GMI Exclusive: GM Twin-Turbo V6 Coming

[nsap]

GMI Exclusive: GM Twin-Turbo V6 Coming
GMI uncovers GM's first high tech, blown V6.
www.gminsidenews.com
March 22, 2010
By: Nick Saporito

Ford Motor Company’s recent introduction of their twin-turbo 3.5L V6 has brought the industry limelight to high tech, forced induction V6 powertrains. Rumors of General Motors joining in on the turbocharged V6 arena have been around for several years now, however GMI has confirmed that The General really will be joining Ford in the high tech turbo bandwagon.

According to GM engineering sources, GM is currently working on a twin-turbo 3.0L V6. Development on the new engine is so far along that it has a RPO code of “LF3.” The naturally aspirated 3.0L debuted in several 2010 products with direct injection and has the code “LF1.”

GMI was not able to obtain projected power ratings on the new engine, however output is very application specific under new SAE testing rules. Sources did say to expect the engine to rival Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5L.

The engine’s introduction is expected in late 2011 or early 2012 in the Cadillac XTS. Sources also state that GM is looking to use the engine in the Cadillac ATS and possibly even the next Chevrolet Camaro. Cadillac has historically always debuted new variants of the High-Feature V6 lineup, so it comes as no surprise that the XTS is the likely to pioneer the 3.0L twin-turbo.

Most rumors surrounding the potential of a turbocharged V6 out of GM have centered on the company’s 3.6L V6. A couple of years ago GMI was told that GM had twin-turbo 3.6L V6’s in development that were generating as much as 435 horsepower. Information regarding the potential of a blown 3.6L silenced for years until GM showed a 3.6L twin-turbo V6-powered Camaro show car at the 2009 SEMA show. The Camaro show car was generating 425 horsepower.

[Titanic]

Glad that GM is doing what it takes to compete, but they're turbocharging the wrong engine.

[wescoent]

The universally panned 3.0?

[nsap]

Glad that GM is doing what it takes to compete, but they're turbocharging the wrong engine.

Why? The 3.0L will likely be able to handle more boost than a 3.6L as well has a higher compression ratio due to the bore.

[RoyG]

The universally panned 3.0?

My thoughts exactly. Is anyone thinking??

[nsap]

The universally panned 3.0?

Ford's NA 3.5L was not exactly loved.....yet the TT 3.5L is.

[FenwickHockey65]

YES.

Exactly what GM needs between the 3.6L and LS-series V8s.

[BerettaZ]

Why? The 3.0L will likely be able to handle more boost than a 3.6L as well has a higher compression ratio due to the bore.

Right...and it helps explain the existence of the 3.0...

[supraracer]

Why? The 3.0L will likely be able to handle more boost than a 3.6L as well has a higher compression ratio due to the bore.

Exactly! This is a perfect canditate for turbocharging. Hopefully the MPG numbers will be good also.

[Cobaltss_King]

I hope a version of this engine becomes available in a chevy cruze coupe SS

[FenwickHockey65]

I hope a version of this engine becomes available in a chevy cruze coupe SS

I don't think it'll fit...the 2.0T I-4 from the Cobalt SS should though.

[Smoke]

Why? The 3.0L will likely be able to handle more boost than a 3.6L as well has a higher compression ratio due to the bore.

Which has a higher compression ratio, the 3.0 or 3.6? It is my understanding that you want lower compression for forced induction.

[Xenon]

Glad that GM is doing what it takes to compete, but they're turbocharging the wrong engine.

Maybe because the 3.0 can take boost better, and it's far easier to sell a 3.0L overseas vs a 3.6L? This is (or at least I'm presuming) a global engine after all. Hopefully the engine ends up being more powerful, and more efficient than the 3.6 is. Any word if that is the goal?

[Stéphane Dumas]

I could imagine this: "back from the dead....Grand National returns.....with now equipped with twin-turbo. Darth Vader: your new car is ready!"

[SigEpCutlass]

At only 3 liters, I could see this fitting in a Regal GS to replace the aging 2.8 Turbo as an option above the LNF. It's not that much additional weight, so the handing wouldn't be negatively impacted much if any at all. When's the Regal brochure going to be posted today?