Reports indicate that General Motors is preparing to refresh its full-size pickup lineup with a new sixth-generation “LS” V8 petrol engine. While there was initial speculation that this new power unit would be a larger 6.7-litre version, current details suggest the Silverado will instead utilize a 6.6-litre variant.
The Engineering Split: Trucks vs. Sports Cars
The distinction between the upcoming truck engine and the high-performance engines used in GM’s sports cars boils down to a subtle but significant engineering choice.
According to reports from GM Authority, engineers originally planned a uniform 6.6-litre engine for both truck and sports car applications. However, during the development phase, they opted to increase the displacement specifically for the Corvette Grand Sport. By increasing the stroke by just two millimetres, GM was able to create a specialized 6.7-litre V8 that delivers higher performance without compromising other technical aspects.
This differentiation means:
– The Chevrolet Silverado (and GMC Sierra): Will likely adopt the standard 6.6-litre sixth-generation LS V8.
– The Corvette Grand Sport: Will receive the high-output 6.7-litre version, producing 393kW of power and 705Nm of torque—the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever used in a production Corvette.
Market Context and Competitive Landscape
This engine update arrives at a critical time for the full-size pickup market, particularly in regions like Australia where the landscape is shifting rapidly toward downsizing and hybridization.
The Silverado currently holds a unique position in the Australian market as the only full-size V8-powered pickup available. Its primary competitors have moved away from large-displacement petrol engines:
– Ford (F-150) and Toyota (Tundra) have transitioned to turbocharged petrol V6 configurations.
– Ram has removed V8 options from its 2025 lineup.
By investing in the new LS V8 family, GM is doubling down on the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) for its heavy-duty and full-size segments, even as the rest of the industry pivots toward smaller displacements.
Production and Timing
GM is backing this engine program with significant capital. The company has announced a US$888 million investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant in Buffalo, New York, specifically to facilitate the production of these new V8 engines starting in 2027.
This move also follows a period of technical scrutiny for GM’s existing engines. A recent recall affecting the current L87 V8—the engine currently utilized in various Silverado models—impacted approximately 721,000 vehicles globally, including over 9,000 in Australia. The introduction of the sixth-generation engine represents a fresh start for GM’s heavy-duty petrol powerplants.
Summary: GM is refining its engine strategy by splitting its new V8 family into two paths: a reliable 6.6-litre version for the Silverado pickup range and a high-performance 6.7-litre version for the Corvette. This move ensures the Silverado maintains its competitive edge in the V8 market while meeting specific performance demands for its sports car division.
