4.2 engine - why a straight six?

[Karaya One]

We just bought a new Trailblazer and am very pleased with it. My mechanic had nice things to say about them when he has to service them, and that sealed the deal.

But - he couldn't answer this question. Why did GM go with a straight six after making V6's all these years? I had a 4.3 that I put almost 300K on with only the waterpump being replaced. It was a very good engine.

Our 4.2 is very smooth, and gets good mileage on the highway. No complaints, just curious.

[lkurek]

Two reasons....

First, it is MUCH easier to build modular type engines on an inline arrangement (for casting and machining puposes). You can build 4cyl, 5cyl (ie Colorado) and 6cl on the same equipment. Just change the lengths of the fixtures that hold the parts, and you are golden.

Second reason, from the marketing depatment...it is a "torquier" engine; harkens back to the classic inline6 truck motors; and is a better balanced engine (NVH)..