General Motors is making a bold move to fuel the future of its truck and SUV powertrains. The automaker announced it will invest $888 million into its Tonawanda Propulsion plant in Buffalo, New York, to support the production of the sixth generation of GM’s legendary V-8 engines.
This latest engine evolution is being designed for use in full-size trucks and SUVs, aiming to crank up performance while dialing back fuel consumption and emissions. How? Through innovative new combustion and thermal management technologies that GM says are key to these improvements.
Largest Engine Investment in GM’s History
“This is the largest single investment GM has ever made in an engine plant,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “Our significant investments in Tonawanda show our commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and supporting U.S. jobs. GM's Buffalo plant has been in operation for 87 years, and we’re continuing to innovate the engines we build there to make them more fuel efficient and higher performing, which will help us deliver world-class trucks and SUVs to our customers for years to come.”
This investment includes new machinery, equipment, tooling, and facility upgrades that will prep the site for the sixth-gen V-8 production, scheduled to kick off in 2027. While the upgrades are underway, the plant (represented by UAW Local 774) will continue to produce GM’s fifth-generation V-8 engine.
Tonawanda is the second GM propulsion facility selected to produce the next-gen V-8, following a $500 million investment in the Flint Engine plant announced in early 2023.
“For generations, our team has demonstrated its commitment to manufacturing excellence,” said Tara Wasik, plant director at Tonawanda. “We’re proud to support our Western New York community and excited for this next chapter in delivering world-class propulsion systems.”
GM says the new engines will deliver what truck customers want, power and performance, while advancing fuel economy and emissions goals.