LT6 engine

The Chevrolet LT6 engine is a 5.5-liter (5,463 cc) naturally aspirated V8 engineered exclusively for the Corvette Z06, representing one of the most advanced production V8 engines built by General Motors. It features a flat-plane crankshaft design paired with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder, allowing it to rev freely and deliver exceptional airflow at high engine speeds. The LT6 produces an impressive 670 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) of torque at 6,300 rpm, with an astonishing 8,600 rpm redline, making it the highest-revving and most powerful naturally aspirated V8 in a production car.

The LT6 also uses a race-inspired dry-sump lubrication system with multiple scavenge pumps to maintain consistent oil pressure during high-g cornering, along with individual throttle bodies for each cylinder to provide razor-sharp throttle response.  Designed and hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center, the LT6 blends motorsports technology with road-car reliability, delivering a unique combination of high-revving character, precise power delivery, and track-focused engineering.

Engine Variants

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C8 Generation)

In the Corvette Z06, the LT6 is configured as a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane crank V8 optimized for road and track use, producing 670 horsepower and revving to an 8,600 rpm redline. It features a DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder layout with individual throttle bodies, a finger-follower valvetrain, and a race-derived dry-sump lubrication system to ensure consistent oil delivery during high-performance driving. The engine is mid-mounted for optimal weight distribution and is hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center, delivering a balance of extreme high-rpm capability, reliability, and everyday drivability.

Chevrolet Corvette C8.R

The LT6 engine configuration in the Corvette C8 R is a race-modified version engineered specifically for endurance competition. While based on the same 5.5-liter flat-plane crank architecture, it is tuned for sustained durability, efficiency, and compliance with racing regulations rather than maximum peak output. The engine retains its DOHC design, lightweight internal components, and dry-sump lubrication system, but incorporates motorsport-specific calibration, cooling, and exhaust systems to withstand long stints at high rpm, helping GM refine the LT6’s reliability before its production debut.

Corvette Z06 GT3.R

In the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, the LT6 is configured closely to the production Z06 engine, emphasizing a direct connection between the road car and the race car. The naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 maintains its high-revving DOHC architecture and dry-sump lubrication system, while being adapted to meet GT3 regulations. This configuration prioritizes durability, throttle response, and balanced performance across endurance racing conditions, showcasing the LT6’s versatility as both a production and competition powerplant.