Does GM build their own engines?
Yes. General Motors designs and manufactures a large portion of its engines in-house, though it also uses partnerships and external suppliers for certain powertrains, particularly diesels and specific regional programs.
General Motors operates a comprehensive engine program within its Global Propulsion Systems organization, maintaining an in-house lineup of gasoline and some alternative-powertrain engines while collaborating with partner companies on specialized or market-specific powertrains. This approach supports GM’s broad portfolio across Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick, and aligns with the automaker’s ongoing shift toward electrification alongside traditional internal-combustion engines.
In-house engine development and manufacturing
The following list highlights engine families GM develops and largely builds internally, and where they typically appear in GM’s lineup.
- Ecotec family: a broad range of gasoline four- and six-cylinder engines used across GM’s mainstream vehicles, spanning Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac models.
- Small-block V8 family (LS/LT series): enduring, high-volume V8 engines that power many trucks, SUVs, and performance cars.
- Modern turbocharged four- and six-cylinder families: newer GM engines designed for improved efficiency and performance across multiple brands.
These in-house programs drive most of GM’s conventional models, with production distributed across GM manufacturing facilities in North America and other regions. GM continues refining these families as it expands electrification and hybrid options alongside its combustion-powered lineup.
External partnerships and the Duramax diesel line
Some GM engines come from partnerships or external sourcing, particularly for diesel and some specialized programs. The most prominent example is the Duramax diesel line, produced by a joint venture between GM and Isuzu.
- Duramax diesel engines: built by DMAX Ltd., a GM-Isuzu joint venture, and used in light- and heavy-duty trucks and large SUVs.
- European and cross-market engine sharing: GM’s European operations (including Opel) have contributed to shared powertrains that appear across GM brands in different markets.
These collaborations enable GM to access specialized diesel technology and leverage global engineering resources, while maintaining a strong core of engines designed and produced within GM’s own propulsion architecture.
Summary
GM relies on a mix of in-house engine design and manufacturing with selective external sourcing and partnerships. Its primary engine families—Ecotec, the small-block V8, and other modern turbocharged engines—are largely developed and produced within GM. The Duramax diesel line demonstrates how GM also leverages joint ventures to access specialized powertrains. As GM advances its electrification plans, the balance may evolve, but internal-combustion engines will remain a significant part of its lineup for the foreseeable future.
