3.6L VVT block info

[Bruce Nunnally]

This from a press release by Castech here: http://www.hydro.com/en/press_room/feature...c_reloaded.html

The 3.6L engines are assembled in Canada.

Cadillac reloaded

The 2003 Cadillac CTS zoomed through one of Hollywoods most exciting chase scenes in the smash hit Matrix Reloaded, but the 2004 model sports even greater performance thanks to a new generation all-aluminium engine block. The new “high-feature” 3.6-liter V6 VVT (variable valve timing) engine is the first of a new generation that General Motors wants to roll out in its cars around the globe. The 2004 model of the Cadillac CTS hit the streets in America early in the summer.

“The performance is outstanding,” says Brian Kaminski, the design release engineer on the engine block program. It shaves a half-second off the 0-100 kilometers per hour acceleration (about 6.4 seconds), delivers better fuel economy and lower emissions, and kicks out 30 horsepower more than the previous year’s model, says the Detroit native. “The block is really the cornerstone of the whole engine. The advantage is that we could cast so many features into the block. The overall size is phenomenal. For a 3.6-liter V6, it’s extremely compact.

“I’m impressed by the quality of the block – it’s the first block without impregnation. Castech figures that leakage is not a problem. We set a world benchmark, a new standard for cylinder bore performance with this one,” Kaminski says.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE: The all-aluminium V6 block is produced in Mexico

by Hydro partner Castech, building on experience from our European operations.

The all-aluminium block is produced by Castech, a joint venture between Hydro Aluminium and GIS of Mexico. The plant is in Saltillo – the Detroit of Mexico, according to Ashley Joy, Castech’s Detroit-based commercial manager. The V6 block project benefited from cross-pollination with Hydro Aluminium’s European expertise, especially with “engine block headquarters” in Dillingen, Germany. "We've had dozens of Castech personnel involved in the project, over there in Europe, exchanging knowledge and experience,” Joy explains. “Our foundry prides itself in its skilled labor and educated workforce.” The GM block program will total over 300,000 units worldwide per year. Other cars in the program will be additional Cadillac models, Buick’s Regal and Rendezvous, Opel, Alfa Romeo and Australia’s Holden. And who knows? Maybe even the chase scene in “Matrix III.”

[Dan]

The plant is in Saltillo – the Detroit of Mexico, according to Ashley Joy, Castech’s Detroit-based commercial manager

Oh, that's a good one. Why don't they just tell the truth, it's cheaper to build the engines in Mexico. I have no reason to believe that the Mexicans or even the Europeans are better at building engines than the United States is. Engines have been built in this country since the turn of the century. I think that PR lady (Ashley Joy) is full of it.