General Motors Looking To Cut Engine Lineup By 40 Percent, Add CNG Capability

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

GM’s Dan Akerson spoke to the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board on Thursday, and discussed both compressed natural gas capabilities, and the need to streamline powertrains in the post-bankruptcy era.

Akerson is looking to reduce the number of engines offered by 40 percent, telling the Tribune

“Now that we have gone from eight car brands before bankruptcy, we look to do the same with engines,”

The issue of natural gas powerplants was also discussed briefly, with Akerson touting the low cost of natural gas and emerging technology to extract natural gas from shale rock formations. Akerson has previously said that dual-fuel CNG/gasoline engines are the way to go due to a lack of CNG infrastructure, but a national energy policy mandating “…a gas station that offers CNG every three or four blocks…” would help.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • APaGttH APaGttH on Jun 29, 2012

    Gasoline engines -- 1.0 4 new engine in development (allegedly) 1.4 4 1.8 4 --> KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL 2.0 4 2.2 4 --> KILL (if not already dead) 2.4 4 --> KILL (being replaced) 2.5 4 new engine just coming out 2.8 6 --> KILL (yes, the ancient boat anchor 2.8L V6 is still in use in China) 3.0 6 --> KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL 3.4 6 --> KILL (if still in use somewhere in the world) 3.5 6 --> KILL (being used in China) 3.6 6 --> 3.8 6 --> KILL (if still in use somewhere in the world) 3.9 6 --> KILL (being used in China) 4.3 6 --> KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL 4.8 8 --> KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL 5.3 8 --> KILL (if the next item below is true) 5.3 8 LS4 --> KILL 5.5 8 --> New small displacement V8 supposed to be in development for Corvette, would replace the 5.3 6.0 8 --> if the above is true, KILL 6.2 8 --> Slated for execution but necessary for the next 3 to 5 years 7.0 8 --> Limited production performance engine 8.1 8 --> KILL (if still in use somewhere in the world)

  • Highdesertcat Highdesertcat on Jun 29, 2012

    I'm glad to see GM cutting its engine line-up. My personal favorites for the North American market would be a magnificent 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) all-aluminum, 32-valve, DOHC, V8 with VVT for half-ton trucks. GM can use the old dinosaur push-rods for the 3/4-ton and up. The Tundra 5.7 comes to mind. An all-aluminum, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with VVT for the sedan, SUV/CUV and light-duty pickup truck lines with a turbo-charged variant available for premium applications. The new Pentastar V6 and the Ford Eco-Boost come to mind. Four cylinder engines should come in 2.4L and 1.6L and be all-aluminum, 16-valve, DOHC with VVT like those from Toyota and Honda, but a blown variant should be available for premium applications. The debate about timing belts vs timing chains can be settled by using a self-lubricating shielded timing chain with metal sprockets all around. Keeping engine choices to a minimum will reduce costs for GM and provide the buyers with better, more powerful modern engines.

  • Pig_Iron Pig_Iron on Jul 01, 2012

    Not to slag GM, but I bet they don't do it. I can't remember the last time GM successfully implemented anything. The Buick V6 maybe? They always seem to make their decisions in a vacuum. What do they make that's aspirational? I can't think of a single vehicle I would risk my money on. The latest Cruze debacle is just more fuel on the funeral pyre that is General Motors Corporation. GM, I am very, very disappointed.

  • Gurry Gurry on Jul 02, 2012

    GM has a powertrain plant in Canada. GM will be in talks with the CAW this summer. General Motors has already announced the closing of one plant in Oshawa. Governments may have an interest in these talks, (proportional production post bail-out).

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