General Motors has revealed the engine lineup for the redesigned 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, introducing larger V-8 options, an improved base engine, and a revised Duramax diesel. The automaker unveiled these powertrain details after earlier revealing the trucks’ exterior and interior designs without specifying the mechanics. The new engines are built on GM’s small block architecture, which first appeared in the 2027 Chevy Corvette.
New V-8s Bring More Power and Torque
Two new V-8s will replace the current 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter units. The 5.7-liter engine produces 402 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, representing gains of 47 horsepower and 45 pound-feet over the outgoing 5.3-liter. The 6.6-liter engine makes 481 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque, which is 61 more horsepower and 41 more pound-feet than the previous 6.2-liter. These figures allow the 2027 trucks to claim the title of the most powerful naturally aspirated pickups on the market.
Engineers achieved these increases through a higher compression ratio, larger throttle diameters, and new intake manifolds. Both engines also feature port and fuel injection, along with a continuously variable oil pump, an on-engine oil cooler, and new oil feed locations. Recommended oil viscosity increases to 0W-30 from 0W-20. GM utilized modeling and simulation tools to help design the systems for better longevity and reliability.
Towing and Efficiency Details
Maximum towing capacity varies based on cab configuration and drive type. With the 5.7-liter V-8 paired with a Double Cab and rear-wheel drive, the Silverado 1500 can tow 13,700 pounds, just 200 pounds more than the Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The Sierra 1500 reaches 13,500 pounds in a similar setup. The 6.6-liter V-8 pairs only with higher-trim configurations, which naturally limits its maximum towing capacity.
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While official fuel economy ratings are not yet available, GM states the engines are more efficient than their predecessors despite their increased output. The 6.6-liter requires “premium recommended” fuel but does not mandate it. The 2.7-liter TurboMax four-cylinder serves as the base engine for the lineup. It delivers 350 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 40 horsepower and 25 pound-feet over the previous version. This makes the TurboMax torquier than the 5.7-liter V-8.
Base Engine Gets Significant Updates
The TurboMax 2.7-liter four-cylinder features a new turbocharger, upgraded fuel injection, redesigned pistons, and improved thermal management. The engine now pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous eight-speed unit. GM claims this setup provides smoother shifting and better towing performance. Maximum payload capacity stands at 2,340 pounds.
The Duramax diesel remains available for both models. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six continues to produce 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque. Updates include revised pistons, a new turbo vane, and updated NOx sensors and fuel injectors. A larger DEF tank increases capacity by two gallons, and an optional 34-gallon fuel tank provides up to 900 miles of range when paired with the Duramax.
Production Locations and Release Date
GM will manufacture the new Small Block V-8s at three facilities: Flint Engine Operations, Tonawanda Propulsion, and St. Catharines Propulsion. The engines will be available at launch for the 2027 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500. Pricing and availability details have not yet been announced, though GM expects to release those figures closer to the late-2026 on-sale date.
