GM Atlas Engine
Atlas is a name for a family of modern inline piston engines for trucks from General Motors. The series debuted in 2002 with the Oldsmobile Bravada, and is also used in the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and Colorado and their GMC twins, the Envoy and Canyon. In production, the engines use GM's Vortec name, and I4, I5, and I6 engines are all part of the same family, sharing the same manufacturing equipment, rods, pistons, valves, and other parts. They feature variable valve timing on the exhaust side, electronic throttle control, and a special oil pan with a pass-through for the half shafts in four-wheel drive vehicles. The inclusion of VVT on the exhaust camshaft side allows the Atlas series to meet emissions standards without the use of EGR, simplifying the engine design and increasing power for a broad power curve.
The Atlas program began in 1995 along with the planning for GM's next-generation mid-size SUVs and pickup trucks. These vehicles were designed around the I6 engine. The I6 version was used in a Baja 2000 racing truck, winning its first race in a class that also included V8 engines. Another I6-powered truck won the truck class at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb.
The I6 Atlas engines were produced at the Flint Engine South plant in Flint, Michigan, while the I4 and I5 versions are currently produced at the Tonawanda Engine plant in Tonawanda, New York.
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