2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray First Look: Better Performance, Power, and Durability for C8

Since its launch in 2019, the C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has proved America’s sports car can match (and sometimes outdo) global automakers at the mid-engine performance car game. For the past seven years, the C8 Stingray has used the LT2 V-8, a 6.2-liter engine with direct fuel injection that produced up to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Now, it’s time for an upgrade for the base-level C8 and its Z51 package with a new, significantly larger V-8 (but no manual transmission, as internet rumors breathlessly stated).

The LS Returns (Sorta)!

The high-tech LT2 pushrod V-8 has served the Stingray well, but it’s getting swapped out for a new V-8 that not only has more power but also marks the return of the “LS” moniker gearheads have grown to love.

This isn’t the classic LS that everyone from hot rodders to dune buggy builders will be familiar with. Meet the LS6, which takes its numerical designation from being a member of the sixth-generation small-block V-8 family. (Chevy couldn’t use the LT6 name, as that’s already in use for the Corvette Z06’s engine, which uses a completely different engine architecture from the small-block.) The LS6 will also mark a return of gasoline V-block engine production to Flint, Michigan, which ended when the “High Feature” 3.6-liter V-6 went away in 2020. (A version of the new LS6 is under the hood of the also new 2027 Corvette Grand Sport as well.)

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The Changes Between LT2 and LS6

The new V-8 brings a big bump in power and torque to 535 hp and 520 lb-ft, gains of 40 horsepower and 50 lb-ft. That’s largely due to a long 3.94-inch stroke (up from 3.62 inches in the LT2), which raises the displacement from the LT2’s 6.2 liters (376 cubic inches) to 6.7 liters (409 cubic inches). That change also increases the compression ratio from 11.5:1 to 13.0:1.

There’s a new intake manifold that features a tunnel ram design that takes air from a larger throttle body and feeds it to high-velocity ports. This updated engine will feature both direct injection and old-school port injection. At low loads and part throttle, port injection helps reduce particulate emissions. It should also help prevent carbon buildup on the intake valves. With just a direct-injection system, small particles of carbon from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system build up on the back side of valves. Port injection thus helps “wash” the valves to diminish (but not fully eliminate) the soot buildup.

The new LS6 exhales through one of two exhaust systems. The standard setup will have four tips, with two on each side of the rear bumper. The optional system will still have four tips, but all four will exit from the center of the bumper. Although both feature active valving systems for sound control and speak with different tones, there’s no longer a power difference between one exhaust or the other.

Z51 Package Upgrades

For those looking to make their 2027 Corvette Stingray handle and perform better on track or during spirited canyon drives, the Z51 package has received some significant updates. The first is new final drive gearing that helps acceleration, now 5.56:1 versus the outgoing car’s 5.17:1. The 2027 Z51 also adopts Michelin Pilot Sport S5 tires, an evolution of the 4S rubber that previously came with the package. The Z51’s rear wing has also be tweaked for improved high-speed stability, while the chassis has been retuned to better match the additional grip and higher engine output. More detailed specifications haven’t been made public, but both coupe and retractable hard-top convertible body styles will continue to be available.

The C8 has dropped jaws since its debut for the 2020 model year, and things just keep looking up. From the wild ZR1 and ZR1X, the Z06, and the new 2027 Grand Sport and Grand Sport X to this upgraded base model, the lineup has never been more capable or broad. Look for pricing, availability, and final details on the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray soon.