Reports claim these two displacements will replace the current 5.3L and 6.2L V8s.
These engines will be used both in trucks and sports cars.
GM’s President said that the next generation of Chevrolet and GMC pickups will be 4% to 6% more efficient than current models.
Few details are known about the upcoming sixth-generation of the General Motors Small-Block V8, which is expected to arrive in the next-generation of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in 2027.
Nevertheless, sources have told GM Authority that this new family of eight-cylinder engine will be offered in two displacements: 5.7L and 6.6L.
This will mirror the automaker’s current strategy, with the 5,7L replacing the current 5.3L unit and the 6.6L taking the place of the 6.2L V8.
We can therefore expect the 5.7L V8 to become the entry-level eight-cylinder option in pickups and full-size SUVs while the 6.6L engine will be available on higher trim levels.
This larger engine could also be employed in sports cars and performance sedans, such as the next Cadillac CT5 Blackwing, which currently relies on a supercharged 6.2L V8 that generates 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque.
Heavy-Duty Chevrolet and GMC pickups already offer a 6.6L gasoline V8, which is also expected to be replaced by the new engine family.
GMC Sierra 1500 Denali | Photo: GMCFrom what we know, the upcoming engines will retain their predecessor’s 90-degree cylinder banks and pushrod configuration, while providing improvements in terms of refinement, efficiency, power, and torque.
As a basis for comparison, the 5.3L V8 is rated at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque in the Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500, the naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque in the same vehicles, and the current 6.6L V8 generates 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque in the Sierra HD and Silverado HD.
Since General Motors has not confirmed the actual displacement of its upcoming Gen 6 small blocks, further details about output and applications are still at least months away.
The arrival of these engines will coincide with the launch of a new generation of full-size pickups from Chevrolet and GMC, which are slated to arrive in 2027.
About these pickups, GM President Mark Reuss said to expect a 4 to 6% improvement in efficiency over current models, and around 10 to 12% over 2019 models, which were the first of the current generation.
Looking at fuel efficiency data from Natural Ressources Canada, this could mean an average fuel consumption of around 13.4 L/100 km for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4, which is currently rated at 14.1 L/100 km.
If course, it is impossible to tell how much of this improvement is attributable to the engines, as we don’t know if the new trucks will integrate other fuel saving measures, such as more extensive use of aluminum or better aerodynamics.
There are also rumours of an available PHEV powertrain that could combine a V8 with electrification to ensure improved capabilities and efficiency.
Source: GM Authority
