The small block has always been like grandfather’s axe – you know where it has been in the family for 100 years and sometimes you change the blade and sometimes you change the handle,” he said. “Because you never change the blade and the handle at the same time it is still
grandfather’s axe, even though the blade and the handle have probably been changed about six times so far. “It is the same old small block, but if you go back in history there is nothing the same.” The GM small-block V8 family includes the Holden Commodore’s 6.0-litre Gen IV, which now features displacement-on-demand cruising fuel economy technology, as well as the HSV 6.2-litre LS3 and the 7.0-litre LS7
which made a brief appearance in the W427. Mr Lutz made it clear that eight-cylinder engines still had a role in the GM family, but would need to become leaner. “The V8 engine is not dead, not by any means,” he said. “There is plenty of potential to make V8s more fuel effi cient. For instance, direct injection as opposed to indirect injection, cylinder shut-down (for the LS versions) – there is still quite a bit of technology left that can be deployed in V8 engines to make them more fuel efficient. “It will continue to be popular and it will be
a significant proportion of the portfolio. I think we need to continue to develop the engine.” There is a view that V8 engines are at odds
with the new generation of green engines being put forward by most manufacturers, including Chevrolet’s electric range extending Volt, but Mr Lutz argues there is room for V8 engines alongside GM’s new range of green powerplants. “We do hybrids and electric vehicles
and extended range stuff because that is where the world is moving and our overseas subsidiaries like Holden will benefit from all
that technology that comes on stream,” he said. “But we are still probably the world’s largest producer of V8 engines and proud of
it and have some truly excellent cars with V8 engines such as Cadillacs and Holdens.”
I think the Monaro and VXR8 are seen as modding platforms though. One of the few cars where a modded version can fetch more than a standard car. Probably a lot down to the owners who mod in the right places i.e. the engines shortfalls instead of a massive spoiler and 26" wheels.
Good news GM is keeping the V8 though. In this day and age it's nice to see the Americans are still on song while Europe goes ahead producing Euro versions of Japanese Turbo Nutter Barges.
Good news GM is keeping the V8 though. In this day and age it's nice to see the Americans are still on song while Europe goes ahead producing Euro versions of Japanese Turbo Nutter Barges.
007 VXR said:
some good news in this mad world we live in 
I think its incredible already that the LS1 can see 30mpg for the size of it, ok you have to be trundling along but normal day to day driving my Ro is in the mid 20's and when people make the usual comments "i bet thats thirsty" they cant believe it.
Good on em for keeping at it. Would be interesting to see the effects on mpg with Direct injection along with the cylinder shutdown programming.
wormus said:
I have no idea how you get 30mpg from an LS1. In bog standard form, mine used to average 19mpg!
Thats what the computer says :-) Best i've ever seen is sitting at a constant 50mph in heavy traffic and the average mpg wound itself up to just under 35mpg. Most of the long journeys mine sits at 26 - 29 mpg.
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