[Whitesky]

Ailing automakers look to save costs of developing powertrains
Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News

General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. are discussing a possible collaboration to develop new engines and other powertrain technologies, according to sources at both companies.

The rival automakers are keen to find ways to reduce research-and-development costs even as they struggle to respond to a dramatic shift in consumer demand from big trucks and sport utility vehicles toward smaller, more economical cars and crossovers.

A deal could give Ford access to GM's Volt technology -- if it becomes commercially viable. It could also help GM offset cuts to its product development budget.........http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/AUTO01/808040378

 

[likearock00]

Stupid!! Keep Volt technology to yourself GM!!

The only partnership should be to make truck/SUV engines. It would relieve both automakers from the extreme expense in a dwindling market. As for the cars- stay away Ford!

 

[1931Chevy]

It looks like some people at Ford and GM has some common senses because this is something they need to do as of yesterday
and likearock in the current position GM is related on the cash front I prefer them to go and join with Ford on this rather than Nissan or Toyleta

 

[BigAls87Z28]

Someone tell me why GM should use ANYTHING that Ford has?
Mod motors vs Gen IV's? Winner: GM
Zetec vs Ecotec?? Winner: GM
Duratech vs HF V6? Winner: GM
Supercharged motors? Winner: GM
Plug in Hybrid: Winner: GM
Active Fuel Mangagement Winner: GM

What does Ford have that GM doesnt? If someone says Ecoboost, Im gunna pass out with laughter.

 

[CadiEldo67]

I think its more to benefit Ford than GM. Perhaps GM is going to share the cost of the new 1.4 Turbo Ecotec, that would actually be a smart idea for a company that is bleeding money.

 

[member12]

THat's awesome.

That means that Ford and GM can benefit from a tax cut for Volt buyers.



GM has the technology, and Ford has the cash to pay for it....so, Ford and GM each get great hybrid powertrains at a much lower cost than if they were to go it alone.

 

[88Fiero]

It looks like some people at Ford and GM has some common senses because this is something they need to do as of yesterday
and likearock in the current position GM is related on the cash front I prefer them to go and join with Ford on this rather than Nissan or Toyleta

Yes great idea!

 

[WishIhadatruck]

It doesn't really matter if GM gains technology or not. Saving money is what matters. If they are able to help each other that is good. If Ford and GM (Chrysler too) can become top tier auto makers again then the Detroit bashing will have to end which will only help with perceptions. It is in the Detroit automakers advantage to have the 3 of them be the top 3 companies in quality, technology, etc. Wouldn't we be better off if the imports were looked at as the lower class of cars in general?

 

[ausrutherford]

Someone tell me why GM should use ANYTHING that Ford has?
Mod motors vs Gen IV's? Winner: GM
Zetec vs Ecotec?? Winner: GM
Duratech vs HF V6? Winner: GM
Supercharged motors? Winner: GM
Plug in Hybrid: Winner: GM
Active Fuel Mangagement Winner: GM

What does Ford have that GM doesnt? If someone says Ecoboost, Im gunna pass out with laughter.

Ford has the Eb engines which are tuned for effiency not power like GM, a better Hybrid battery with a new one coming out in Jamuary, more effient engines with the boss's(ford instance Fords 5.0V8 makes 400 hp in the Mustang, GM has to use the 6.2 in the Camaro to get 400 hp. Smaller displacement=better fuel economy.

 

[HoosierRon]

What does Ford have that GM doesnt?

Cash.

 

[Ming]

A GM (or Ford) enthusiast forum is sure to bring out the Calvins peeing on each others' emblems like it's still 1993 and Toyota was still coming up from behind, unnoticed by the two squabbling high school rivals, but I like this idea.

Bring on the joint projects.

Keep Detroit strong!

 

[psece]

This could be V8's. Both Ford and GM still need V8's but don't necessarily want to spend the money keeping them up to emissions, etc. Why not share the costs at that point. Plus, how much did both of them save making 6-speed whoopee....

 

[PRO_USA1776]

This should have happened years ago, GM and Ford indeed have synergy. GM has some excellent powertrains as does Ford. I want to see both become stronger.

 

[blaksabb]

Ford has the Eb engines which are tuned for effiency not power like GM, a better Hybrid battery with a new one coming out in Jamuary, more effient engines with the boss's(ford instance Fords 5.0V8 makes 400 hp in the Mustang, GM has to use the 6.2 in the Camaro to get 400 hp. Smaller displacement=better fuel economy.

Why are people so one-track? "Smaller displacement = better fuel economy" is not true. Power to displacement ratio means nothing in unrelated engine formulas. Power to engine weight counts more. How about power to external engine dimension? An OHC Ford modular V8 is externally larger and heavier than an LS-series Gen III/IV. High HP is made relative to cylinder displacement @ higher RPM through greater top-end volumetric efficiency.

The 3-4 valves/cylinder design allows for better airflow w/ less turbulence @ high RPM. Greater airflow requires more fuel during the combustion cycle which likely = less fuel efficiency. All this high RPM HP typically comes at the sacrifice of low RPM Torque (VVT can mitigate this to some extent). Forget peak HP/Torque numbers for a second. They are the playground of the marketing division. Look at the Torque curves of both engines and then tell me which is more powerful.

Also, what mythical Ford has a 400HP 5.0L V8? Don't mention a future product or a crate motor. Also, name a 400HP V8 that gets better fuel economy than the LS3.

Also, look into a spell checker.

 

[Will123w]

Ford has the Eb engines which are tuned for effiency not power like GM, a better Hybrid battery with a new one coming out in Jamuary, more effient engines with the boss's(ford instance Fords 5.0V8 makes 400 hp in the Mustang, GM has to use the 6.2 in the Camaro to get 400 hp. Smaller displacement=better fuel economy.

Really?

2008 Corvette Zo6- 7.0l 505hp 15/24

2008 Mustang GT 4.6l 300hp 15/23

source- http://www.fueleconomy.gov

 

[Rocket 88]

A GM (or Ford) enthusiast forum is sure to bring out the Calvins peeing on each others' emblems like it's still 1993 and Toyota was still coming up from behind, unnoticed by the two squabbling high school rivals, but I like this idea.

Bring on the joint projects.

Keep Detroit strong!

Yeah, I'm looking for one of those Calvin stickers right now... but its hard finding one of him peeing on Toyota. Did Toyota win a lawsuit or do they own all the decal companies too?

 

[windvale]

GM should totally colaberate with Ford on all technology. Sharing development and manufacturing cost on the Volt/E-Flex system will bring down the costs dramatically sooner than GM going it alone. If GM can bring the Volt to market for 35K instead of 40K due to a collaberation that would be awesome.

It's not 1968 anymore. It's not Ford vs. Chevy. It's Detroit vs. Asia, Europe, etc.

 

[appman85]

Normally I am pro GM and anti Ford but even I see this as a good deal. I would rather have both companies sharing and producing one excellent engine together than 2 decent engines on their own. Times are changing and its about survival vs Toyota and Honda now.

 

[Stéphane Dumas]

on Autoblog someone posted the following comment http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/ford-gm-considering-joint-engine-development

What about sharing common platforms as well? The next gen Malibu and Fusion could be built on the same platform saving both companies millions.

the idea of common platforms could work for specific vehicules where the market share is smaller (mid-size/full-size RWD)

For engines, maybe it could be some diesel engines as well.

 

[jzchev28]

im all for it, no more calvin peeing on fords for me