For decades, the debut of a new Corvette generation has coincided with the introduction of a new Small Block V8 engine. This tradition has held strong through the Vette’s fifth, sixth, and seventh generations with the launch of the Gen III, IV, and V Small Blocks, respectively. Following an introduction via the Corvette, these V8 powerplants would later be adapted for use in GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs. All of which begs the question – will the forthcoming 2026 Corvette deliver a new Small Block to replace the current LT2?
Looking at the recent history of the Small Block V8 as it relates to the Corvette nameplate, we find the following correlation:
| Corvette Generation | Small Block Engine Introduced | Truck/SUV Derivative |
|---|---|---|
| C5 (1997 MY) | Gen 3 Small Block – LS1 | LM7 (1999 Silverado, 2000 Full-Size SUVs) |
| C6 (2005 MY) | Gen 4 Small Block – LS2 | L76 (2007 Silverado, 2007 Full-Size SUVs) |
| C7 (2014 MY) | Gen 5 Small Block – LT1 | L86 (2014 Silverado, 2015 Full-Size SUVs) |
The C8 Corvette, launched for the 2020 model year, broke from this tradition, cradling the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2, a performance-focused evolution of the Gen V Small Block, rather than a new-generation V8. The deviation raises questions about what comes next, especially as GM prepares to equip the upcoming 2027 Chevy Silverado and 2027 GMC Sierra with the sixth-generation Small Block, as GM Authority covered previously.
Given the timeline, the 2026 Corvette Stingray could logically serve as the debut platform for the Gen VI, just as other Corvette models have done in the past. If such an engine were to materialize for 2026, it would likely replace the LT2 in both the C8 Stingray and the E-Ray hybrid, as both use the same powerplant architecture.
That said, there are several reasons to temper expectations. At this stage, GM Authority sources have not confirmed any such engine change for the 2026 model year. Moreover, no prototype test vehicles have been observed evaluating a next-gen powertrain, which would typically precede a major change like this. Not only that, but the LT2 remains highly competitive, generating 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque in its base form, which is more than sufficient for the segment. Furthermore, with federal emissions regulations facing a significant rollback under the Trump administration, the usual regulatory pressures that might prompt a redesign are no quite as urgent.
As of now, there’s no concrete indication that the 2026 Corvette will indeed lead the rollout of the sixth-generation Small Block. Still, with the Silverado and Sierra expected to receive it for 2027, a Corvette debut would certainly follow the historical playbook.
Comments
Please give her the Mid Cycle Refresh she deserves and don’t forget the lights!
But we have seen many a Corvette prototype here lately, and not all are Zoras! Likely we will see a Grand sport rehache, like in the C6 generation with the the new engine as a way to keep the base stingray hot. The C8 generation really has no real competition so the generation as a whole probably will run a little long in the tooth like the C3/4 generations did. The C6/7 were brief, but mostly do to a super hot sports car market that has since mutted.
Lt2 in the new 2027 Silverado?
It would be a next gen (6th gen) engine in the 2027 Silverado / Sierra. LT2 is 5th gen.
LS was the III/IV generation, LT the V generation, what do we think the new naming convention will be? LZ1? LS that to close to ZL1? LX1? LV1 is taken already.
Higher revving, no more pushrods… oh, that is in the Z06.
You might have 1 thing in that a higher rev range may be there. We know the new engine will be pushrod from the listed investments from GM, but I encourage you to research the R07 race engine, which is essentially what happens when an LS and Ferrari have a baby. The cam is mounted higher in the block, the pushrods are a little over 1″ shorter and titanium allow, allowing for a DOHC redline of just under 9000 rpm. For the Corvettes, raising the redline even to 7500 would be beneficial. Be hard and kinda useless for a truck engine with the long truck exhausts, but if you could get an extra 3-400 usable rpm out of the trucks would net a good 15-20 HP with no other upgrades. A properly designed pushrod is still a formidable engine.
Tell me you know nothing about engines by talking about engines.
“The cam is mounted higher in the block, the pushrods are a little over 1″ shorter and titanium allow, allowing for a DOHC redline of just under 9000 rpm.”
All you people up vote this. Lol.
DOHC engines don’t have pushrods🤣🤣
550 HP GRANDSPORT would be cool. 76K base price.
hopefully no grand sports. keep those in the past
Why in the h3ll not?
Grand sports have been often used to keep the base Corvette relevant, without the outrageous price of a Z06 or ZR1 (despite both those being budget for a hypercar) Grand sport won’t take the headlines, but it will drain many a happy customers wallet!
There’s a bunch of nuts in this comments section, as usual. The Gen V small block is an updated Gen III/IV small block with direct injection and higher flowing heads. Gen VI will likely be just a Gen V with some sort of new technology, likely a direct and multiport injection system like Ford already does on the Coyote V8. We may see some sort of new variable displacement system to stop the lawsuits. Maybe there will be a new VVT system. Remember the Dodge Viper was a pushrod engine and it utilized a rare cam in cam VVT system. GM could always use or buy the patent or create something new. Also with the relaxed emissions standards coming, why can no one see an aluminum Block 6.6 gas V8 like the GM crate engine making over 550 hp. Keep in mind also, because of the bore spacing of these engines, we could also see a large displacement (think 454 c.i. small block) V8 for HD truck duty. They have had large displacement small block crate engines on Gen IV small blocks. And one last thing regarding the block, we could also see GM abandon cylinder sleeves on aluminum blocks in favor of plasma wire arc transfer, just as Ford and Ferrari uses. A sleeveless smallblock with both port and direct injection is enough to make a Gen V a Gen VI alone. Use your dipstick from now on, all you GM dolts. It’s a shame that a non GM guy has to make the most intelligent predictions about a Gen VI smallblock. Not even GM Authority gave any speculation. It’s also worth mentioning that the Corvette could go full exotic and just have the 5.5 flat plane crank V8 alone for a C9 (C8.5) update. After all, the C7 was just an updated C6. Doing this would make room for a new Camaro with a Gen VI smallblock, which would also be great if they decide to stay in NASCAR. Come on GM dolts, generate proper speculation, not just some random crap…
F*** no to plasma deposit cylinder walls. DI with a catch can is okay.
We’re at product maturity and there should be give and take with complexity. Trucks and base Vette should get the transmissions right, and dump DoD, even VVT. Base Vette should get the Eray axle, trucks should have a 6.2 powerboost hybrid option.
Do a new 7.0L Grandsport and Z28 engine. That one can have a cam-in-cam VVT.
A 454 or bigger HD would need a tall deck block. That’s okay, but really bring back real big-blocks, including for top Vette engine.
Yes, there’s a new Corvette engine coming in the GEN6 family.
Hopefully GM does away with AFM. It seems to be trouble than it’s worth, on an otherwise great engine.
IDK, even Honda just dumped VTEC in favor of AFM (they brand it CDM) so apparently even Honda thinks it’s a good move.
What we do know is that a trick cam will be in the works as GM’s cam facility got a huge chunk of that nearly 1Billion for the new engine. My guess is VVL, in a VTEC sense, but they might have a sliding cam system like their 4’s or maybe angled cam like Ferrari, or something completely different. Expect a trick cam however with either AFM, VVL or both.
I just wish the transmission lines for my 2020 Silverado come in. 3 weeks now.