There’s been so much static trying to get dialed in on the power plant for the next-generation corvette, that this news from GM on Friday should put most enthusiasts’ minds at ease. GM says the investment of $918 million “will enable the company to strengthen its industry-leading full-size truck and SUV business”.
And although this statement doesn’t specifically mention the Corvette, it’s logical to conclude this massive small-block engine investment will be used in the C9. This news in concert with yesterday’s breaking news on the C9 release date should put EV propulsion speculation for the next-generation corvette to rest.
This commitment to the internal combustion engine is also good news for these communities and offers job security for years to come. Here is how the $918 million, with $56 million slated for EV battery pack cooling lines, will be allocated.
Flint Engine Operations in Michigan – GM will invest $579 million to prepare the plant to assemble GM’s sixth generation family of Small Block V-8 gas engines along with the related block, crank and head machining. Work at the facility will begin immediately. Flint will continue building the 3.0L turbo-diesel during the facility renovations. GM’s 3.0L diesel is used in a variety of light-duty truck applications.
Bay City GPS in Michigan – GM will invest $216 million to prepare the facility to build camshafts, connecting rods, and block/head machining supporting future V-8 production at Flint Engine Operations.
Defiance Operations in Ohio – GM will invest $55 million in the Defiance facility. $47 million will be invested to prepare the facility to build a variety of block castings to support future V-8 engine programs. In addition, the investment includes $8 million to build a casting development cell for castings to support future EV strategies.
Rochester Operations in New York – GM will invest a total of $68 million in the Rochester facility. $12 million will be invested to prepare the facility to build intake manifolds and fuel rails for future V-8 production at Flint Engine Operations. In addition, the investment includes $56 million for the production of battery pack cooling lines for EV production.
I’d love to hear what you think about this big news, join us over on our Facebook page or scroll down to the comments. Douglas B.
