2020 Corvette Stingray’s 6.2L V8 Named In Wards’ 10 Best

There has been a lot of change in the automotive realm as of late. Horsepower has been skyrocketing from engines that afford gas mileage that was unheard-of just a short time ago. Within GM, the little pushrod-driven engine now known as the LT2 continues to chug along, but there are changes right around the corner and nowhere is that more evident than in the annual “Wards 10 Best Engines”. In keeping with the times, Wards has changed the official title to “Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems” as a way to include hybrid and other forthcoming technologies into their annual consideration.

“The auto industry is making tremendous strides by continuing to develop innovative internal-combustion engines while simultaneously investing in hybrids, battery-electrics, 48V mild hybrids, and hydrogen-powered fuel cells,” says Wards Senior Content Director Drew Winter. Since the competition’s start in 1995, the award has been given to groundbreaking engineering as demonstrated in new powertrains available in reasonably affordable vehicles in the U.S. market.

It goes without saying that with all the changes in the various types of vehicle propulsion, that an award geared toward advancements in that realm would also continue to evolve to cover the entire market. Even so, in a constantly-churning world such as the automotive realm, Chevrolet’s internal combustion V8 was not found wanting among some of the most cutting-edge modes of propulsion.

The 2020 Corvette Stingray’s 6.2L engine is an upgraded version of the previous year’s offering. While the LT1 didn’t appear on Wards’ list last year, the more refined LT2 V8 did enjoy one of the top 10 spots in this year’s competition.

While the 2020 Corvette is quite the capable super-car, when considering the performance market where the car resides, “reasonably affordable” is definitely an understatement. The fact it brings so much to enthusiasts while also being able to enjoy such a price point goes to show how much value is pumped into that naturally-aspirated engine. For an engine to be eligible, the vehicles where they are found must have a base price no higher than $65,000.

Amid all of the technological wonders that propel our cars today, the fact that our little pushrod V-8 still finds a home amid some of the latest and greatest continues to prove how much potential was under those Chevrolet script valve covers so many years ago. A lot has changed, but the heartbeat continues beating with gusto.

The winning automakers will be honored Jan. 16 at a luncheon during the all-new WardsAuto Engine & Propulsion Summit in Detroit.