Despite lower-than-anticipated demand for new all-electric vehicles, GM is still aiming to transition its light-duty vehicle lineup to zero-emission powertrains by the 2035 timeframe. As such, GM’s ICE-based product portfolio is on its way out the door, while new EV powertrains (and even hybrids) are on the horizon. Notably, the GM 3.6L V6 engine is very nearly dead, with The General slowly phasing it out of its product lineup.
Twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 LF4 gasoline engine
At one time, the GM 3.6L V6 engine was found throughout the automaker’s vehicle portfolio. The modern 3.6L V6 configuration has roots in the HFV6, or GM High Feature engine family, which was introduced in 2004 and cradled by the Cadillac CTS and Holden Commodore. With a 60-degree, 24-valve engine design and all-aluminum construction, this engine series progressed from the 2.8L LP1, LP9, and LAU, to the 3.0L LF1 and LFW, all the way up to 3.6 liters with the LY7.
The LY7 was previously found in a broad variety of models, including the Buick Enclave, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac STS, Chevy Malibu, GMC Acadia, Holden Commodore, Pontiac G6, Pontiac G8, Saturn Aura, and Saturn Outlook, among others.
More recent variants of the GM 3.6L V6 include the twin-turbocharged LF4 (built at the GM St. Catherines plant in Ontario), which is currently found in the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, as well as the naturally aspirated LFY (also built at the GM St. Catherines plant in Ontario) and LGX (built at the GM Romulus plane in Michigan). The LFY can be found in the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave, while the LGX can be found in the Chevy Blazer, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevy Camaro, and GMC Acadia.
However, the LFY is already dead, given the next-generation 2024 Chevy Traverse and 2025 Buick Enclave crossovers replace the LFY in favor of the new turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline engine. The LGX isn’t long for this world either. The sixth-gen Chevy Camaro is already out of production, while the new Acadia is switching to the LK0 just like the Traverse and Enclave. Meanwhile, the future of the Chevy Blazer and Cadillac XT5 remain on shaky ground, with an expectation that both nameplates will depart from the North American market after the 2025 model year, leaving the XT6 as the only safe haven for the LGX. For now, at least.
Looking ahead, it shouldn’t be surprising that the GM 3.6L V6 is on the decline in favor of smaller displacement engines as the automaker marches towards its 2035 EV deadline. After all, even the turbo four-bangers will get the axe in the end.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more General Motors technology news, General Motors electric vehicle news, General Motors business news, and around-the-clock General Motors news coverage.
Comments
And it should not be. Should be in the new Enclave and a bunch of Cadillacs and medium-sized to large SUVs. Toyota and Honda still have V-6s! Even the South Koreans. Bending over for the Feds’ ridiculous mandates, early.
GM is rapidly (in my opinion) axing way more possible vehicle owners with it’s policies towards ICE vehicles. They say the writing is on the wall but, GM is looking at the wrong wall! I read this forum daily and see less and less of a future with the course being taken to appease the world on “0” emissions. America cannot save the planet as long as foreign countries are still building coal and oil power plants as fast as they can without any regards to air pollution policies. American pollution is a drop in a 55 gallon barrel compared to the rest of the world. Tomg
Let’s pray there’s a change in government policy in the near future.
The move to ‘0’ emissions is a joke all around. It’s obviously about control of a population under the guise of environmentalism. If any one of these automakers would take a stand and urge “restraint and a slow timeline” instead of a stupid political stunt and instead allow a natural progression towards a different, more efficient propulsion method for a POV they’d earn a customer for life (me).
Kind of seems like the situation where GM execs flew to DC on private jets to ask for bailouts in 2008. Tone-deaf comes to mind.
Let’s pray there’s a change in gm leadership including their board of directors.
The electric FUTURE GM is heading for is the last light switch to be turned off when the company goes dark and is no more.
GM went under years ago…dont worry ..shareholders will get screwed …along with the taxpayers who will pay for a Govt bailout! History DOES repeat itself!
Hey, as long as management gets their golden parachutes, all will be well.
Actually, the tax payers did not “pay”, but, did earn a large amount of interest on the LOAN to GM.
