Is This GM's Twin Turbo V-6 Engine?

[nsap]

GM-released Gen V V-8 video shows what appears to be some form of a turbocharged V-6.
www.GMInsideNews.com
October 29, 2012
By: Nick Saporito

It's unusual for us to miss something in a General Motors release, but we did with regards to a video of their Generation V Small Block V-8. During last week's announcement, the company released several small videos showing testing and validation of the new LT1 V-8, though one video clearly shows an engine other than the new Small Block testing on one of the company's tilt dynos. A keen reader of Corvette Online noted that one of the engines in the video did not look like the rest, and we have to agree.

The above photo has been captured from the video. Within the photo it is clear that there is plumbing for two turbochargers on the engine, with close ups revealing one of the turbochargers and the heat shield surrounding it.

It's difficult to say, and nearly impossible to confirm, but the engine in the photo does have some similarities to GM's High-Feature V-6 lineup. The block size certainly suggests this particular engine is a V-6, and the timing cover is extremely similar to that of the one on the 3.6-liter V-6.

Way back in 2010 GMI broke news that GM was working on a new twin-turbo V-6 to rival Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. At the time sources suggested that the company's 3.0-liter V-6 would be the basis of the twin-turbo engine. Since then GM has phased out most applications of the 3.0-liter V-6 and insiders report that the company will add two turbochargers to the well-used 3.6-liter V-6 instead.

Assuming product plans remain unchanged, expect GM's twin-turbo V-6 to first show up in the next-generation Cadillac CTS, though the engine is not expected to launch concurrently with the new car in mid 2013. Late 2013 or early 2014 would likely be a more realistic time frame for the twin-turbo V-6 to launch.

Between the new Small Block and this alleged twin-turbo V-6, GM Powertrain is clearly keeping very busy. Also - any GM technicians, feel free to chime in to aid in identifying this engine!

[pure89]

Omg . Ats-v it should be

[asrapid1]

Does anyone knows what are the latest rumors on 3.6 TT power rating? So far i've read 380, 400-420, 450 hp, and even 580 hp.

[DirtyMoney]

Can you circle or ID what you are seeing? It looks like a hot mess (non-engineer term)

[Andrew L]

Does anyone knows what are the latest rumors on 3.6 TT power rating? So far i've read 380, 400-420, 450 hp, and even 580 hp.

Well in FWD based AWD form I would imagine somewhere around where Ford's ecoboost is, they are able to get 365 HP and they hinted at 400 so I could see GM managing to get somewhere between 350-400 for something like the XTS, or LaCrosse. In RWD form I could easily see it go above 400 HP.

[John Wilde]

Nick,

Good eye my friend. =)
There are other pictures where you can clearly see one of the turbos and it's piping.

[Dr. Show-Me]

So the next-generation Cadillac CTS will launch in early 2013? Is that correct?
Thanks for correcting the CTS launch to mid 2013

[spd98]

I posted this in the lt1 thread and it was removed lol. It's def a 6 you can see 3 plug wires on one side.

[newdude]

Looks 3.6 to me. Manifold outlet at the head is a single large one, which would match the new style heads on the 3.6 like on the Impala/Camaro, etc. with the integrated "manifold in head" design. 3.6 TT it might be!

[majicbz07]

Does anyone knows what are the latest rumors on 3.6 TT power rating? So far i've read 380, 400-420, 450 hp, and even 580 hp.

Well currently Jay Leno has a one of Camaro with a 3.6TT V6 and I think he said it made about 425hp so I would expect it to be around that or more and hopefully not less.

http://blogs.insideline.com/straight...6-to-sema.html

[vanshmack]

It's hard to see, but it appears they're using the same exhaust design as the 2.0 liter turbo, with the turbochargers being integral with the manifolds.

At least, that's what it looks like to me!

And there's something creepy about watching that tilt stand moving around, as if the engine is trying to free itself from its shackles.

[BlackGTP]

Is it possible that this is a V6 based off the new V8? This new V6 would be for truck applications - my thought is the current 3.6 may not be optimal for truck usage. Wasn't the old 4.3L vortec based off a V8?

I'm not engineer, feel free to point out my incorrect line of thinking.

[97GreenRS]

3.6 is not going in the new trucks. a Gen 5 based 4.3 with direct injection and cylinder shutdown with be the base motor. its replacing both the current 4.3 and the 4.8 V8.

[bigredexpress99]

The engine is def a 3.6 based motor - I would put my life on it. I've had at least 50 of those engines apart - that front timing chain cover and the cam cover is a dead give away, as is the intake in a way. Pretty stoked about this. I hope its based on the LFX in the Camaro, as it uses exhaust manifold integrated heads, whereas the Traverses and such use a manifold still.

[Kennyboy]

The engine is def a 3.6 based motor - I would put my life on it. I've had at least 50 of those engines apart - that front timing chain cover and the cam cover is a dead give away, as is the intake in a way. Pretty stoked about this. I hope its based on the LFX in the Camaro, as it uses exhaust manifold integrated heads, whereas the Traverses and such use a manifold still.

I think you're right! The crankshaft pulley is very similar to the 3.6's pulley. You can tell it's also turbo-charged by the twin forced induction air intake houses connecting to the intake manifold.