GM announces the VVT GenIV

[SSbaby]

Australian Exclusive! Yep, you guys hear it before the Aus Holden forums...

More head-kicking from the General!

New engines benefit from advanced technologies today
While many of the advanced technologies demonstrated to journalists were for future, unspecified powertrains, the new powertrains GM is launching today benefit from fuel-saving and performance enhancing features, like Displacement On Demand and variable valve timing.

“The new variants of Gem IV small-block V-8 are a perfect example of applying advanced, fuel saving technology to a high-volume of powertrains today,” said Stephens.

Multiple variants of the new small-block engines feature Displacement On Demand, as well as variable valve timing (VVT). Displacement On Demand seamlessly alternates the engine between eight- and four-cylinder operation, improving engine efficiency by as much as 12 percent in some vehicles.

Variable valve timing optimizes engine performance by continuously adjusting intake and exhaust valve timing in relation to the crankshaft. The introduction of variable valve timing in these engines is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead valve engine.

Complete details of the new engine variants will be provided at a later date.

Six-speed automatics deliver improved efficiency, performance
In addition to improving engine efficiency, GM is launching a broad portfolio of advanced six-speed automatic transmissions to increase overall powertrain performance.

“During the next five years, GM will launch 10 new automatic six-speed transmission variants," said Stephens. "In fact, by 2010, GM will be producing more than three million six-speed transmissions per year."

GM six-speed automatic transmissions use a wide gear ratio spread to improve both performance and fuel economy over traditional four-speed automatics.

GM will launch seven of the six-speed automatic variants in North America and Europe . These include rear-wheel variants of the new Hydra-Matic six-speed, which debuted with the Hydra-Matic 6L80 in the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V. Also included in the new rear-wheel drive six-speeds is a new Allison 1000 six-speed, introduced in the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups.

Rounding out the seven variants is the new front-wheel drive (FWD) Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. The 6T70 is one of the industry’s most advanced FWD six-speed transmissions and is scheduled to debut in the all-new 2007 Saturn Aura midsize sedan.

SSbaby walks away leaving a trail of destruction... :