Chevrolet recently announced the Corvette Grand Sport, and while it’s the Admiral Blue paint and red accents that catch the eye, what’s underneath is far more interesting, in our opinion. With this model, Chevy is introducing the next generation of LS V8 engine to its mid-engined supercar. The LS6 motor is here to move this evergreen nameplate into a new era.
You know the recipe for the Corvette engine, where the phrase “no replacement for displacement” is more true than in any other supercar. Chevy engineers have looked past hybrids and turbochargers for this latest powerplant, yet you might not know that it has already broken a record before reaching production.
UPDATE: 2026/05/29 17:19 EST BY BELINDA ANDERSON
Figures At The Heart Of The Grand Sport
More information has been added on how this next-generation V8 engine will aid performance in the upcoming Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X models.
A New Engine With An Old Name
Chevy Looks To The Past
Chevrolet didn’t just put this new engine into the base model of Corvette and call it a day – the company used it to prop up the announcement of two new models in its lineup. Chevy called them the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X, as a reference to the 1963 model that had a focus on endurance racing and a huge 550-hp 6.2L V8. This model also now effectively replaces the E-Ray in the lineup. We really enjoyed driving that car, and it made us remember that the best affordable performance doesn’t require sacrificing comfort.
While the standard Grand Sport has rear-wheel drive and 535 horsepower, the ‘X’ has an electric motor on the front axle to produce a combined 721 horses and enhanced grip with AWD. Both models are driver-focused with Magnetic Ride Control, too, which adapts the dampers to road conditions in real time.
You can identify the Grand Sport by its paintwork; the deep blue color and red accents look back to Grand Sport models of old, and there are lots of personalization options to make it yours. If you get the Z52 Track Performance package, you can also get a carbon fiber aero package, carbon ceramic brakes, and race-ready tires. The same three trim levels are present, and with the Bose speaker system, ventilated seats, and removable roof panel, we could see this being a great long trip cruiser.
Tech Specs Of The LS6 Motor
It’s Impressive Inside And Out
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand SportChevrolet
Chevrolet LS6 Engine Specs
Displacement
6.7L V8 (409 cubic inches)
Power
535 hp
Torque
520 lb-ft
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Stroke
100 mm
Bore
103.25 mm
Bore Spacing
4.4 inches
Building Material
Aluminum
Chevrolet went big with its latest LS6 engine, with displacement sitting at a huge 6.7 liters. The way it’s been able to do that is by increasing the bore, stroke, and, in turn, the compression ratio. This number refers to the ratio between the volume of the cylinder at its lowest and highest in the stroke – and at 13.0:1, it’s the highest of any Corvette ever. A high ratio would usually cause pre-ignition, but with clever fuel management and premium fuel, it’s a thing of the past.
“We were going to make it ‘only’ 6.6 liters, and then we started playing around and realized that by adding two millimeters to the stroke, we get more performance without compromising anything else… We’re trying to recreate some of what worked in the muscle-car era… a wide, high torque band, and high power. It feels like we’re bringing a piece of Americana back.”
– Mike Kociba, Assistant Chief Engineer For Small Block
Increasing the compression ratio means increasing the amount of fuel and air mixture, which helps increase torque low-end. In fact, with 520 lb-ft, this is the highest amount for any naturally-aspirated V8 ever. Maximum torque is also made at 4,600 rpm, so you don’t have to push for it to feel lively. Yes, it’s still a pushrod design, as with Chevy tradition, and it’s built in Flint, Michigan.
The LS6 hp figure sits at 535 ponies, which is also the most of any base Corvette. With the higher compression ratio, the thermal efficiency is increased, and it makes more power (yet the same emissions) from the same drop of fuel as the previous Corvette. A quad-exhaust option is available that helps make it louder, too. A red engine cover ties it all together to make it more visually appealing, although we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re able to change that on the configurator.
It Joins A Long List Of Iconic Engines
A Lot To Live Up To
Small-block V8 engines are synonymous with GM and the Corvette, having been used since 1955 in the first generation Corvette. It might not be the first ‘LS’ branded engine, but the latest model is a direct descendant of that powerplant that was unveiled over seventy years ago. The latest engine shares a lot of its tech with even this first engine, like the traditional pushrod design.
The first LS unit came as the third small-block V8 generation in 1997, after development work since 1993. The decision to go with a pushrod design was seen as odd even back then, but it has allowed the engine to sit lower in the Corvette compared to other options. LS engines powered various GM products until 2014, when the LT series was introduced.
