GM pouring $888 million into New York plant for next-gen V8 engine production

GM is making a major pivot in its manufacturing strategy, doubling down on its V8 engine production.

Instead of making new plans to build all-electric cars, the automaker surprised the public with its latest decision.

The automaker announced it will invest a hefty $888 million into its Tonawanda Propulsion Plant in Buffalo, New York.

The New York plant will produce the sixth generation of GM’s iconic Small Block V8 engines for trucks and SUVs.

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The investment marks a sharp turn from GM’s previously announced $300 million plan to build EVs at the New York plant.

This plan is being paused, as the automaker addresses the reality of today’s market.

Like it or not, EV adoption has been slower than expected, especially in the US.

The signs were there, given that Chevrolet’s new EV SUV is going to plenty of countries, except the US.

Company executives have been vocal about adjusting to customer demand, and this latest move reflects that flexibility.

According to GM CEO Mary Barra, while the company remains committed to an all-electric light-duty vehicle lineup by 2035, it will remain ‘responsive to where the customer is.’

The new V8s will be used in GM’s best-selling full-size trucks and SUVs.

This includes the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; the GMC Sierra and Yukon; and the Cadillac Escalade.

This sixth-generation engine promises more fuel efficiency and reduced emissions thanks to improvements in combustion and thermal management.

Production is expected to start in 2027.

While GM has more than a dozen EV models available in the US, it can’t seem to ditch gas vehicles just yet.

The company needs to balance its future-forward electric ambitions and the present-day strength of its gas-powered offerings.

The company recently pulled back from several EV-related commitments, including selling its stake in a battery cell joint venture with LG Energy.

In parallel, states like New York have paused enforcement of penalties for missing EV sales targets.

This is another sign of recalibrated timelines.

This isn’t the first time Tonawanda has powered GM’s most iconic vehicles.

The New York plant, which has operated for over 80 years, currently builds V8 engines used in cars like the new 2025 Corvette ZR1, which is the most expensive Corvette ever.

With this investment, it’s poised to remain a core part of GM’s performance legacy, even as the industry shifts gears.

In short, GM’s $888 million bet on V8 engines shows the automaker is far from done with combustion power, even though one in four cars sold in 2025 will be an EV.

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