Amtrak's decision to buy modern power came from the notion that the locomotives could be converted into freight engines should Amtrak fail. Amtrak gave the nod to EMD, although GE had produced the U30CG. The specifications given to EMD were to produce a locomotive similar in outward appearance to the FP45, however would have the interior components of the SD40-2. Amtrak also opted for the more economical 16-cylinder engine instead of the 20-cylinder engine, thus adding better fuel economy and reliability to the new class of locomotives