General Motors’ group vice president in charge of powertrain operations says the company
plans to roll out 19 new engine and transmission variations for the 2007 model year.
These
include a hybrid version of the Saturn Vue and also includes a new 3.9-liter V-6 with a
fuel system that shuts down three cylinders on the highway to save gas, as well as
six-speed transmissions that will improve fuel economy and performance.
For 2007, GM also
will offer 14 E85-compatible models that run on a mixture of up to 85 percent ethanol and
15 percent gasoline.The vehicles can run on 100 percent gasoline, E85 ethanol or any
combination of the two. The Gen IV small-block engines — with active fuel management,
cylinder deactivation, variable valve timing and E85 capability — will be some of the most
powerful and efficient V-8 engines available for light trucks.