We need to have a serious conversation about the elephant in the room. A massive leak has just exposed a new 6.7-liter beast coming from General Motors. Specifically, this news puts Mopar fans in a difficult position. Currently, Dodge enthusiasts must settle for the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. Meanwhile, Chevy is preparing to drop a massive aluminum big block for the street. Consequently, the pressure is now squarely on Stellantis to respond.
This information comes directly from a leak in the GM Parts Catalog. Interestingly, this is the same source that leaked the ZR1 engine details years ago. That previous leak accurately predicted a 5.5-liter engine with active fuel management. Now, the catalog lists a 6.7-liter Generation 6 small block V8. This engine is codenamed LS6. Furthermore, it features an aluminum block and heads. Therefore, GM is clearly not abandoning the V8 despite the industry’s push for electrification.
The 6.7L V8 Technical Details
The specifications from this leak are undeniably impressive. Specifically, the engine utilizes a dual-injection system. This means it employs both port fuel injection and direct fuel injection. As a result, owners will not have to worry about carbon buildup on the valves. The port injection sprays fuel over the valves, keeping them clean over years of ownership. Overall, this is a significant reliability upgrade compared to strictly direct-injected engines.
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Additionally, the leak confirms that this powerplant uses overhead valves. Most importantly, it features absolutely zero forced induction. This is a massive, naturally aspirated V8 engine. While a version of this engine might appear in the Silverado, GM intends the aluminum block variant for a performance car. Specifically, the catalog ties this engine to the 2027 model year.
Production for 2026 models is already starting. Therefore, a 2027 release date suggests an announcement is imminent. Currently, the only missing vehicle in the C8 lineup is the Grand Sport. Thus, it is highly probable that the C8 Corvette Grand Sport will host this 6.7-liter monster. Power estimates for the current 6.2-liter Stingray sit at 495 horsepower. Consequently, a displacement jump to 6.7 liters should push output to roughly 520 or 530 horsepower.
Implications for the Camaro and Pontiac
Mopar fans should pay attention to this development for several reasons. For instance, GM might not limit this engine to the Corvette. There are rumors of a Camaro resurrection. If that happens, a version of this 6.7-liter V8 could find its way under the hood. Perhaps GM would use an iron block version to differentiate it from the flagship Corvette. Ultimately, this would create a direct competitor for anything Dodge produces.
In addition, GM’s design studio leaked a photo of a mystery coupe in October. This has fueled speculation about a returning nameplate. For example, could GM bring back the Pontiac brand? Imagine a modern Trans Am or Firebird powered by a naturally aspirated 6.7-liter V8. While this is speculation, the hardware now exists to make it happen. Ultimately, GM has options that simply do not exist for Dodge right now.
Ford Adds Pressure with the GT500
Meanwhile, Ford is also ramping up the pressure on Stellantis. A new Mustang GT500 is arriving next year. Leaks suggest this vehicle will offer both hardtop and convertible configurations. Furthermore, horsepower estimates for the new Shelby are hovering around 800. This puts the competition miles ahead of the current Dodge lineup. Unfortunately, the twin-turbo Hurricane engine simply does not generate the same excitement.
Currently, the C8 ZR1 is dominating automotive headlines. It is grabbing all the buzz online. Conversely, no one really cares about a Dodge Charger with a 3.0-liter engine. The enthusiasm gap is widening rapidly. Therefore, SRT leadership must make a drastic move to regain relevance.
Reviving the Cancelled 426 Hemi
SRT has a clear path to shut down this competition. Specifically, they must revive the 426 Hemi project. Before the merger that formed Stellantis, SRT was reportedly working on a naturally aspirated 426 Hemi. In fact, engineers based this engine on the 392 architecture. Ironically, reports at the time suggested it would produce between 520 and 530 horsepower. This perfectly matches the output of Chevy’s new 6.7-liter leak.
However, leadership previously killed that project. Executives under Carlos Tavares and Mike Manley prioritized the merger with Peugeot. Instead, they shifted focus to the Hurricane engine and electrification. Consequently, management shelved the 426 Hemi. But those executives are no longer in charge. Tavares is gone. Mike Manley is gone. As a result, the roadblocks preventing a 426 revival have vanished.
The Hellephant A30 Smoking Gun
There is tangible evidence that SRT is plotting a return. Recently, the Hellephant A30 crate engine received a significant update. This is a 426 cubic-inch engine. Originally, Dodge sold it strictly as a crate motor. However, SRT engineers just upgraded it for durability. This is a strange move for a low-volume niche product. Enthusiasts are not buying these in bulk. Therefore, there is no financial reason to update it unless engineers intend it for a production car.
Where there is smoke, there is fire. Clearly, SRT saw fit to strengthen the 426 Hemi hardware. This suggests they are validating it for a vehicle. Furthermore, it already runs on E85 and makes over 1,000 horsepower in crate form. Even a detuned, naturally aspirated version would dominate the street. Thus, it provides the perfect answer to the Corvette Grand Sport.
Leadership and Regulations Have Changed
The regulatory environment has also shifted in Dodge’s favor. For instance, the government has rolled back emissions regulations significantly. The “Green New Scam” is effectively over. Currently, there are zero fines for failing to meet CAFE standards. This removes the primary barrier that killed the V8. Consequently, there is no longer a legal or financial penalty for building big displacement engines.
Finally, we must consider the leadership at SRT. CEO Matt McAlear has a healthy ego. He does not want to just match the competition. Instead, he wants to crush them. When the Hellcat launched, the team refused to settle for 600 horsepower, pushing to 707 instead. Now that the handcuffs are off, McAlear can return to that philosophy. After all, SRT has shocked the world before with the Viper, the Demon, and the Demon 170. Therefore, they will not sit idly by while Ford and Chevy take their market share.
The timeline is perfect for a “Hold my beer” moment. The hardware is ready. Additionally, the regulations are relaxed. Moreover, the competition is fierce. Therefore, a 426 Hemi revolution is the only logical step for Dodge. Chevy’s 6.7-liter leak is a warning shot. Now, we wait for SRT to return fire.
