Since the first Cadillac V-8 engine was introduced a continuing program of development has been maintained. The new 472 cu in. engine is another step forward in this series. The design concept was centered around an integrated powerplant and accessory subsystem conceived to provide a highly reliable, durable, and responsive unit optimized for the Cadillac vehicle. The co-operative effort which brought this about was a parallel path approach involving design, development, and tooling, in essentially the same time period. Very favorable acceptance has shown that this approach has realized its goal.