GM is investing $370 million in order build a new engine plant in Flint, Michigan to produce more four cylinder engines, which the company believes represents the automaker's future, Car and Driver reports. GM CEO Rick Wagoner said in the article that construction starts now and the plant will be ready to roll in 2010, in time to begin producing 1.4-liter four-cylinder blocks for the 2011 Chevy Volt and 2010 Chevy Cruze.

As you may recall, a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter gas engine will be the range-extender portion of the Volt E-REV's (extended-range electric vehicle) drivetrain. Meanwhile, the Cruze will feature a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 140 hp and 148 lb. ft of torque. The report said that the new 552,000 square-foot plant in Flint will be the sole North American source of the four-cylinder, and that it will also provide engines for two undisclosed new vehicles as well.