The Naturally Aspirated GM V6 Engine Is Slowly Disappearing
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For years, the naturally aspirated V6 gas engine was a mainstay of the General Motors lineup, offered as that sweet-spot combo of power, fuel economy, packaging, and smooth power delivery. Now, however, atmospheric V6 engines look to be on their way out the door, especially among General Motors’ product line. Indeed, the naturally aspirated GM V6 engine is slowly disappearing, as revealed by the number of naturally aspirated GM V6 engines offered in recent years.
Cadillac XT5 Sport with 3.6L V6 LGX engine
Breaking it down, we find the most recent batch of atmospheric GM V6 engines offered in two distinct configurations – 4.3L units, and 3.6L units. Among these, the 3.6L configuration is the most popular, with GM’s line of crossovers, sedans, and small pickups offering engines like the LLT, LFX, LGX, and LFY.
Looking over the number of models that offer a naturally aspirated 3.6L GM V6 engine, we see a very clear decline. For the 2016 model year, 17 GM models offered the engine configuration, falling to 14 models for the 2018 model year, and 10 models for the 2021 model year.
| 2016 | 2018 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Enclave | LLT | LFY | LFY |
| Buick LaCrosse | LFX | LGX | LGX |
| Buick Regal | - | LGX | - |
| Cadillac ATS | LFX | LGX | - |
| Cadillac CT6 | LGX | LGX | - |
| Cadillac CTS | LGX | LGX | - |
| Cadillac XTS | LFX | LFX | - |
| Cadillac SRX | LFX | - | - |
| Cadillac XT5 | - | LGX | LGX |
| Cadillac XT6 | - | - | LGX |
| Chevrolet Blazer | - | - | LGX |
| Chevrolet Camaro | LGX | LGX | LGX |
| Chevrolet Caprice PPV | LFX | - | - |
| Chevrolet Colorado | LFX | LGZ | LGZ |
| Chevrolet Equinox | LFX | - | - |
| Chevrolet Impala | LFX | LFX | - |
| Chevrolet Impala PPV | LFX | - | - |
| Chevrolet Traverse | LLT | LFY | LFY |
| GMC Acadia | LLT | LGX | LGX |
| GMC Canyon | LFX | LGZ | LGZ |
| GMC Terrain | LFX | - | - |
| Total | 17 | 14 | 10 |
4.3L GM V6 EcoTec3 LV3 engine
That said, we should also include the number of models that offer a naturally aspirated 4.3L GM V6 engine. Commonly found in The General’s line of vans and full-size pickups, examples include the LV3 and the LV1, with two models offering the configuration for the 2016 model year, and four models offering the configuration for the 2021 model year.
| 2016 | 2018 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Express | - | LV1 | LV1 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | LV3 | LV3 | LV3 |
| GMC Savana | - | LV1 | LV1 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | LV3 | LV3 | LV3 |
| Total | 2 | 4 | 4 |
While applications for the 4.3L configuration have expanded slightly in the last five years, taking both the number of 4.3L units and the number of 3.6L units into account shows a clear decline for the naturally aspirated GM V6, with a total of 19 models offering the configuration for the 2016 model year, 17 models offering the configuration for the 2018 model year, and 14 models offering the configuration for the 2021 model year.
Chevrolet Traverse RS with 3.6L GM V6 LFY engine
The number of models offering an atmospheric GM V6 engine is expected to decline further going forward, replaced by smaller turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines in the name of better fuel economy and lower emissions.
Are you a fan of the naturally aspirated GM V6 engine, or do you welcome its disappearance? Let us know in the poll below, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for ongoing General Motors news coverage.
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I would be sad to see the 3.6 LGX go. It is a buttery smooth engine with good power, impressive NVH and very problem free with the improved timing chain system and crankcase ventilation. Like every brand of modern engine with low tension piston rings, you have to keep your peepers on the oil level between oil changes. It is an impressive, durable engine that produces north of 90 hp/liter on regular fuel and sounds great while doing it. Mated to the 10 speed, it compliments the engine even more. It is my ICE/trans combo of choice. I just wish it was offered in more GM products.