Popular Mechanics Awards GM 3.9 V-6 For Breakthrough Technology

[Arizona Slim]

POPULAR MECHANICS Awards GM 3.9 V-6 For Breakthrough Technology

New York - General Motors' new 3.9-liter V-6 has been recognized for ground-breaking technology by the editors of POPULAR MECHANICS in the publication's first "POPULAR MECHANICS Breakthrough Awards." The announcement was made today at the American Museum of Natural History and will be featured in the October issue of POPULAR MECHANICS, on newsstands nationwide October 11, 2005.

The POPULAR MECHANICS Breakthrough Awards recognize ten individuals and teams, including one winner of the Breakthrough Leadership Award, that are helping to improve lives and expand possibilities in the realms of science, technology and exploration. Additionally, POPULAR MECHANICS highlighted a separate group of ten consumer products that represent milestones in design and engineering.

The 3.9 V-6 has been awarded for the innovative adaptation of variable valve timing, an industry first for overhead valve engines.

"General Motors keeps finding ways to advance overhead valve engines and the 3.9-liter V-6 used in the Impala reaches new levels," said James Meigs, editor-in-chief, POPULAR MECHANICS. "For their continued success and innovation, we're proud to recognize GM with a 2006 Breakthrough Award."

The 3.9 is part of an all-new family of advanced overhead valve, 60-degree V-6 engines. The engine is designed new from the block up and in addition to variable valve timing, incorporates a host of advanced, premium features, including a variable intake manifold, piston-cooling oil squirters, and an advanced 32-bit engine controller.

"The breakthrough development of variable valve timing for the 3.9 demonstrates the continued relevance of the elegant overhead valve engine design," said Dr. Gary Horvat, assistant chief engineer, V-6 engines. "We're honored that the editorial team at POPULAR MECHANICS recognize the significance of this technology."

The variable valve timing system incorporates a vane-type camshaft phaser that changes the angular orientation of the camshaft, thereby adjusting the timing of the intake and exhaust valves to optimize performance and economy, and helping lower emissions. Within its range of operation, it offers infinitely variable valve timing in relation to the crankshaft. The cam phasing creates "dual equal" valve timing adjustments. In other words, the intake valves and exhaust valves are varied at the same time and at the same rate.

The award-winning, 240-horsepower 3.9 V-6 is available in the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo, Malibu SS, Malibu Maxx SS and Uplander; Pontiac G6 GTP and SV6; Buick Terraza; and Saturn Relay.

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...74&docid=19106

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by Arizona Slim

"General Motors keeps finding ways to advance overhead valve engines and the 3.9-liter V-6 used in the Impala reaches new levels," said James Meigs, editor-in-chief, POPULAR MECHANICS. "For their continued success and innovation, we're proud to recognize GM with a 2006 Breakthrough Award."

"The breakthrough development of variable valve timing for the 3.9 demonstrates the continued relevance of the elegant overhead valve engine design," said Dr. Gary Horvat, assistant chief engineer, V-6 engines.

Impressive. OHC or OHV... doesn't matter to me... as long as the engine is modern and innovative. I love that he used the word elegant. That's cool

The award-winning, 240-horsepower 3.9 V-6 is available in the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo, Malibu SS, Malibu Maxx SS and Uplander; Pontiac G6 GTP and SV6; Buick Terraza; and Saturn Relay.

I hadn't realised that it was already going into so many vehicles. It's clearly a very important engine for GM!

[Arizona Slim]

Now if they could just get it into the Equinox/Torrent, they'd have a sweet mid-size SUV.

[T-Type]

Wow, how about that. A so-called 'old tech' OHV design wins an award for breakthrough technology. Popular Science must have not got the memo that only OHC engines can be advanced/innovative.

[Buick61]

Wait, it's in the GTP? I thought it was non-vvt in the GTP.

[wpbharry]

Oh, for crying out loud. Yep, and that's why it cost you a bundle.

When I'm in the hospital next week, read the OM, please.

[jfnz24]

Originally Posted by Buick61

Wait, it's in the GTP? I thought it was non-vvt in the GTP.

Ditto, and also the Malibu SS....

It lists it as non-vvt in the literature.

[Kennyboy]

Simply amazing, a pushrod engine getting high honors for breakthrough technology. Finally, the pushrod is finally getting recognize, even through consumers feel its ancient technology.

[Ming]

Buick61 you must be thinking about that 3500 fiasco with the VVT going in to the Monte and Impala base, but not in the Malibu or G6 GT.

Did you not read this?

Prepare for Take-off: 6-speed 3900 Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe To Deliver Real Excitement

Yeah, that's right. Variable-valve-timing. Cam Phasing. Active Air Intake. In an OHV 6-cylinder engine. A rare engine indeed. And given GM's push for hydrogen powered cars, who knows - this just might be (to coin a heavily modified phrase from The Road Warrior) "The Last of the Great Pushrod V6's". But all hydrogen speculation aside, it really is a neat and unique piece of technology. It straddles the line between GM's "Value" 3500 V6, and "High Feature" 3.6L DOHC engines, and it brings a little of both worlds to the table. Cost efficiency, big torque, and higher revs. In fact, its horsepower rating goes toe to toe with the legendary Series II Supercharged 3800 V6 - which is still being used in the 2005 Monte Carlo SS Supercharged.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

Oh, for crying out loud. Yep, and that's why it cost you a bundle.

When I'm in the hospital next week, read the OM, please.

I read the whole thing. It didn't say anything about VVT. And neither does Pontiac.com, which Chevrolet.com makes a big deal out of it.

[Swahili]

Toyota, put THIS bit of news in your gas tank and burn it. For all the GM naysayers out there, GM really is pushing ahead in terms of technology, it's just not always obvious to most people, again where perception comes into play. While other car companies are throwing nav units in base model cars, GM is quietly developing stellar engines and transmissions that will put them far ahead of the competition.

GM, my hat is off to you, congrats for the award.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by Ming

Buick61 you must be thinking about that 3500 fiasco with the VVT going in to the Monte and Impala base, but not in the Malibu or G6 GT.

Did you not read this?

Prepare for Take-off: 6-speed 3900 Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe To Deliver Real Excitement

Ok ok, so it has it. Color me surprised. And I own the darn thing.

Why would the peak torque come at a different RPM if it was the same VVT engine used in the Impala? The outputs are a bit different, but that could be due to exhaust routing or something. But would that also have such a dramatic effect on where the peak torque is made, especially since the difference is only 1 lb-ft?

[joey]

Why get all excited over a 3.9L making 240HP when any Honda, Nissan or GM 3.5 or 3.6L DOHC VVT (which has been available for years) makes 250HP+. Sure it's an improvement over the old 3800 motor, but what isn't. For a "value" engine, any model it goes in will be over priced compared to it's import rival. We haven't even seen any MPG numbers yet have we? I'll sit this one out a year to make sure we don't have another GM V6 leaker.

[Buick61]

I posted this on the 2006 Horsepower thread HERE :

"New 3.9L V-6 with variable valve timing technology rated at 240 horsepower (179 kw) and 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque on the G6 coupe and sedan, and 227 horsepower (169 kw) and 235 lb.-ft. (319 Nm) of torque on the G6 convertible"

What's up with the change? SAE? Engineering issues?

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by joey

We haven't even seen any MPG numbers yet have we?

Depends on the car.

GG GTP w/manual: 18/29
G6 GTP w/auto: 18/26 (if memory serves correctly)

Impala LTZ: 19/27