Well the tech certainly is transferable so its not a complete wash in terms of investment.

 

For as much money as GM likely poured into the development of this engine, the cost to tool and capitalize an engine is probably way, way more money. Better to shoot this thing in the head early, because it only gets more expensive from here.

As to why GM killed the UV8, let's pretend here for a moment that GM's recent conversion to the hybrid and alt-fuel religion came because of a come-to-Jesus moment concerning petroleum supplies. A lot of sane voices see a growing difference between supply and demand as we roll into next decade (with China and India gobbling up any surplus supply plus a whole lot more). This is going to do some really bad things to fuel prices, and will probably force many of us to rethink the way we purchase and use our cars.

Now, if you're GM, and you're damn near bankrupt, are you going to gamble on a low-volume V8 that is going to cost a buttload of money to produce and has limited upside potential, or are you going to take the same money and throw it towards an attempt to reinvent powertrain architectures in an attempt to save substantial amounts of fuel? I think we're starting to see the answer to this question.

At some point in the near future, we may face far more important problems than minor reductions in NVH or the other piddly crap that luxury customers currently spent way too much time obsessing over.

 

Those are some good points. As much as I'll miss this new V8, GM is probably better off putting the money into adding direct injection on all 4 cyls.

 

I look forward to seeing some of the OV8 tech being passed across the table into the Chevy Small-block (CSB: aka. LSx's) segment. It's been said here already - cheaper to update, improve, and maintain ONE V8 line, than it is two. Especially given the current circumstances. (wait untill people start bi***n' that cars are too expensive because of CAFE. Then it gets repealed, or changed, and the OV8 comes off the shelf) There's a BIG difference between throwing the project away completely, and saving it for a sunny day.

This was a smart move. And if the lux. buyers want a V8 THAT badly (which they don't seem to, according to GM) throw one of the CSBs in! I doubt they'll argue with that.

 

Maybe it was killed off b/c of not fitting the Global picture?
Maybe there's something better in the pipeling coming?....

 

I suspect GM surveyed luxury customers and they were like "What's a DOHC?" and that sealed the deal in favor of the small block.

 

Exactly. The Tonawanda engine plant here in Buffalo was supposed to get like $300 Million for imovements, expansion, and new equipment to startup the new line for the Ultrastar.

That $300 Million will go a long way when used elsewhere right now- And knowing the technology and improvements destined for the Ultrastar will get adapted to the LSx if they can - this makes a lot of sense.

And with the UAW comment about a DOHC LSX, this makes even more sense.

 

When you think about it, I'd guess that most Cadillac customers who buy a V8, buy it for the power and don't necessarily care if it's a Northstar or LSx. Those Caddy customers who are also enthusiasts are buying the LSx V8s anyway because they're the Caddy hotrods. So if you have a majority that doesn't care, and a smaller group that prefers the LSx, why waste another dime on Northstar?

 

Bingo!