Fifth Generation Promises a Leaner and Meaner Small Block

[LOWDOWN]

From GM, some details are starting to emerge regarding the next-Gen Small Block V8s.

http://media.gm.com/content/autoshow...1129_100M_GenV

WIXOM, Mich. – A new direct-injection fuel system will help GM’s Gen-V small-block engine deliver greater fuel efficiency compared with the current generation. The fifth-generation small block is an all-new engine family that builds on the architectural and technology legacy of previous generations with greater efficiency, performance and refinement.

General Motors is investing more than $1 billion in manufacturing facilities associated with producing Gen-V small-block engines, resulting in the creation or retention of 1,711 jobs.

GM announced the new direct-injection fuel system for the small block at the Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich., as the final fasteners on the 100-millionth production small-block engine – a 638-hp supercharged LS9 engine for the Corvette ZR1 – were tightened. The small block was introduced in 1955.

“Direct injection is a vital progression from conventional port fuel injection that enables an advanced, new level of engine management. The precise control of combustion afforded from direct injection makes it almost entirely an engineering ‘win-win’ – you get enhanced power and torque in addition to better fuel efficiency,” said Bill Visnic, analyst and senior editor at Edmunds.com.

“The evolution to direct injection should be as significant for the next-generation small-block V-8 as perhaps any single engineering upgrade in this storied engine’s nearly 60-year history,” Visnic said.

In the fifth-generation small block, the all-new direct injection combustion system will work with a higher compression ratio and other technologies to enhance efficiency. That means greater performance using less fuel than comparably sized Gen-IV engines.

“The Gen-V small block is an all-new, state-of-the-art engine family that will offer more efficiency and refinement than any other small block in its more than half-century of production,” said Jordan Lee, chief engineer. “For customers, that will mean cars and trucks that deliver more while using less gas to do it.”

The Gen-V small block will go into production in the near future and is guaranteed to have 4.4-inch bore centers – the center-to-center distance between cylinders that has been part of the small-block’s architecture from its introduction 56 years ago.

[hot_rod]

Thank You GM!

Keep um coming!

GM's small block has been the backbone of hot rods since they introduced them in 1955.

...and congratulations on reaching a production milestone of 100 million produced!

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/g...built-w-video/

[DGthe3]

I think this is a rather important tidbit from the press release:

In the fifth-generation small block, the all-new direct injection combustion system will work with a higher compression ratio and other technologies to enhance efficiency. That means greater performance using less fuel than comparably sized Gen-IV engines.

If they had intentions of shrinking them, wouldn't that have said "That means equal performance using less fuel than larger Gen-IV engines." Or am I reading too much into this?

[Zabo]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I think this is a rather important tidbit from the press release:

In the fifth-generation small block, the all-new direct injection combustion system will work with a higher compression ratio and other technologies to enhance efficiency. That means greater performance using less fuel than comparably sized Gen-IV engines.

If they had intentions of shrinking them, wouldn't that have said "That means equal performance using less fuel than larger Gen-IV engines." Or am I reading too much into this?

The way I read it, they may not have a 6.2L but possibly stay in the 6L range or maybe even go back to 5.7L with more power than a 6.2L. Especially when you take into account the fact that they went out of their way to keep the 4.4 bore spacing..

Can we haz exposed, good looking valve covers this time, GM?

[LOWDOWN]

Other manufacturers, adopting DI technology on existing engine displacements, are achieving improvements in both power output and increased fuel efficiency while reducing emissions.

With CAFE '16 looming, I suspect we'll see decreased engine sizing (generally) while maintaining roughly-current power-to-weight levels but with improved mpg ratings. With an emphasis on Curb Weight reductions (where possible) through the use of more High Strength Steel and other "advanced" materials, the performance should stay "constant" while their efficiencies improve...markedly.

By '16, we're going to see powertrain technologies we do not currently "enjoy": more hybrids (both plug-in and e-Assist-like), diesels, electrics, and who knows what..."interesting times" await. The Gen-5 Small Block is only the tip of the iceberg...a greatly anticipated "tip" for many of us.

[Jekyll-N-Hyde]

[Kyle2k]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

By '16, we're going to see powertrain technologies we do not currently "enjoy": more hybrids (both plug-in and e-Assist-like), diesels, electrics, and who knows what..."interesting times" await. The Gen-5 Small Block is only the tip of the iceberg...a greatly anticipated "tip" for many of us.

I was going to say, efficiency-wise, all that extra technology is great but the Gen-V is definitely going to be at the top of our radar for future fun.