GM’s Gen V V8: Direct Injection Confirmed, 5.5 Litre Displacement Rumoured

General Motors has confirmed that its next-generation Gen V small-block V8 will use direct injection technology, forming part of a US$1billion project.

The news comes as carmakers move to comply with the US's tough 6.6 l/100km Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements, which will be enforced from 2017.

The American carmaker is keeping mum on most of the details, but along with direct injection, the new engine is expected to get a higher compression ratio, opening the door to even more power and fewer emissions.

Although the Gen V will be built on an all-new architecture, GM has promised its new V8 will retain the small-block's familiar 4.4-inch (111.76mm) bore spacing.

GM has yet to reveal the displacement of its new engine, but reports out of the US point to a 5.5 litre capacity, and with direct-injection - and possibly variable valve timing - we could see power figures compareable to the company's current 6.2 litre V8.

Production of the current fourth-generation engine is expected to end in the near future, and the carmaker is already upgrading its manufacturing facilities to prepare for the new powerplant.

As for exact production dates, GM has said only that the Gen V "will go into production in the near future".