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While the LT is usually referred to in the same way as the LS engines (which is why the LS6 is said to be the ‘sixth-generation’), they have a more modern design compared to their forebears. Chevy is now going back to the legendary LS engine nomenclature, but we wouldn’t be shocked if the ‘LT’ series makes its way into high-performance versions of the Corvette.
Other Famous Small-Block V8 Engines
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302Bring a Trailer
GM isn’t the only automaker with a list of iconic small-block V8s to its name. Here are some other big names that prove small block engines can put out big numbers, despite their compact size, and more from GM:
- Ford Boss 302: Used in 1969 and 1970 for the brand’s Trans-Am racing program
- Ford Windsor 302: Found in Mustangs and various street rods up to 2001
- Chrysler (Mopar) 340: Found in the Dodge Dart Swinger and Plymouth ‘Cuda between 1968 and 1973
- GM’s LS1, LS2, and LS3: Doing duty in the C5 Corvette, C6 Corvette, Pontiac GTO, and Chevy SS models, these small-blocks are standard-bearers for the brand
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Where Does Chevrolet Take It From Here?
High-performance Versions Possibly On The Horizon
2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand SportChevrolet
The Chevy Corvette is mainly defined by its standard version, but that’s not all it is anymore. We could see this engine used in a variety of settings, and its new fuel management tech will certainly make its way to GM’s other products. Just like the current generation of Corvette that uses three different engines, don’t expect this single powerplant to be turbocharged, as that job is usually done with less displacement.
Still, with fewer rules around emissions in the US nowadays after Trump’s CAFE standard slashing, Chevy could go crazy and supercharge this engine, which would answer our questions about this mysterious Instagram post. This tease could also be a reference to a big-block-like engine coming back, or the LS6 being able to be purchased as a crate engine for tuners and aftermarket installations.
The extra torque of the LS6 engine will be handy in powering the latest generations of Silverado pickups and GMC products, as they’re heavier and require towing capacity. Torque is especially handy when you’ve got lots of cargo or a large load hooked up, and this engine should make that feel more effortless compared to older models.
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Figures At The Heart Of The Grand Sport
The automaker introduced two Grand Sport models coming in 2027, the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X, both featuring the new LS6 engine. Although representing the racing heritage of the brand, the Grand Sport nameplate represents a sweet spot in the lineup (as it always has) that melds V8 performance with everyday livability.
The 2027 Grand Sport is classic Corvette, featuring 535 hp sent to the rear wheels. On the Grand Sport X, AWD is made possible through the addition of a front-axle electric motor and compact battery pack – borrowed from the Corvette ZR1X. Thanks to the e-motor, the Grand Sport X has145 lb-ft of torque instantly available on the front axle. The LS6, however, remains the star of the show.
It’s A Middle Finger To Electric Cars
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible exhaustJared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
While the rest of the performance world, especially with brands from Europe, moves toward power made from smaller-capacity hybridized engines, Chevy is still pushing ahead with large displacement engines that make you feel more connected to the car. At the same time, the electrified option is there if you want it or need the extra grip of all-wheel drive. If anyone asks what an LS6 is, you can say it’s one of the final proper American V8s.
The trimming down of emission and efficiency regulations may mean that our health and air quality are worse, but our cars can have more power and breathe better. More fuel burned, less expensive catalytic converters, and larger and hotter engines mean more performance for the upper echelons of cars.
There’s still an EV push from many manufacturers, but GM is committed to providing the V8 engine for as long as it can, alongside possible electric versions of the Corvette in the future. Porsche has struggled to convince customers with a planned electric Boxster, so Chevy’s V8 is a big win for those who love ICE power.
Sources: Chevrolet
FAQ
Q: How much hp is produced by an LS6?
The LS6 has 535 horsepower on its own, which increases to 771 horses with the electric motor on the front axle at work.
Q: Which cars have an LS6 engine?
Currently, only the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is confirmed to feature the LS6 engine.
Q: What is an LS6 engine?
The LS6 is the latest generation of GM small-block V8 engines.
Q: What is the difference between an LS1 and a LS6?
The LS1 is an older V8 engine produced from 1997 until 2004 within the third-generation GM engine family, while the LS6 is a revival of this older design in the latest Chevrolet Corvette.
