Tank origin

Although the MBT-70 project was cancelled in 1970, the United States remained interested in developing a new main battle tank that would prove formidable against enemy armor. In 1973, both General Motors (GM) and Chrysler Defense replied to the U.S. Army’s request for proposals for the XM1 tank project. GM’s proposed design used a diesel engine, while Chrysler’s incorporated a gas turbine engine. Although GM’s diesel engine was more cost effective, Chrysler’s design ultimately was accepted for production in 1976 and later became known as the M1 Abrams.