GM Hypes New Small Block V8s

The Story

General Motors is hyping up the new V8 options that will be coming to updated versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra — with other models presumed to follow. Considering the lackluster reputation gained by the V8 engines currently available on those models, the forthcoming changes will presumably be welcomed by customers. With the United States recently pulling back on stringent vehicle emissions, domestic automakers feel comfortable fielding more V8 motors. This change.

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General Motors is hyping up the new V8 options that will be coming to updated versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra — with other models presumed to follow. Considering the lackluster reputation gained by the V8 engines currently available on those models, the forthcoming changes will presumably be welcomed by customers.

With the United States recently pulling back on stringent vehicle emissions, domestic automakers feel comfortable fielding more V8 motors. This change is especially relevant for full-size pickups, as buyers have been voicing complaints about engine downsizing. While GM wisely kept V8s available, the engines themselves have developed a poor reputation.

For 2027, General Motors has opted to replace the 5.3-liter with a new 5.7-liter and the 6.2-liter with a fresh 6.6-liter. Both of the new V8s use the latest small-block architecture that originally launched via the C8 Corvette (below).

Performance gains were achieved by the new motors featuring more displacement and higher compression ratios (12.0:1 for the 5.3-liter and 12.5:1 for the 6.6-liter). But they’ve also been issued with an updated throttle body and an intake manifold that’s supposed to improve the engines’ aspiration.

Direct injection has been all the rage of late with manufacturers because it helps boost performance and efficiency. But many drivers (including your author) have griped about the change since it also promotes a swift buildup of carbon gunk on the intake valves. This requires previously unnecessary maintenance routines, unless the brand was wise enough to likewise retain port injection — which GM has decided to do with the new motors.

GM also seems keen to resolve any fears about lubrication, since issues with the outgoing V8s pertained to total engine seizures due to a lack of oil. The new motors are said to receive a variable oil pump, additional feed locations, and an oil cooler. All of this is in service of keeping the motor properly lubricated, presumably extending its lifespan. Manufacturer oil recommendations have also come up to a heavier-than-before 0w-30.

“These new V8 engines advance GM’s legendary Small Block architecture with greater capability, more advanced technology and the strength of GM’s manufacturing footprint behind them,” stated Tom Bishop, General Motors’ Chief Engineer for Small Block engines. “They’re engineered to provide truck customers the confidence and performance they expect from a GM V8.”.

The larger of the two new V8s was said to be the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in its class. Since the pickup segment loves to brag about being the best in literally anything, this is a pretty good get for the automaker — regardless of how it translates to the overall driving experience.

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CarMotion Daily’s Take

Next Year See Edits 922 Views GM Hypes New Small Block V8s by Matt Posky (IC: employee) Published: September 17th, 2026 Share. Watch this space over the coming weeks. Supply chains, regulations, and consumer demand are reshaping the playbook faster than five-year plans can keep up. Dealer networks and service capacity will need to evolve alongside whatever the headline announcement implies. Regulatory filings, supplier contracts, and any production-volume adjustments usually trail the headline by a quarter or two. Stock price moves and dealer council chatter are leading indicators worth monitoring.