Automakers have launched many series of engines meant to offer greater performance or efficiency than their predecessors. Chevy's Vortec line, which includes General Motors' vortex technology, boosted ...

An ambitious attempt to modernize trucks, GM's Atlas inline-5 was a weird, complex engine that powered the Colorado and Hummer H3. But it had some problems.

In their later years, Vortec engines have fallen victim to some downsides, like Active Fuel Management, an aggressive thirst for oil, and engine knocking. But back when they were brand-new, these ...