All these high tech over engineered motors just to save %.02 in fuel economy ! Its ludicrous ! I myself would rather just go full on owning an EV ! less parts – quite and better than an ICE especially with fuel prices nearing and exceeding $4 a gallon ! To me it just makes better sense !
Amen
I will be disappointed but not surprised by the announcement that the 2025 XT5 is only available with the four cylinder engine. Anything to coerce buyers into the lyric
^^^^Contrary to what has been reported by GM Authority. 2025 will see the LGX continue in the Chevy Blazer, Cadillac XT5 and XT6.
The 3.6 v6 engine is great on power and mileage, to discontinue it will most likely drive folks to other brands to get the v6 option. Another great move by GM.
I’ve always had GM vehicles and they’ve all been a V6. Get rid of that engine and they’ll lose a loyal customer.
Mine have all been V8, except 53 Chevy, 89 Ciera and 11 Camero. Still have and love 09 STS Northstar. No fan of 6s, but infinitely better than 4s.
THEY DONT CARE! Your loyalty means nothing to them…
I have it in my 2021 Canyon and it pulls my 3000lb boat just fine. Same mpg as my older Sierra 5.3L V-8. The four bangers they have transitioned to in the Canyon get worse gas mileage than my 3.6L.
The higher performance 4 cyl turbos do seem a little thirsty. IMHO, the six is smoother and sounds better as well.
Engines under boost require a richer fuel mixture, and the smaller the engine, the more it needs to be under boost. So lower mileage in more strenuous situations.
College grad son has it in his 2017 Camaro RS (bought new 2018, A8 & second flush corrected transmission shutter). Unreal power (would destroy all the 283, 327, & 350’s I had back in the day) and about 32 mpg on the road. Another big mistake by little gm. They better slow down and hedge their bets if people vote for sanity in the upcoming elections.
Yes indeed, the LGX spec V6 was and is a great engine. Had one in my 2016 Camaro with a 6 speed manual, great car, great power, great gas mileage.
I have a V-Sport and a SRX with the 3.6L engine. The V-Sport gets 18-24 MPG with my lead foot. The SRX gets 15MPG regardless of driving. Confusing that 420 HP beats 255 HP in MPG. The V-Sport is a great engine with the twin turbos and should be available in more GM vehicles. Yet it will go away just like the Northstar.
To get rid of all gasoline powered vehicles is huge mistake at this time. I have been searching the internet for real world comments regarding experience with EVs. One gentleman had his EV for about two years and wanted to trade it in for a different vehicle. The dealer who sold him his EV refused to take it in trade, and the most anyone would give him on trade in was about $20,000 less than he owed on the vehicle. But the biggest concern is life and cost of the batteries. Most of the batteries are projected to last about ten years. A general statement is that a battery replacement in most of these vehicles costs $20,000 give or take. The ten year old EV typically isn’t worth that much even with a new battery. So the EVs for the most part are very expensive throw away cars. I wonder how they will be recycled. Oh, my summer cruiser is now 47 years old and runs great. My calculations for my personal budget are that even if gas hits $10 a gallon I’m still better off keeping my 2017 Chevy Impala with that great running 3.6 than even thinking about an overpriced problematic EV.
HI Fred…
To answer your question regarding EV experience I’ve been driving only plug-in cars for the last 13 years, mostly totally battery electrics, plus a few volts and a volt based Cadillac ELR.
Firstly, I agree that some people just do not like them and their idiosynchracies. They are definitely not for everyone at this point – the main issue being that competitive gasoline and oil engines do a great job for the most part at what they do….
Other issue is that even in the high taxed North East USA, gas is cheap at $3 /U.S. Gallon.
Around here, when gas went to $5 / gallon for a bit – everyone started saying they need a Prius, or a plug-in car, but when gas is cheap as it is now, people couldn’t care less.
I think your life estimation on the propulsion battery is very low….. They may have somewhat of a decrease in range after 100,000 miles, but still quite usable.
As far as dangers go, I’d avoid Tesla products and stick with the more robust construction of a GM vehicle generally. Fords to me look like they are still glued together and have rushed assembly.
