Electric Cars

General Motors is making substantial investments in developing its sixth-generation small-block V-8 engine, which is set to power various vehicles, including the Chevrolet Corvette. Speculation suggests this new engine will come in two sizes, with the Corvette potentially receiving a larger variant.

General Motors' Next-Gen V-8 Poised to Enhance Corvette Performance

Recent reports, citing internal GM documentation and sources, indicate that the forthcoming 2027 Corvette Grand Sport will likely be equipped with a 6.7-liter (409 cubic inches) LS6 engine. This revelation stems from information found within GM's Parts Book, which describes the engine as an aluminum unit featuring overhead valves and a combination of direct and port fuel injection. Initially, rumors pointed to a smaller 5.7-liter engine for vehicles such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but it now appears the more potent 6.7-liter version is destined for high-performance applications. The Corvette, in particular, is expected to receive a specialized tuning of this engine, focusing on maximizing its power and performance capabilities. Furthermore, this larger V-8 is anticipated to feature in future iterations of the Cadillac CT5, potentially elevating the already formidable CT5-V Blackwing into an even more dominant performance machine.

GM first introduced its fifth-generation small-block V-8 in 2013. The sixth-generation engines are expected to begin appearing in the company's full-size pickups by 2027 before expanding to other models. General Motors has committed significant resources to this endeavor, including a $579 million investment in its Flint Engine Operations in 2023, with additional funding allocated since then. The automaker has assured that these new engines will deliver increased power output compared to current offerings. For context, the present 5.3-liter V-8 produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter engine generates 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, with its supercharged variant reaching up to 682 hp and 653 lb-ft. GM also pledges that this power boost will not come at the expense of fuel efficiency. The potential integration of electrification with these new engines remains an open question. While GM has adjusted its focus on purely electric vehicles, the burgeoning popularity of hybrids suggests that some models might incorporate electric assistance, offering a balanced approach to performance and environmental considerations.

This strategic move by General Motors underscores a continued commitment to internal combustion engine innovation, particularly in its high-performance segments. It suggests a fascinating period ahead for automotive enthusiasts, as the company seeks to blend traditional power with modern engineering advancements, all while navigating the evolving landscape of vehicle propulsion. The prospect of a more powerful Corvette Grand Sport is undoubtedly exciting, promising an exhilarating driving experience rooted in a rich legacy of performance.

Embrace the Future: Why Six Cylinders Outperform Eight in the Ram 1500

Evaluating the New Powertrain: A Friend's Dilemma

The transition from a beloved V-8 powered Ram 1500 to a newer model often brings a critical decision about engine choice. Following an unfortunate incident that rendered a friend's trusty V-8 Ram 1500 unusable, the search for a replacement began. While acknowledging the robust capabilities of the 305-hp Pentastar V-6, the necessity for greater power leads to a debate between the familiar roar of the Hemi V-8 and the innovative, quieter power of Ram's new twin-turbo inline-six engines. Our in-depth testing data provides a clear direction for this challenging choice.

Acceleration Redefined: Six Cylinders Take the Lead

The 395-hp 5.7-liter Hemi engine, while achieving a respectable 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds in a 2026 Ram 1500, is notably outpaced by its Hurricane counterparts. The 420-hp standard-output inline-six accelerates to 60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. The high-output 540-hp version further dominates, reaching 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds during tests of a Limited 4WD model. This remarkable speed advantage, almost two seconds quicker than the V-8, is achieved even with the longer cargo bed configuration not available with the V-8. These results underscore a significant shift in performance dynamics.

Torque, Sound, and Previous Benchmarks

The Hurricane engine's superior performance is directly attributable to its higher torque output, with the standard Hurricane delivering 469 pound-feet compared to the Hemi's 410 pound-feet. Crucially, the Hurricane reaches its peak torque 450 rpm sooner, translating to more immediate power delivery. All three engine options are paired with an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. While the V-8's 81-decibel wide-open throttle roar offers a satisfying auditory experience, being 10 dBA louder than the HO Hurricane and 14 dBA louder than the standard straight-six, the performance metrics tell a different story. It's worth noting the exceptional performance of the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX, which, with its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 producing 650 pound-feet of torque, achieved 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. However, the current RHO model, also utilizing the HO Hurricane engine, is slower than the TRX at 4.4 seconds to 60 mph, indicating that while impressive, the Hurricane is not a direct replacement for the TRX's extreme power output.

Fuel Efficiency: A Closer Look

Despite the Hemi's larger displacement and additional cylinders, its EPA fuel economy figures are surprisingly competitive. In four-wheel-drive configurations, the V-8 is rated at 18 mpg combined (16 city/20 highway). The standard-output Hurricane slightly improves upon this with 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway). The high-output turbo-six, however, is the least fuel-efficient, requiring 91 octane and achieving an estimated 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway). This suggests that while the Hurricane offers performance benefits, the fuel economy advantage over the Hemi is modest, especially for the high-output variant.

The Financial Perspective: Cost-Effectiveness of the Hurricane

Considering the trim level and configuration, opting for the Hemi can add nearly $3000 to the vehicle's cost compared to the standard-output Hurricane. Even though the entry-level boosted inline-six, which is a $1695 upgrade over the Pentastar V-6, delivers superior performance, V-8 customers might find themselves paying more for less. This cost analysis reveals a significant financial incentive to choose the Hurricane engine, which not only provides better performance but also offers a more economical purchase price. The return of the 5.7-liter Hemi for the 2026 model year, despite being briefly discontinued, has seen strong customer demand, with trucks selling rapidly. However, our tests consistently show the V-8 lagging behind the innovative engine family designed to supersede it.