Chevy Introduces New 350, 400, and 409 V8 Engines—Just Like Back in the Day

      The latest in car news and reviews, no nonsense

      Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the essential stories directly to you every weekday.

      Back in 2023, before the "cancellation" of electric vehicles, General Motors announced its development of a new generation of small-block V8 engines. After a couple of years of anticipation, we finally got our first look at GM's updated engine lineup with the announcement of the 2027 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport, featuring the new 6.7-liter, 535-horsepower LS6 engine.

      As you may have already calculated, 6.7 liters is equivalent to 409 cubic inches. Although the small-block LS6 shares virtually no similarities with the classic big-block 409, it still has the potential to evoke your inner Brian Wilson (RIP). For those who appreciate nostalgic V8s, GM is also introducing two more engine displacements: 350 and 400.

      Indeed, the 5.7-liter small-block truck engine is making a comeback. It will debut in the 2027 Silverado half-ton, replacing the previous 5.3-liter L83 V8. Similarly, the new 400 (which is actually 6.6 liters, not 6.7) will take over for the 6.2-liter L87. As is customary, both engines are based on a shared design (“same block; bigger holes,” as a GM engineer once described it). Chevy states that the 6.6-liter V8 will be the strongest naturally aspirated V8 in the half-ton category.

      Just don’t expect Chevy to provide specific power figures just yet; it appears details are still being finalized.

      Chevy

      “We put these engines through an extensive testing and validation process to ensure they provide the durability, capability, and dependability that Silverado customers need,” said Silverado Chief Engineer Mark Dickens in a press release. “From challenging towing situations to the everyday demands our customers have, these next-generation V8s are designed and tested for real-world performance.”

      While the situation may seem reminiscent of a “vintage oil crisis,” today’s V8s are much more powerful and far more fuel-efficient compared to their counterparts from the 1970s and 1980s that shared similar names. It’s worth noting that these engines were already in development prior to the government’s reversal on emissions and fuel efficiency standards. I doubt anyone at GM would complain about the timing.

      With the introduction of these new V8s, GM plans to increase production at its Tonawanda, New York, and St. Catharines, Ontario facilities. The LS6 is already in production in Flint, Michigan.

      We’ll have more information on the new 5.7- and 6.6-liter V8s as the on-sale date for the 2027 Silverado approaches later this year.

      Have a story tip? Reach out to us at tips@thedrive.com!