Do you honestly think, that GM would spend years upon years of engineering and R&D to produce an extremely restrictive intake system on their cars??
As previously noted the intake is a compromise of performace, cost, and "comfort", so yes, they would put a restrictive intake on it if it was quiet and cheap.
EDIT: And you want to talk about GM "engineering"? I have two words for you COOLANT ELBOWS.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS - DD mode
1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT - Many mods to come