GM's response to the 'Boss'.

[C/K Man]

Rumor has it that Ford is working on a new 6.2L V-8 known as the 'Boss'. It is scheduled to debut soon in the Navigator and special versions of the new F-150, and may also eventually replace the Triton V-10. Story is it will have 425 h.p. and 450 ft. lbs. of torque. Now, it is true that the 'Boss' has been an on again-off again project, CAFE could very well cause it's cancellation again, and h.p. and torque figures for upcoming engines are often inflated. But, saying Ford does build it, will GM have something that can compete?

[E. Haskell]

Here is part of an article posted a while back:

GM Reveals Small-Block V-8 with Direct Injection - wardsauto.com
By Mike Sutton
Aug. 29, 2007
MILFORD, MI – Although General Motors Corp. is dividing its resources to cover all fronts of advanced powertrain development, the future of the auto maker’s foundation OHV small-block V-8 architecture appears secure with the advent of direct-injection gasoline (DIG) technology.

Among the various exhibits of engineering bravado on display at the auto maker’s proving grounds here, including two-mode hybrid-electric drivetrains, ultra-clean turbodiesels and homogeneous charge compression ignition flex-fuel engines, a seemingly untouched Cadillac Escalade stands out.

Emblazoned with giant E85 banners down its flanks, there is little to indicate the industry’s first OHV V-8 with DIG fueling lurks beneath the SUV’s pearl white hood.

The experimental engine is based on GM’s current all-aluminum Gen IV 6.2L V-8 (L92) found in the Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali and Hummer H2. Depending on the application, the powerplant, which sports port fuel injection, variable valve timing (VVT) and dual-cam phasing, is rated between 380-403 hp in stock form.

However, with a little tweaking to accommodate the auto industry’s latest fuel-injection hardware, the prototype V-8 is producing “well north of 450 hp (on gasoline),” says Dave Sczomak, development engineer-GM Powertrain Advanced Engineering.
Running the engine on E85 ethanol allows for even more power to be coaxed from the big V-8, he adds, noting the 85%/15% ethanol/gasoline mix generally carries a race fuel-like 106 octane rating.

Cruising the web of test roads onsite, the Escalade motors along smoothly with a characteristic large-displacement V-8 burble. However, mashing the gas from a standstill produces a wave of power that propels the big truck at a noticeably more rapid pace than the production version.

Along with the substantial increase in horsepower, DIG also contributes to about a 10% increase in low-end torque, Sczomak says. In addition, fuel economy is moderately improved (3-6%), as are cold-start emissions of hydrocarbons.

"Well north" sounds like 470+ HP to me.

[SDRacing]

I picked up a motor trend mag last night and it has the 2009 F150 on the cover. I was shocked that it didnt have any new V8 or something towards the yodas power #s.

[newdude]

Originally Posted by E. Haskell

Here is part of an article posted a while back:



"Well north" sounds like 470+ HP to me.

Ooooo... me likey alot. Do you think this could make an appearance in the Camaro? I think it might be a great alternative to the 8.1 in the HD'd perhaps.

[EldoFan]

I'd be careful about speculating too much.......you never know when Putz might get a case of cold feet and cancel this engine's contract (like he has alot of other things)

Regardless......I'd like to see some substantiated figures for either this 'experiment' or Ford's 'Boss' so I can tell who's staying ahead of the curve. That 3-6% gain doesn't sound all that impressive next to the Dual Mode's figures though......

[RamJet502]

Personally I'm more excited by the new 4.5L Duramax because of the improved fuel economy and potential performance modifications. Offering the 6.2L V8 with a six speed transmission in the 1/2 ton Silverados would be a serious response to the 'Boss'.

[chakis24]

Originally Posted by EldoFan

I'd be careful about speculating too much.......you never know when Putz might get a case of cold feet and cancel this engine's contract (like he has alot of other things)

Regardless......I'd like to see some substantiated figures for either this 'experiment' or Ford's 'Boss' so I can tell who's staying ahead of the curve. That 3-6% gain doesn't sound all that impressive next to the Dual Mode's figures though......

its still a gain though. and i dont see any reason to cancel it if its based on an already existing engine. matching this with a 2mode with give more gains with more power. awesome.

and i like how performance INCREASES with ethanol. awesome

[DuraMax Hammer]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

Personally I'm more excited by the new 4.5L Duramax because of the improved fuel economy and potential performance modifications. Offering the 6.2L V8 with a six speed transmission in the 1/2 ton Silverados would be a serious response to the 'Boss'.

Same here. If you have the 5.3L gasser and the 4.5L diesel, wouldn't the diesels numbers be more lucrative to a buyer then the 6.2L gasser, even with 450-470hp? The duramax will have ~550ft-lbs or more. Better to tow and haul with and with better mpg and more mods!

[chakis24]

Originally Posted by RamJet502

Personally I'm more excited by the new 4.5L Duramax because of the improved fuel economy and potential performance modifications. Offering the 6.2L V8 with a six speed transmission in the 1/2 ton Silverados would be a serious response to the 'Boss'.

me too. they get some crazy power out of the 3/4 ton diesel's.