GM invests $888M in Tonawanda plant to build next-gen V-8 engines for trucks and SUVs

General Motors is making a strong statement about the future of its internal combustion engine portfolio with an $888m investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant in Buffalo, New York. The funding – announced in 2024 – marks the company’s largest single investment ever in an engine plant and cements Tonawanda as a central site for production of GM’s sixth-generation V-8 engines.

These new V-8 engines will power GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs and be an important component of the company’s continued push to deliver high-performance, fuel-efficient vehicles even as it accelerates its shift to electric mobility.

“Our significant investments in GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion plant show our commitment to strengthening American manufacturing and supporting jobs in the U.S.,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “

The funding will be used to install new machinery, tools, and equipment, as well as renovate the facility in preparation for the production launch of the new V-8 engines, which is expected in 2027. While preparations are underway, the plant will continue to build the current fifth-generation V-8, maintaining a dual production strategy during the transition.

Tara Wasik, plant director at Tonawanda, described the investment as a pivotal moment for the facility: “This investment marks an exciting new chapter for our plant. For generations, our team has demonstrated its commitment to manufacturing excellence. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the Western New York community and steadfast in our mission to deliver world-class propulsion systems to our customers.”

Tonawanda has a strong legacy in powertrain production. Since opening in 1938, the plant has played a key role in GM’s automotive and industrial efforts. During World War II, the facility paused civilian engine production to manufacture 14- and 18-cylinder aircraft engines for military planes, including the B-24 Liberator and P-47 Thunderbolt.

The postwar era saw the plant return to civilian engine production. By the 1960s, it was producing millions of engines annually, including V-8s, straight-six, and flat-six engines. A stream of investments followed. In the 1990s, GM invested over $150m into Tonawanda to support next-generation engine platforms, set production records, and introduce new models like the L850 World Engine.

In 2024, the plant was renamed Tonawanda Propulsion Systems, reflecting its expanded role in GM’s modern propulsion strategy. Today, the 3.1m sq. ft site builds engines across Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick models. Among them is the 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8 powering the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and E-Ray.

With this latest investment, Tonawanda is poised to mark its 77 millionth engine build this summer. While the industry continues to pivot toward electrification, GM’s investment in Tonawanda illustrates that high-performance internal combustion engines still have a prominent role to play in the company’s future.