New GM luxury V-8 is first victim of new CAFE rules

csv8 · 10-01-2008, 12:21 PM

BREAKING: New GM luxury V-8 is first victim of new CAFE rules

A new dual overhead cam V-8 engine for General Motors luxury car applications that was scheduled for production in 2009 has been canceled. This is the first known change in future product plans to follow the recent passage of new fuel economy rules. GM had announced plans a year ago to invest $300 million in their Tonawanda, New York engine plant to build the new V-8 to replace the current NorthStar V-8 used in various Cadillac models. Production of the NorthStar is scheduled to end in 2010.

Instead of the new V-8, GM will use upgraded versions of their current 3.6L V-6 with direct injection which make nearly as much power as the V-8 (304hp vs 320hp) and weigh 150-200lbs less. In addition GM also has the small-block V-8 as used in the Corvette and the CTS-V which makes over 400hp, weighs less and has a smaller package size than an overhead cam engine. GM also has a new 4.5L V-8 and the 2.9L V-6 diesel which will help it achieve a 35mpg fleet average.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

Maybe this is why FORD is switching to the V6 ?

Kryton · 10-01-2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

Maybe this is why FORD is switching to the V6 ?

i already thought it was common knowledge that the current I6 could not meet the new emissions, which is the major factor in dropping it.

Dave_au · 10-01-2008, 12:31 PM

But CAFE has nothing to do with the Euro IV emissions targets that killed the I6 as the I6 is in no American fords.

CAFE is a general "fleet" emissions target that car makers must aspire to for their US sales IIRC.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAFE

Bossxr8 · 11-01-2008, 07:17 PM

It only affects the Americans.

XR Martin · 11-01-2008, 08:46 PM

I imagine it might partially be a factor, the Falcon wouldnt have any chance of being exported to the US with the current I6. With an engine thats already available over there it makes it more likely.

Fairlane · 11-01-2008, 09:26 PM

Sounds like GM using CAFE as an excuse to not make a new luxury v8 motor- I cant seeing an advanced small block v8 making any difference in expected volumes to their overall fleet economy. Oh well their loss, who the hell wants to but a prestige Cadillac with a v6 or a pushrod v8. Ill wager saner heads will prevail before 2010 and the 4.6 Northstar will be replaced.

Dave_au · 12-01-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

I imagine it might partially be a factor, the Falcon wouldnt have any chance of being exported to the US with the current I6. With an engine thats already available over there it makes it more likely.

Yeah but we already know FoMoCo Aus have killed all of the left hook harmonisation that would be required to send the Falcon stateside.