GM reveals new V8s with up to 359kW for the Silverado
Words: Kyle Cassidy
General Motors has revealed its next generation of small-block V8 engines, with bigger capacities and more power heading for the new Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
The engines will debut in the 2027-model trucks, which are due to arrive in North America before the end of the year. They will eventually reach New Zealand through GMSV product, although local timing and specifications are still to be confirmed.
For Kiwi Silverado buyers, the headline act is a new 6.6-litre V8 producing 359kW and 679Nm. Known as the L78, it replaces the outgoing 6.2-litre engine, lifting output from 313kW and 624Nm.
Read more – 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium Z71 review
That’s an increase of around 46kW and 55Nm, giving Chevrolet’s full-size ute a useful boost before any acceleration figures have been announced.
Alongside it is the L76, a new 5.7-litre V8 delivering 300kW and 580Nm. It succeeds the 5.3-litre unit offered overseas, which produced 265kW and 519Nm.
Despite the changes, GM has retained the traditional small-block layout. Both engines use a single camshaft mounted in the block, rocker arms and two valves per cylinder, with the familiar 111.8mm spacing between cylinder bores.
Higher compression ratios are intended to improve combustion efficiency, while larger throttle bodies and redesigned intake manifolds allow more air into the engines.
The new truck engines belong to GM’s sixth-generation small-block family, which debuted earlier this year with the 6.7-litre LS6 in the 2027 Corvette Stingray and Grand Sport.
The Silverado and Sierra’s 6.6-litre version uses a slightly shorter stroke than the Corvette engine. GM engineers say the sports car’s larger capacity reflects its performance priorities and changes that weren’t suitable for the truck application.
There are upgrades further down the North American engine range too.
The entry-level 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder receives a new turbo, redesigned pistons, revised fuel injection and improved thermal management. Output rises by around 30kW and 34Nm to 261kW and 617Nm.
The optional 3.0-litre Duramax straight-six diesel retains its 227kW and 671Nm outputs, although GM says revisions improve performance and reliability. Every engine will now be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Towing capacity also increases, with the biggest North American rating belonging to the 5.7-litre V8 Silverado. In the appropriate configuration, it can tow approximately 6214kg, while the equivalent Sierra is rated at around 6123kg.
Those figures are about 181kg higher than the respective outgoing models. Diesel versions are rated to tow approximately 5443kg for the Silverado and 5488kg for the Sierra.
These are North American ratings for specific configurations, rather than confirmed New Zealand towing limits. GMSV’s eventual local specifications will determine how much of that capability Kiwi owners can use, along with which engines and grades make the trip here.
