GM Powertrain's Flint South Engine Plant this week celebrates an historic occasion as employees build the plant's one millionth GM Vortec 4200 I-6 engine.
The plant, which began production in 2001, marked the event with a recognition cookout for its 725 employees, who turned out to personally autograph the landmark engine. The Vortec 4200 is the powerplant for some of GM's most popular sport utility vehicles - the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and coming this fall - the new Buick Rainier.
"Our customers have spoken loud and clear. GM SUV owners in North America and Europe have produced great demand for this powerful, smooth, engine from GM Flint Engine South," said John Crabtree, plant manager. "We're extremely proud to have made it to this production landmark in this short period of time."
The Vortec 4200 I-6 engine was introduced in the 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada, and is the first inline six-cylinder engine in GM Powertrain's lineup in nearly 20 years. The all-aluminum dual overhead-cam Vortec 4200 was named to Ward's Auto World's 10 Best Engines list in 2002 and 2003; Motor Trend cited the engine as a significant factor in choosing the GMC Envoy as 2002 Sport/Utility of the Year.
The engine produces 275 hp and torque of 275 lb-ft. - more than competitors' larger displacement V-8s, while offering better fuel economy in the SUV class.