All I can say is that 80-90% of your refueling will be at home. If you live in an area with somewhat reasonable electricity rates, or significant time-of-use discounts over the midnight period, your overall fuel cost savings will be substantial, certainly after 100,000 miles of driving.
Many people feel they need a new electric service for their home but not me… I have the original 100 ampere service along with central air conditioning for a 2,200 square foot 4 bedroom house.. I have no problem charging my 3 evs simultaneously, but admittedly only one of the three can charge quickly, say if I have an unexpected emergency. I’ve never had a situation in 13 years where my existing electric service and/or somewhat minimal charging facilities had negative impacts.
I currently have 2 recent Chevy Bolts, and 1 Caddy Lyriq. I chose the $500 free charging EVGO complementary 3 year credits with the Bolt, and the 2 year Unlimited EVGO free fast charging with the Caddy.
I did not do the QMERIT
‘$1,000 off’ deal with the Bolts, nor the ‘$1,500 off’ deal with the Caddy, simply because my old electrics on my home are poo-pooed by QMERIT, but as long as they are unmolested, work perfectly fine for my needs….
Perhaps there is a specific question that you have that I am qualified to answer…
Yes, what you say has merit and works for you. A plug in vehicle would probably make sense, but that’s a lot different than an all electric vehicle. I feel our house would need a substantial electrical upgrade to support a decent EV charging station, as our 100 amp service is already at its limit when the clothes dryer, central air, dish washer, and the air compressor in my garage all operate at the same time. I live in Wisconsin and a 120 volt outlet only maintains an EV here in winter temperatures. One of our members of our local Buick Club of America Chapter told us about that, and how back tracking to a substantial charging station held up a friends trip. After a few trips like this, the EV was GONE! Also, you must have more money than us, because the EVs are out of our price range, and the Bolt is too small for our needs. Too many recalls on the Bolt too. I have ties with northern Wisconsin, and there are few charging stations there. GM got rid of cars like the Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Impala, and are now discontinuing the 3.6. All major mistakes! Oh, just think of where the materials for the EV batteries comes from. China, of course!! No more has to be said.
The BIG load of those you mentioned is the electric clothes dryer. Mine is gas, since natural gas here is under half the price of electricity. With some difficulty, I converted my 8’x 10′ hot tub to gas (boiler is in the garage 50′ distant), but the unit still has 3 three HP pumps ( they lie in the marketing and call them 3- 10 HP pumps) that still could draw 42 amps if all on at the same time.
Compressor you have could be anything from those 110 volt 15 amp jobs to a commercial garage sized 7 1/2 HP huge unit at 240 volts. Drawing about 34 amps. I have a 3 HP upright that was garbage picked from a big bike shop because the original motor burned out, but it’s only on when I need it. Since all 110 volt loads are basically in series with other 110 volt loads you can halve their currents for load calculation purposes at 240.
My point is that it is the rare house when everything is simultaneously used. My 3 EVs usually just charge at 8 or 12 amps 110 and are noteworthy as being pretty continuous overnight dinky loads. The hot tub and garage compressor are not running at 3 am.
I suspect the average house is the same. Many houses in my neighborhood were originally 60 amp electric services but have been upgraded to 150 or 200 amps with no increase in loading, the electricians convincing people they need plenty.
You said you wanted a real user to tell you experience, and I’ve done so.
As far as zero emissions goes, that whole program is another facet of destruction of the former USA. I was planning on charging my cars from the coal power plant down the street until the state banned it 10 years ago.
We bought a new 2016 Cadillac ELR Black exterior and black 20” wheels and Kona and black leather interior. My wife loves it and it is fun to drive and always garaged when not is use with 22,000 miles. The ELR propulsion battery developed a problem where it would not take a charge. The Cadillac dealer tech ran the battery through multiple tests required by GM. The result is the battery will need to be replaced. Lucky for us it is under warranty. The problem is the battery has been on back order since December 15, 2023 and here it is March 24, 2024 and coming up on four months? Aren’t automakers required to have parts readily available for ten years…?
Just one of the problems related to the electric cars. At least the defective battery didn’t catch on fire and burn your house down.
There is no federal requirement for automakers to make parts for 10 years. It is something frequently quoted, but there is literally no requirement.
