Chevrolet has discontinued the LS9 crate engine, the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that produced 638 horsepower and served enthusiasts and engine swappers for years. The move signals a shift in GM's crate engine strategy as the company transitions its portfolio toward newer platforms.
The LS9 exit opens the door for a potential LS6-based successor. Chevrolet hints at development of a crate motor derived from the LS6 V-8 that will power the 2027 Corvette Stingray. The new C8 Corvette LS6, rated at 495 horsepower in stock form, represents the latest evolution of Chevy's small-block legacy, though initial output falls short of the LS9's supercharged punch.
Context matters here. The LS family has dominated the crate engine market for two decades, favored by restomod builders, drag racers, and engine-swap enthusiasts who prize reliability, aftermarket support, and raw performance. The LS9 held particular appeal because its forced induction delivered numbers unmatched by naturally aspirated competitors at reasonable cost. Losing that option leaves a horsepower gap for builders seeking drop-in supercharged solutions.
A new LS6-based crate option would reshape buyer expectations. While the naturally aspirated LS6 makes less power than the LS9, the architecture offers contemporary engineering benefits and proven track performance from the newest Corvette lineup. Chevy could boost output through supercharging or turbocharging, potentially reclaiming the power segment the LS9 dominated.
The timing reflects broader industry trends. Chevy phases out older crate engines as it focuses development resources on next-generation powerplants. The LS platform,