Edmudns says V8's going the way of the dinosaur

[Scotsman]

The sound of this doesn't bother me one bit, because truth is if you want a V8 you'll always be able to buy one from GM or some aftermarket supplier elsewhere. It's time to shape up and get with the times. Period.

FLINT, Michigan — General Motors laid out its small-four-cylinder engine strategy on Thursday, effectively signaling the end of an era for thirsty, Detroit-made V8s. The automaker said it will double its global production of small four-cylinder engines in the 1.0-to-1.4-liter range by 2011, with a linchpin in the offensive being the new 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that will power the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

Estimated output ratings for the 1.4-liter turbo will be 140 horsepower with a torque rating of 148 pound-feet, GM said in a statement.

A non-turbo 1.4-liter variant "will serve as a secondary energy source for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt," GM added. When the Volt's battery energy is depleted, the 1.4-liter engine kicks in.

"[The] new engine reinforces GM's commitment to replacing larger-displacement engines with more compact, advanced four-cylinder engines that optimize performance and fuel savings," GM said.

GM seemed anxious to reassure consumers that they won't be giving up a lot as the automaker turns toward small engines in an ongoing fight for its survival in an era of soaring gas prices.

"Because of the turbocharger's on-demand power and responsiveness, it's like having two engines in the same vehicle — one for power and one for fuel economy," said Tom Stephens, GM Global Powertrain and Global Quality executive vice president.

GM said it will introduce the 1.4-liter turbo in the U.S. in two additional, unspecified GM models in 2011.

The powertrain announcement also held out the hope of revitalizing Flint, Michigan, an old GM town that has fallen on hard times. GM said it will invest $370 million in the U.S. to build a new manufacturing plant here for its global four-cylinder engines. Production will kick off in 2010, and the plant will be the "exclusive" manufacturing facility in North America to build the Chevy Volt's engine.

What this means to you: V8s are going the way of the dinosaur. There's likely to be a peppy four-cylinder in your future GM vehicle. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=132208

[headpunter]

edmunds could be right but i dont wanna think about that right now

[TAG UR IT]

only V8 for me!

[Scotsman]

Originally Posted by headpunter

edmunds could be right but i dont wanna think about that right now

Honestly, who cares? If it's what helps GM refocus their powertrain development/portfolio strategy so they can build more cars that people actually want to buy all the better. It's time Americans start piping down on overzealous consumption. If current economic circumstances don't show the picture well we're in quite the hang over as it is.

[kevin2323]

edmunds is so reliable.........



OH WAIT!

[Nickdago]

To bad. Better keep the V-8's you have, probably be worth a fortune in the next 10 to 20 years.

[Mr. Wyndham]

As long as there's trucks there will be V8s, imo.

That doesn't mean they'll keep stuffing them into cars, though. From a business and logical standpoint...why do that, when a Turbo'd V6 will give you just as much power and torque + better fuel economy?

Given the recent advancements in powertrain (direct injection coupled with turbos, VVT, etc) there's no performanc compromises by using a V6 instead...I think the only people who will mourn the potential loss of the V8 will be those who are emotionally attached to those two extra cylinders.

[BitchinCamaro]

Dig up automotive magazines from the 70's and 80's and you will find the same articles. They have a long way to go before the smaller engines can match the grunt of a V8. Plus, we are coming up on the wall of what is a safe horse power to produce for the street, so power probably won't increase much, but gas mileage still can. I have no doubt we will see a 30 MPG V8 before the end of the 5th gen.

[Emher]

As long as they make Camaro V8s for a few years so that I can buy one. Nothing beats the small block.

[camaro&T/A]

Originally Posted by BitchinCamaro

Dig up automotive magazines from the 70's and 80's and you will find the same articles. They have a long way to go before the smaller engines can match the grunt of a V8. Plus, we are coming up on the wall of what is a safe horse power to produce for the street, so power probably won't increase much, but gas mileage still can. I have no doubt we will see a 30 MPG V8 before the end of the 5th gen.

qouted for the truth. IMO V8's will get smaller and more efficient, and they will NEVER disappear. last time the carbed V8 was replaced with the EFI V8. this time I think the port injected V8 will be replaced with the DI V8.

[radz28]

Get 'em while you can (remember seeing those words somewhere else?...)

[porcupinekiller]

Good thing dinosaurs are more popular than ever!!

[franknbeans]

I'll have my Camaro SS way before then, so I really don't care. . . My Camaro is going to be a garage queen / weekend cruise ride. . . It will be with me til the end.

[73 Vette]

Wish Edmunds would go the way of the dinosaur....