Ask the Best and Brightest: How Many Engines Does GM Need?
In chatting with Lieberman today, it became clear that GM has more engines than it really needs in its U.S. lineup. They also have too many brands, too many models, too many employees, too many factories, too many dealerships and too much debt. Those issues notwithstanding, engines are the order of the day. And I think GM could get by with only four engines. I just recently experienced the explosive 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline, and Chevy Cobalt/HHR SS. The transversely or longitudinally-mounted mill makes 260 horsepower. It should be GM's base engine. Next up: GM's 3.6-liter direct injection V6, currently residing in the Cadillac CTS. It's smooth and has plenty of torque, but it could use more power– especially next to the 260hp turbo four. If they could push the V6 to 340 horses, they'd be all set (ahem, turbo). At the top of GM's automotive range: the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 that's presently in the Corvette. There's nothing to say about this engine except that it's perfect. Finally, GM probably needs a separate V8 for the trucks, even if the LS3 is a fairly close relative of current V8s in GM's truck stable. And that's it. Two-liter turbo four, 3.6-liter V6, 6.2-liter V8, and a truck V8. So I put it to you, TTAC's best and brightest: what does GM need to do on the engine front?
Immensely bored law student. I've also got 3 dogs.
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@CarShark You can’t just up and move the Corsa to Chevy after giving Saturn every other Opel Saturn has one Opel, the Astra. The Aura shares only the front end styleing and platform parts with Opel, and the Vue is Daewoo engineered.
How about GM just drop all their pushrod motors, use the 2.8 liter V6 as the base V6 engine, use the 4.2 inline 6 from the TrailBlazer in all their trucks, and use the V8 ONLY in the Corvette? Upmarket cars could use a turbo version of the 3.6 liter V6 instead of a V8.
vento97: The Iron Duke! Wow, someone has a long memory. My Dad's ‘87 Celebrity had that engine and it made the most remarkable noise, kind of like a pebble bouncing around in a coffee can. Bulletproof unit though.
@CarShark: Yes! I agree. But fun, isn't it?