Long live the big thundering ocho.
By Chris Chin
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The V8 is not dead. Far from it, actually, specifically for General Motors. New reports recently surfaced, shedding some details on Detroit’s next generation of thundering ochos.
According to enthusiast site, GMAuthority, the General is in the midst of developing a new family of V8s. It corroborates GM’s massive $888 million investment into its Tonawanda Propulsion plant.
Announced last year, that massive investment is all specifically to support further production of its iconic internal combustion engines. More so, however, it symbolizes the industry’s current affairs and the shift back to ICE power in the wake of the lukewarm electric market.
Now, we’re learning more about what that all means.
According to GMAuthority, who spoke with anonymous sources “close to the matter,” GM’s new V8s will include two higher-displacement variants. Those sixth-gen variants supposedly include a new 5.7-liter and 6.6-liter.
While nothing’s official, speculation suggests the new 5.7-liter could replace the current 5.3-liter EcoTec small-block. That 5.3 is currently the standard kit in all of GM’s trucks and SUVs.
While supposedly, a new 6.6-liter may potentially replace the current 6.2. Alternatively, the latter could be a revised version of the current 6.6 serving duty in Chevy’s heavy-duty full-size pickups and full-size vans.
Today, GM only produces four V8s with different displacements: 4.3-liter, 5.3, 6.2 and 6.6.
But more so, if the new displacement specs turn out to be true, the new 5.7-liter could mark the return of Chevy’s iconic “350 small block.” The term relates to the engines displacement specification in Imperial cubic inch measurements, which translates to 5.7-liters in metric.
The new sixth-generation GM Small Block V8s will apparently first arrive in the next-gen Silverado pickup. Which isn’t at all surprising. The V8 as standard kit is one of the signature features of GM’s full-size SUVs and trucks.
Because the Silverado will be the first to showcase the next-gen V8s, it’s very likely the Tahoe, Suburban and their GMC cousins will also benefit from the new mills. But since GM likes to diversify its V8 applications, we’re also expecting their placement in models outside its SUV and truck range.
In addition to its rugged trucks and SUVs, many are also anticipating GM’s new Gen 6 range of V8s to power future Corvette and even Cadillac models, like the high-performance CT5-V Blackwing.
There are even rumors swirling about a potential new Camaro revival, after details surfaced regarding an updated rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform. The perpetuation of GM’s iconic V8 could play into these rumors.
Currently, the Corvette and the Cadillac Blackwing models utilize GM’s current 6.2-liter V8 in various forms. The standard Corvette utilizes the LT2 and the supercharged LT5 for the ZR1.
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and the Escalade V sport the supercharged LT4.
Altogether, it’s no mystery GM likes to make the most use of its V8 platform. The automaker has a rich history of extending its use throughout its entire product range. But its that versatility and flexibility that make the General’s family of V8s so beloved.
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