The V8 is alive and well
Like the Stellantis with the Hemi V8, General Motors has no plans to discontinue the iconic V8 engine. It’s a powerplant that’s hard to replace, especially in larger SUVs and pickups, which is why GM is investing millions in developing the sixth-generation V8.
A new and important detail about this new V8 has just come to light GM institution reports that the engine will have two capacities: 5.7 liters and 6.6 liters. However, the two engines will be tailored for different applications, with the smaller going for more efficiency and the larger mill prioritizing power and performance.
A few shifts are required
Chevrolet Corvette C8
Exotic car dealer
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Current GM V8s are used in everything from the Corvette sports car to the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck; 5.3L, 6.2L and 6.6L versions are currently available. So it makes sense that the new V8 comes in at least two sizes to accommodate the various models powered by these engines. The new V8 is expected to retain the pushrod design and 90-degree cylinder lean, which should improve power, efficiency and performance.
While the smaller 5.5L V8 is expected to find its way into GM pickups, the performance-oriented 6.6L mill will reportedly appear in the Corvette Stingray, E-Ray and the upcoming Grand Sport.
That’s according to a Corvette insider named Jason Carter, who confirmed these rumors about the 6.6L engine in a Facebook post. According to Corvette Bloggerthe post has been deleted, and it should be noted that GM itself has not confirmed the capabilities of the new V8.
The Corvette’s existing 6.2L V8 already makes 490 horsepower in standard form, so it’s entirely possible that its 6.6L replacement will top 500 hp, making even the base Corvette an even more powerful machine.
The new V8 needs to rebuild its reputation for reliability
in 2022 Chevrolet Silverado
The larger, naturally aspirated V8s aren’t the most efficient, but they have a solid reputation for reliability. However, GM’s existing L87 small-block V8 has come under fire due to several reports of engine failure, leading to a lawsuit against the company. Problems such as damaged connecting rods and faulty crankshafts plagued the 6.2L V8, and plaintiffs accused GM of replacing some engines with blocks that were also faulty.
The new engines will give GM a chance to get rid of the troubled 6.2 entirely, though that doesn’t mean the company’s problems are over, as nearly 600,000 vehicles were recalled as recently as April. The L87 is used in several models, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, and Cadillac Escalade.
Related: How Many V8-Powered American Vehicles Will Be Left in 2026?
Why is this important?
2020 Chevrolet Corvette V8 EngineChevrolet
V8-powered vehicles aren’t as common as they once were, so building a new V8 with such widespread adoption is a big deal. Nearly $900 million in financing for GM’s Tonawanda Propulsion plant shows the automaker’s commitment to the new engine.
Also, while GM has made great strides with its EVs, the need to provide consumers with a variety of powertrains is an industry trend we’re likely to see continue. Vehicle type, user location, and individual use cases influence whether someone chooses a gas, hybrid, or electric model. California bans gas-powered cars by 2035 also encouraged brands like GM and Stellantis to invest more in V8s.
Related: BMW gas pump boom: V8 sales rise even as brand goes electric
This story was originally reported by Autoblog in 2025. on November 12, where she first appeared in the news section. Add Autoblog as a preferred source by clicking here.