For some, the high-feature 3.6 liter V6 (LLT) found in GM’s Lambda crossovers doesn’t cut it: many owners of the full size CUVs have been clamoring for GM to add more power to the Chevy Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia trio. And while we know GM’s new twin-turbo LF3 will make its way into future Lambda vehicles, the powerplant transplant won’t happen until at least 2013.

Coincidentally, the most recent GM Authority Weekly podcast delivered a very interesting discussion about GM’s various platforms, including the Lambda, Theta, and Epsilon (be sure to listen to the show here). But one of the more intriguing parts of the conversation centered around the Lambda architecture, with Autoblog’s Sam Abuelsamid explaining that a V8 engine is a definite “no-no” for Lambda-based vehicles.

As it turns out, the engine compartment of the Lambda platform is exceptionally narrow and a GM pushrod V8 simply wouldn’t fit.

What’s more, Sam was also told that GM’s two-mode hybrid system won’t become available in Lambda-based crossovers any time soon: the engineers cited transmission-related space constraints of the Lambda platform. Interestingly, the gearbox in question would fit into a Theta-based Saturn Vue… but not a larger Lambda vehicle.

The GM Authority Take

Needless to say, we find this news to be somewhat disheartening. Not only is the Lambda architecture not very flexible, but the next-gen Cadillac Escalade will most likely ride on the Lambda platform as well. And given the addiction of Escalade owners to their burly V8s, we’re not sure that the move to a six cylinder mill will satisfy the customers in the long haul.