Automakers will make parts until the last warranty expires, or until it is not profitable to keep producing parts. There are millions of these 3.6L V6s on the road, so parts will most likely be around for a several more years.
Cadillac only sold 3000 ELRs. With 2016 being the last model year for the ELR, and the battery having an 8yr warranty, GM is reaching the point where they won’t be on the hook for the batteries anymore. And it certainly won’t be profitable for them to pay a supplier to manufacture new batteries for something that only sold 3000 units worldwide. If they need to replace one under an extended warranty, they will just find a salvaged one or a refurbished one.
Big mistake getting rid of the V6 you’re gonna wish you hadn’t
Funny thing is v6 is more fuel efficient under load than 4cyl
End of an era. That engine served the Buick Lacrosse well.
going green=no soup for you.
No one seems to understand that the whole electric car BS is to get us to stop driving pur own vehicles and use “Government supplied transportation”. Limit our ability to “move about the country” at our own discretion just intensifies the Governments need to keep us under control. WAKE UP FOLKS, IT’S THE WORLD WIDE GOVERNANCE!
Mandate is your new Freedom unless you vote for Freedom in November.
GM 3.6 L engine almost dead. Guess what? General Motors is almost dead. GM does not listen to customers, but to the government. Would like to buy a Chevrolet sedan again, but NO V-6 sedan available so I guess at 78 years old I will be buying my first foreign V-6 sedan. No wonder American car manufacturers are on their deathbed.
You can still buy a CT4 Black Wing, twin turbo 3.6…..a great driver’s automobile.
Care to point how how GM is almost dead? It was the number one selling manufacturer in the US. Its stock is far better than any of the US manufacturers as is their Financial performance (profit margin, revenue, etc.). But glad your 78 year old knowledge can tell everyone they are failing because they don’t make a V6 sedan. News flash, the foreigners won’t be making a V6 sedan much longer either and sedans in general don’t sell well…
You might want to rephrase your comment to “American” sedans (aka Big 3) don’t sell well. Toyota and Honda sedans still sell quite well. In fact, four sedans (the Camry, Corolla, Accord, and Civic) were all in the top 20 vehicles sold in the United States for 2023, with a combined total of nearly 1million sold (and if you toss in the Tesla model 3, make it 5 sedans in the top 20). Granted, that doesn’t seem like a lot when compared to the f-150 or Silverado, or even ram. But even the worst selling of those 4 gas burning sedans outsold the best selling ford suv … the explorer, which is saying something because a lot of explorer sales go to police departments. And the second best selling Chevrolet vehicle, the Chevy Equinox was outsold by both Toyota sedans. The Camry also nearly outsold the second best selling GM vehicle, the GMC Sierra, missing it by just under 5,100 sales. American automakers transitioned to crossovers and SUVs because they are more profitable, thereby forcing the false sense that nobody wants sedans anymore. By reducing engine choices to one, a lowly 1.5L turbo 4 cylinder, they basically forced people into the crossover market if they wanted a GM product with the same or less room, but more power. And now, they’re doing the same to their crossovers… making the same lowly 1.5L turbo 4 the ONLY engine choice on their second best selling Chevy vehicle, the Equinox. GM is literally forcing people to cross shop other brands by reducing choice in the equation. I’ve been a GM buyer all my legal driving age years, but recently bought my first non-GM vehicle … a BMW. Maybe another brand will care about the $1 million dollars I’ve spent on cars and my word of mouth advertising, because GM has proven to me that they don’t.
Love that LGX in our Camaro. Chevy doesn’t make anything I want in a car these day’s so it looks like a Lexus ES 350 with a 3.5 V6 is next.
St. Catharines is spelt with an “a” not an “e” as in write-up at the beginning of this story
I recall the 3.6 liter early on its production had a lot of issues regarding to timing chains and cam phasers.
These parts were redesigned around 2016 and later. Even the old design is trouble free with regular oil changes and keeping the oil at proper levels. Also use a good oil, not the cheap stuff. I use Royal Purple and I change well before the on board computer thinks it’s time. Oil is cheap compared to even minor engine work.
