New General Motors (GM ) LS6 6.7L V8 Engine: A Simple Guide to the 409 V8
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GM’s new 6.7-litre LS6 V8 brings more size, power and new technology to the Chevrolet Small Block family. It is made for the 2027 Corvette range. It also shows that the V8 still has plenty of life left.
This simple guide explains the main facts without hard-to-read engine talk.
What is the new GM LS6 V8?
The LS6 is a new 6.7-litre V8 from General Motors. GM says it begins the sixth generation of the Chevrolet Small Block V8.
It keeps the classic pushrod V8 design, but adds modern fuel, oil and air systems. It will power the 2027 Corvette Stingray, Grand Sport and Grand Sport X.
GM LS6 power and size
- Engine size: 6.7 litres
- Power: 535 hp
- Torque: 520 lb-ft
- Size: 409 cubic inches
- Top engine speed: 6,600 rpm
- Compression: 13.0:1
- Air supply: Naturally aspirated
- Throttle body: 95 mm
Naturally aspirated means the engine does not use a turbo or supercharger. It pulls air into the engine on its own.
Why does 409 cubic inches matter?
The LS6 is 409 cubic inches. This number links the new engine to Chevrolet’s past.
It has a 103.25 mm bore and a 100 mm stroke. The bore is the width of each cylinder. The stroke is how far the piston moves up and down.
GM made the stroke longer than the one in the LT2. This helped grow the engine from 6.2 litres to 6.7 litres.
A high 13.0:1 compression ratio
The LS6 has a 13.0:1 compression ratio. That is very high for a road V8 without a turbo.
Compression is how tightly the engine squeezes air and fuel before it burns. More compression can help an engine make better use of its fuel.
GM says this is the highest compression ratio used in a Corvette. Modern fuel control helps it run on unleaded fuel.
No turbochargers
The LS6 uses its large size and a new air intake to make power. Its air system includes a tunnel-ram style intake, fast-flowing ports and a 95 mm throttle body.
GM focused on strong torque, not only a big top power number. Torque is the turning force that helps a car pull hard when the driver presses the throttle.
Two types of fuel injection
The LS6 uses direct injection and port injection. Direct injection sends fuel into the cylinder. Port injection sends fuel into the intake port first.
Using both can help power, fuel use and emissions. The engine also has Active Fuel Management, which can stop some cylinders when full V8 power is not needed.
Strong forged parts
GM says the LS6 has forged pistons and connecting rods. Forged parts are shaped under high force, which can make them strong enough for heat and heavy loads.
This does not make every LS6 a race engine. It is still a factory road engine built for long life, road use and emissions rules.
A new oil system
The LS6 has a new oil system. Oil protects the moving parts inside an engine.
Good oil control matters during hard driving. GM designed this system for high heat and heavy loads, including the kind of use a Corvette may see on a track.
GM LS6 vs LT2
| Engine | LS6 | LT2 with performance exhaust |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7L | 6.2L |
| Power | 535 hp | Up to 495 hp |
| Torque | 520 lb-ft | 470 lb-ft |
| Compression | 13.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
Based on these figures, the LS6 adds about 40 hp and 50 lb-ft. The bigger news is that it starts a new Small Block engine family.
LS6 in the Corvette Grand Sport
The 2027 Corvette Grand Sport will use the LS6 with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The Grand Sport X will pair the V8 with an electric motor. GM lists total power at 721 hp. This joins the 535 hp LS6 with a 186 hp electric motor.
What does the LS6 mean for car fans?
The LS6 shows that GM is still improving the V8. It uses more size, higher compression, better airflow, two fuel systems and stronger oil control.
It keeps the sound and feel many V8 fans love while adding modern engine technology.
Could the LS6 be used in future builds?
GM has confirmed the LS6 for the 2027 Corvette range. GM has also said this new Small Block family will be used in other V8 jobs.
Other uses have not been confirmed. Talk about Commodore swaps, Camaro models, crate engines or higher-power versions is only a guess for now.
The simple answer
The GM LS6 is a 6.7-litre, 409-cubic-inch V8. It makes 535 hp and 520 lb-ft without a turbo.
It is bigger and stronger than the Corvette LT2. More importantly, it starts a new chapter for the Chevrolet Small Block.
Planning a Holden, HSV or GM V8 performance build? Talk to ETS Motorsports about your car, your goals and the right path for your build.
