GM Confirms Next-Gen V8 Engine In Canada

Internal combustion is far from finished. General Motors made a massive statement about the future of traditional horsepower by confirming production of its next-generation V8 engine in Canada. While the rest of the industry buzzes about electric vehicles, GM is doubling down on the heavy hardware that truck owners actually buy. This move cements the automaker’s long-term plan to keep building gas-powered giants for the most profitable segment of their lineup.

The St. Catharines Propulsion Plant in Ontario will serve as the birthplace for the new Gen 6 small-block. This facility already handles the current 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter motors, but the future lineup looks even more interesting. Sources suggest the new architecture might feature different displacements like 5.7 liters and 6.6 liters, which would replace the existing Gen 5 family. These fresh powerplants are destined for the upcoming 2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. There are even whispers of a high-performance variant finding its way into a future Corvette Grand Sport model.

The manufacturing shift involves more than just the powertrains. Oshawa Assembly is returning to a two-shift schedule starting Feb. 2. While this adjustment unfortunately means around 500 employees face layoffs, GM is working with Unifor to support those affected. The plant remains critical to the strategy as the only North American site building light- and heavy-duty Silverados on the same line. A fresh $280 million investment is preparing the facility for the next wave of trucks that will utilize the new V8 engine in Canada.

The roar of GM’s legendary V8 is not going silent anytime soon. The company has invested over $2.6 billion into its Canadian operations over the last five years to ensure these trucks keep rolling. For enthusiasts who feared the end of gas engines, GM’s commitments to building a next-generation mill in both the US and Canada is very welcome news!