That problem, at least in the Traverse, was taken care of by 2012. I had a 2013 Traverse with the V6, 3.6 and it was the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. No engine or transmission problems. (I did have to replace 1 engine mount.) It was better than my wife’s 2010 Honda CRV. I just traded it in, with 140k miles, for a 2023 Traverse Premier AWD, so that I could get a V6.
Honda is working on discontinuing its J35 engine line which has not seen significant changes in decades. The “high feature V6” family is also dated. I may be one of the few that not worried here, but GM is doubling down on V8’s and dropping down to 3 engine families (ecotec/small block/duramax) will help them save costs and focus on making those engines the best.
Hey, it could be like ram who is canceling the Hemi.
And BTW, I still drive my wife’s hand me down loaded 2002 Impala LS 3800 V6 (bought new). Has 198k trouble free miles with no power train issues. Have changed oil every 3k miles with Havoline 10w40. Gets over 32mpg on the road with plenty of power. CD/cassette players still work great (collection ok about 150 of each) as I rock on down the highway.
I really miss the CD and cassette players. Poor sound quality with USB sticks.
Hi toolmaker !
What did you finally decide to wire your garage with?
I bought my 3rd gen CTS new with the 2.0T, and it’s a decision I regret. It’s buzzy on cold start and sounds like a typical 4-banger. I should have bought the V-Sport that was sitting next to it. The power of the 2.0T is adequate. I just wish it were more refined.
3.6 is one of the best v6 motors around
5.3 and 6.2 V8 engines also terrific
I4 turbos need high test to perform at their advertised numbers
Mary is obviously connected to Joe and is listening to his whacked out dream of only having EV’s for sale
Joe is killing America and Mary is assisting in this suicide
Bye bye Cadillac, never thought I would look to the foreign market, but Joe and the Chinese will finish off America as we know it !
I really don’t want to start attaching political views with anything to do with cars, as I am a Chapter Director of the local Buick Club of America Chapter, but it’s looking more and more like we have to hope Donald Trump returns to the White House if we want to save America including the American auto industry. I don’t have a clue what Mary Barra is thinking having a big portion of GM cars being produced in China, etc. With Biden and the bunch at the helm, Mary may well have received threats against herself and loved ones if she doesn’t comply with the woke policies. The way I see it, only God can save this country! It is going to be a wild ride this election year! Pray hard! God Bless America!! And that includes the American auto industry.
Trump says he will commute the sentences of the January 6th silent majority attendees to Washington who were arrested and some tortured.
Trump commuted the sentences of plenty of creeps and crooks but didn’t do so to his most ardent supporters, 2 of which have died already from their torture no doubt.
I expect more of the same from that guy should the powers that be let him be president again.
Haha! A person’s actions mean more than campaign speeches.
Remember, you heard it here firstly.
What is not widely known is that Donald Trump wanted to activate 10,000 National Guard troops to help keep the peace on January 6th. The demoncrats denied this request and the riots, etc that happened were one of the consequences. I am one of the first that will admit that Donald is far from perfect, but he gets blamed for more than he should on some occasions, January 6th being one of them. With the current rate of inflation, only the richest people can afford to keep Biden in office. I am on a fixed income, and my monthly budget says Biden has to go!
Huge mistake! Love the 3.6L in my wife’s Traverse Redline
Gm St catharines no longer producing 3.6 v6 Shut down in January
The lowercase GM blunders keep piling up. Might as well have titled this article the slow death of GM as they try and make it to an all EV 2035. The 3.6 LFX has been bulletproof in both my 2013 and 2019 Impala’s. Change the oil at 5 to 6K miles and these engines will go well over 200K. Going all thrashy 3 and 4 cylinder engines will tick many customers like myself off and send buyers to other brands that still offer them.
bought a used blazer because it was V6. Great car.
I sure hope that on 11/5/2024, the voters of the USA vote out old Joe & his anti combustion insanity from office.
I think I’m done with GM.
The infrastructure is no where set for EV’’s.
You will never get 0 emissions it takes energy (emissions) to create electricity.
People are having to already have to replace EV batteries at nearly half the vehicle’s value.
I would NEVER buy and an EV even if forced to.
I just went in the opposite direction and bought a 24 IS 500 V8. Please vote this election so we don’t have this woke stuff jammed down our throats.