Image: Chevrolet Image: Chevrolet The LS6 pushes the V8 to a historic 409 cubic inches, producing 535 horsepower-or 721 with the hybrid Grand Sport X. Here it is. After teases and speculation and a spy shot or two, the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X have arrived. The sports car carries at its center the next-generation small-block V8, now displacing a fulsome 6.7 liters-or 409 cubic inches for the traditionalists. Meet the LS6 Image: Chevrolet Image: Chevrolet The last time an engine badged LS6 sat in a Corvette was over 20 years ago, for the fifth-generation Z06 model. The new V8 will be built at GM's Flint, Michigan plant, which is where Corvette's V8s were first made way back in 1955. Building on the previous small-block design, this new generation motor not only gains displacement, but runs a high 13.0:1 compression ratio. A 95-millimeter throttle body, forged rods and pistons, and a new lubrication system are all part of the recipe as well. The final numbers are 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque, which as Chevy points out makes this the torquiest naturally-aspirated Corvette of modern times. Yes, more than the vaunted 7.0-liter in the C6 Z06. Power still runs through the excellent eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, though Stingrays equipped with the Z51 Performance Package will see a shortened 5.56:1 final drive ratio. Yes, the "base" Stingray will also get the 6.7L engine, though that won't happen until actual 2027. 2027 Corvette Grand Sport: Sweet Spot Image: Chevrolet Image: Chevrolet These Are The 10 Safest Car Brands For Day-to-Day Living The Grand Sport takes a familiar approach, cherry picking the best bits of the Z-badged models and pairing them with the now-base engine. That includes the widebody kit of the Z06/E-Ray, and making the excellent Magnetic Ride Control standard. Buyers can also opt for four central-exit exhausts instead of the standard corner-exit, marking the first time that's been possible on a pushrod V8-powered C8. A standard touring suspension pairs with all-season Michelin tires, while the Z52 Sport Performance Package brings in a stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer rubber. Folks wanting the absolute most from a pure LS6-powered package will want to check the Z52 Track Performance Package. This adds a smattering of carbon fiber exterior bits, the carbon-ceramic brakes found elsewhere in the lineup, and sticky Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. Chevy calls this "the most track-capable Grand Sport to date," which seems sort of obvious, right? The Grand Sport (and Grand Sport X) gain the expected styling tweaks of the badge, including the classic red hash marks, though they're now moved to the rear wheels to signify where the engine is. Admiral Blue Metallic also joins the lineup, complete with a white center stripe. There is also a new Pitch Gray Metallic. Buyers have the choice of two two-tone interiors, pairing black with either Santorini Blue or Adrenaline Red. A Launch edition uses the former, though pairs it with red stitching and accents. The headrests gain a unique, embossed Grand Sport logo, with a unique Launch Edition plaque set between them on the central speaker. 2027 Corvette Grand Sport X: Even More Power Image: Chevrolet Image: Chevrolet Goodbye, E-Ray. Chevy is bringing its electrified 'Vette in-line with the naming conventions at the other end of the lineup, adding an X to Grand Sport. The formula is the same as before: V8 out back, electric motor in front, electric all-wheel drive unlocked. There are two important updates: obviously the LS6 now slots in behind the driver, while the ZR1X lends its more powerful electric front motor and battery pack. This front motor adds 186 hp and 145 pound-feet to the mix, meaning a peak of 721 horsepower. That re-positions the "lower" rung of E-Vette firmly between the Z06 and ZR1. Chevrolet didn't reveal performance figures for the GSX, but we suspect it will be expletive-shouting quick. Horsepower isn't the only focus here: the GSX nets the carbon-ceramic brakes and Magnetic Ride Control as standard. Michelin all-seasons are standard, with Pilot Sport 4S rubber part of the Performance Package. There is no Track package for the GSX. Adopting the ZR1X's electric motor also brings with it more driver-selectable modes, tailored to different hybrid activities. An Endurance mode adjusts the battery usage for longer lapping, Qualifying locks in "optimum power strategy," and Push-to-Pass sets everything to the max. Stealth Mode keeps the V8 asleep for short bursts up to 50 mph (80 km/h), while a track-use Shuttle mode is capped at 23 mph (37 km/h). The 2027 Chevrolet Grand Sport will begin production at the Bowling Green, KY plant this summer, alongside the refreshed Stingray. Expect pricing and GSX availability details closer to launch. AutoGuide's Take: Image: Chevrolet Image: Chevrolet What's not to like here? A new generation of V8 with an iconic displacement, the better-looking widebody available with the standard engine, and an even bigger boost for the Vette-formerly-known-as-E-Ray? It all sounds right to us. The 500 horsepower barrier was a necessary one for America's sports car to clear now, in an age when family EVs are offering more and even the regular Mustang GT closing in. Debuting the V8 in the 'Vette makes sense before it rolls out in the trucks and SUVs, too. The C8 Corvette might still be divisive due to its mid-engined nature and lack of manual transmission, but this substantial update suggests it will have a C3-rivalling shelf life. Gran Turismo 7 January Update: All the Details