Set to begin production next fall, in Tonawanda, New York, the engine was designed to have unique cylinder heads, which eliminates the need for an intake and exhaust manifolds. The lightweight engine block uses advanced casting for the crankshaft bearings and oil circulation system.
If the storm passes and the company decides to place it back on its production cue, the first 4.5l might still be a year away. On the other hand, the state of the art powerplant might see production in the hands of some other manufacturer, as GM might sell the patents it holds on several components of the engine's design.
The engine would have been built to be fitted onto the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks. If it becomes a reality, (chances, small as they are, still exist), these fuel efficient trucks will be priced less than today's heavy duty diesel trucks.
GM decided at the end of February not to build an entire new plant to make engines for the Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Cruze and preferred to refit the existing Flint South Engine plant in Michigan instead.
The manufacturer faces another US government deadline at the end of March. GM hopes to secure an additional $16.6 billion in federal aid, needed to get past the economic difficulties it faces. Tough choices are still to come, as the company keeps on cutting cost every way it can.
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