GM Spills The Specs On Sixth-Gen Small-Block V8s for 2027 TrucksAutoGuide.comMichael AccardiThu, September 17, 2026 at 7:15 PM UTCAdd us on Googlegm spills the specs on sixth gen small block v8s for 2027 trucksGeneral Motors just released official specifications for its sixth-generation small-block V8 family, detailing the new light-duty truck powertrains destined for the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.While GM's sixth-gen small-block family originally debuted earlier this year under the engine cover of the Corvette, the truck-bound L76 and L78 variants are engineered specifically for life under the hood of a truck. Both engines retain a classic pushrod, cam-in-block design with two valves per cylinder and 4.4-inch bore spacing, but incorporate higher compression ratios, larger throttle bodies, and revised intake manifolds to optimize airflow and combustion efficiency.Both engines share a dual-fuel system that combines direct injection and port fuel injection for better power, efficiency, and emissions. GM also highlights a new lubrication system featuring a continuously variable oil pump, an engine-mounted oil cooler, and a rethink of oil feed locations for better oil pressure consistency.gm spills the specs on sixth gen small block v8s for 2027 trucksThe new introductory V8 is the 5.7-liter L76 unit replacing the long-standing 5.3-liter L84 engine. It generates 402 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, representing a significant bump over the outgoing 5.3-liter's 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft.AdvertisementAdvertisementFurther up the range, a new 6.6-liter L78 V8 steps in for the old 6.2-liter L87 motor, producing 481 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque - making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine class - up from the old engine's 420 horses and 460 lb-ft. GM engineers confirmed the 6.6-liter truck engine utilizes a slightly shorter stroke than the Corvette's 6.7-liter LS6, trading peak track performance for durability and low-end pulling power.Assembly of the new 5.7L and 6.6L V8 engines will happen at three different GM plants: Flint Engine Operations in Michigan, Tonawanda Propulsion in New York, and St. Catharines Propulsion in Ontario.gm spills the specs on sixth gen small block v8s for 2027 trucksEngine ModelHorsepowerTorqueMax Towing: Silverado (lbs.)Max Towing: Sierra (lbs.)Max Payload: Silverado (lbs.)Max Payload: Sierra (lbs.)Enhanced 2.7L TurboMax350 hp455 lb.-ft.†9,4009,4002,3402,310Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel305 hp495 lb.-ft.12,00012,1001,8701,850L76 5.7L 6th Gen V8402 hp428 lb.-ft.13,70013,5002,1702,140L78 6.6L 6th Gen V8481 hp501 lb.-ft.9,7009,4001,5101,450Beyond the fresh V8 options, GM has updated the rest of its light-duty pickup powertrain lineup. The base 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gains a new turbocharger, revised pistons, upgraded fuel injection, and enhanced thermal management. These updates boost output by 40 horsepower and 25 lb-ft, bringing totals to 350 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six turbodiesel carries over its 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, backed by minor detail tweaks focused on long-term thermal reliability.Every 2027 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 will push power through a standard 10-speed automatic transmission.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhen properly equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, maximum towing capacities see incremental gains, topping out at 13,700 pounds for the Silverado 1500 and 13,500 pounds for the Sierra 1500, which GM claims as best-in-class. Diesel-equipped models cap out at 12,000 pounds and 12,100 pounds, respectively. The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are scheduled to begin arriving at North American dealerships by the end of the year.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletterhere.
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