The Corvette Grand Sport is set to return in 2027
New 6.7-liter LS6 marks the 6th generation of GM's Small Block, delivering the highest production torque ever from a naturally aspirated V8
Credit: Chevrolet
General Motors $GM' Chevrolet brand announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport nameplate for the 2027 model year this week, introducing two variants — the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X $TWTR — each powered by a 6.7-liter LS6 V8 engine. The vehicles are expected to go on sale in summer 2026, according to Chevrolet.
The LS6 is the sixth generation of the Chevrolet Small Block $SQ V8, in a lineage spanning 72 years that had produced only five prior generations, GM said. Rated at 535 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque, it is the most powerful standard engine in Corvette history and what GM describes as the highest-production-torque naturally aspirated V8 ever made.
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The LS6 is an evolution of the 6.2-liter LT2 it replaces. Engineers extended the piston stroke from 92 mm to 100 mm to reach 6.7 liters of displacement, while the bore remained at 103.25 mm. The resulting 13.0:1 compression ratio is the highest ever recorded for a Corvette V8, eclipsing the 12.5:1 of the 427-cubic-inch L88 Big Block — a racing engine produced from 1967 to 1969. "The only way we could pull off beating that today with unleaded fuel was with our advanced controls," said Mike Kociba, assistant chief engineer for the Small Block.
Despite the increase in displacement, the engine improves on the emissions of its predecessor, GM said. "Historically, when you make large, high-power, high-torque engines, there's a penalty," Kociba said. "But with advanced controls, our new fuel system, and a higher compression ratio, we've been able to improve emissions with a larger engine."
The Grand Sport is rear-wheel drive. The Grand Sport X adds an electrified all-wheel drive front axle for a combined output of 721 horsepower, with the electric drive unit sending 145 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels from a 1.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, Chevrolet said.
Both models are equipped with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, Magnetic Selective Ride Control 4.0, and a wide-body chassis. The Grand Sport is available in coupe and convertible configurations across three trim levels.
The LS6 will be assembled at GM's Michigan Flint Engine Operations facility. The original Chevy Small Block was first produced in Flint on July 9, 1954, with engine production there continuing until 1999, GM said.