The 2027 Chevrolet Corvette receives a major power upgrade with the introduction of a new 6.7-liter LS6 V8, replacing the outgoing 6.2-liter LT2. The new engine delivers an additional 40 horsepower and 50 pound-feet of torque, but performance comparisons show that the gains vary depending on speed and the measurement being considered.
2027 Corvette LS6 vs. 2020 Corvette LT2
The new LS6 produces 530 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque in the base Corvette, compared with 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet from the previous LT2 engine. The change is part of Chevrolet’s updates for the 2027 model year, which also streamline the Corvette lineup.
To compare the two engines, testing evaluated a 2020 Corvette 1LT against the latest 2027 Corvette 1LT. The newer test car was equipped with the $5,395 Z51 Performance package, which includes stiffer springs, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, improved cooling and Michelin PS5 tires.
The 2027 Corvette accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds. That was only a slight improvement over the 2020 model, which completed the same sprint in 2.8 seconds.
The 2027 Corvette Gains More Speed at Higher MPH
The performance difference becomes more noticeable as speeds rise. The 2027 Corvette reached 100 mph in 6.9 seconds and 150 mph in 18.6 seconds, compared with 7 seconds and 19.4 seconds, respectively, for the 2020 model.
The new LS6 also helped the 2027 Corvette complete the quarter-mile run slightly quicker. It reached 124 mph in 11 seconds, while the older LT2-powered car recorded 122 mph in 11.2 seconds.
Braking and Handling Performance
The newer Corvette also recorded a shorter braking distance from 100 mph. The 2027 model stopped in 297 feet, compared with 301 feet for the 2020 car.
Weight remains another factor in the comparison. The difference between the two cars was 55 pounds, affecting their grip on the skidpad.
Fuel Economy and V8 Sound
The larger 6.7-liter LS6 comes with a small fuel-efficiency penalty. The 2027 Corvette delivers 1 mpg less than the outgoing 6.2-liter LT2 across the board.
However, the new engine delivers a more pronounced sound. The 2027 Corvette’s LS6 V8 is 6 decibels louder than the engine in the 2020 model, while being remarkably quieter when cruising at 70 mph.
What the LS6 Upgrade Means for the Corvette
The 2027 Chevrolet Corvette’s LS6 V8 brings more power and torque, quicker acceleration at higher speeds, a slightly faster quarter-mile time and improved braking performance compared with the older LT2-powered model. The gains from zero to 60 mph are modest, while fuel economy drops by 1 mpg, making the upgrade a combination of measurable performance improvements and a small efficiency trade-off.
