"Rumor" GM Drops HP3 Project
 

Talked to good friend Ken Wiggins (Mr Wigginout) this morning. He stopped by PCM (Pleasure Craft Marine Engines) yesterday and was told that they just received notice of GM's intent on dropping the HP3.


Anyone else hear this??

Jan

With knowing a little info on the inside track I would say that that statement should not be taken seriously at this point in time.

Thanks Steve that is why I was asking. I figured you would have the scoop.

Jan

Heard the same story from the same source yesterday. I simply find it almost impossible to believe that after investing all the R&D they did with Tyler Crockett etc. in creating that package that they would drop it before it ever has a chance to pay for itself. GM didn't become GM by making bonehead decisions like that.:p

Hope it wasn't all just for the R&D of thier truck motor.

GM has made plenty of bone head decisions....

I have no trouble believing GM could do something like that - this kind of R&D may be relatively expensive in boat builder terms, but its peanuts to GM. And as puder noted, automakers are not known for brilliant thinking... of course, it may be a brilliant decision to the accounting department - all depends on your perspective.

Anyone remember the big hoopla over the Ford/Sterling partnership to marinize FoMoCo's modular V8 and V10 engines. Heard anything lately? Me neither.

Well, I guess I am on the OUTSIDE track about an HP3 LOL :D . Is it like some sort of newly designed engine/powerplant? Thanks :)

Puder and dockrocker beat me to it. GM has made plenty of bonehead decisions. Just look at some of the cars they actually produced..Aztek anyone?? All carmakers do it. Name one that hasn't built a turd.
I thought Honda was one of the more intelligent ones, right up until the Insight came out. Shot that theory right in the a#$.

Rumor,
 

This is just a rumor until it is confirmed or denied!!!

GM has sunk a lot of $ into this and the APBA sponsorship.

Don't trash them yet, and OSO has a lot of insight.

Wannabe

Why do think this is a bonehead decision ? If it is true. Every time I asked anyone how to buy one of these engines, they were not "commercially" available. No major boat builder is putting them in their boats for sale to the public.

Where is the business case to continue the development of an engine that no production builder has picked up ?

I may be wrong about all of the above statements, but GM is in business to make money. Period. If they do not get volume out of the motors, they will not make money, and the engine will die.

This may have been a test market program to see the potential demand for this type of motor. You have got to admit it is interesting that no major boat builder offers the engine as a factory option. Formula.....Fountain......Baha......PowerQuest.... .....? Do you really think a volume/production oriented company can build a business case on racing and the "custom" boat building industry ? I have my doubts.

I personnaly hope they stay in the business and give Merc. some credible competition. I don't have high hopes it will actually happen:(

The pickup market is the hottest vehicle market going right now, Ford GM and Chrys are spending tons of money to get the biggest share. Throwing a few bucks to the boating industry is peanuts for them. They get the exposure to the boating community and have someone actually pay them to test there motors. Pretty smart deal I think. Does anyone really think GM wants to be in the boat business?
Ever watch the offshore races and see all the commercials for the trucks? Their called "Pro Grade" trucks. Ever notice what APBA/LLC calls there racing series?
These HP3 motors will probably wind up in there crate motor catalog, and after the contract is up they'll move on to the next best plan the marketing folks come up with. They all spent millions on drag racing in the late 60's, were are they now? Minor players.
Not that any of this is a bad thing, its just what they do.