Let's Hope GM's New V8 Is Better Than The Last One
General Motors is moving ahead with its next-generation V8 engines—let's hope things go better this time around, considering the fifth-gen engines have been plagued with issues.
Key Points
- GM is investing $888 million into its Tonawanda, NY plant to build a new sixth-generation small-block V8 engine.
- Production of the updated V8 is set to begin in 2027, targeting full-size trucks and SUVs like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Yukon.
- The next-gen engine promises improved performance, efficiency, and emissions, despite GM’s ongoing transition toward electrification.
The automaker announced an $888 million investment into its Tonawanda Propulsion plant in New York to support the production of GM’s upcoming sixth-generation small-block V8, which is expected to start rolling off the line in 2027.
The next-generation V8 will power the company’s lineup of full-size trucks and SUVs, including favorites such as the Chevrolet Silverado and Tahoe, as well as the GMC Sierra and Yukon. The new V8 engine should also find its way into the Cadillac Escalade, considering it prints money for Cadillac—although Cadillac's decision-making process has been anything but logical over the last 10 years.
GM says the new engine will bring improvements in performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Output figures won't be known until GM drops the engines into its full-size trucks, but GM says the next-gen engines are expected to surpass the current small-block lineup thanks to revised combustion strategies and updated thermal management systems.
Currently, the 5.3-liter V8 produces 355 horsepower, and the 6.2-liter V8 makes 420 horsepower. Both engines have been plagued with issues—both the 5.3L and 6.2L engines equipped with Active Fuel Management (AFM) have experienced valve lifter failures, which can also cause the camshaft to fail, and the 6.2L is currently under recall due to crankshaft bearing failures.
“GM's Buffalo [Tonawanda] plant has been in operation for 87 years and is continuing to innovate the engines we build there to make them more fuel efficient and higher performing, which will help us deliver world-class trucks and SUVs to our customers for years to come,” said Mary Barra, GM's Chair and CEO.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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Anyone willing to be the guinea pig on a $70,000 truck? Made that mistake once in 2007. Even though the engine on that was the ONLY good thing on that truck, a 900-series 1500 4x4 with the 5.3 & 4L60E transmission, it was fraught with issues that I thankfully skirted with frequent Amsoil oil changes and a Range AFM device.
The brakes pulsated on the TEST DRIVE - FORTY MILES on the clock!! SEVEN warranty brake jobs never fixed the issue! Interior developed all manner of squeaks and rattles, plus a driveline clunk at 2k miles. Front end didn't make it to 40k. Engine began to burn oil at 50k. Hub bearings were smoked by 60k - started making noise long before that .. but finally the brake pulsation was fixed. One or both must've been out-of-round. Had ghost glitches in the electrical system over the years at random times. One was a sudden no-crank - happened 2,800 miles from home! Several completely smoked batteries when NOTHING was left on overnight. Sudden hot air coming out the passenger vents with the A/C on. Then at 97k I went to change the rear diff oil and found metal all over the magnet! All the tips of the spider gear teeth were in it!! Fixed that, then 6k miles later the 3-4 clutch pack in the transmission went up in smoke. Fluid (Amsoil Signature Series ATF) was still as bright red as the day I flushed it through.
Dumped that thing and bought a '93 W250 with a Cummins, Dana axles, and a 5-speed. Might not ride as nice, but my sanity has returned!!