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GENERAL MOTORS CONTINUES TO PURSUE ‘LTX’ TRADEMARK, LIKELY FOR CRATE ENGINES

Will We See A New Crate Engine At SEMA This Year?

General Motors has filed a trademark for the name “LTX”, which could potentially signify the introduction of a new family of crate engines… finally. Maybe. And hopefully we could see something as soon as the 2022 SEMA Show in November.

The LTX name has been trademarked by GM multiple times in the past, four times in fact. The first instance was in the USA in April of 2013, then later that same month in Australia. In September of 2016 GM would file the name again in the USA, and then a fourth time in Canada in March 2019.

The latest patent was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on April 11th, 2022, and lists the LTX under the Goods and Services category for “Engines for automobiles, sport utility vehicles, trucks and vans” (same as all other patents so far), and carries serial number 97356682. The LTX name will likely be applied to a new generation of crate engines that will replace the current lineup of LSX engines, which if you ask us, is a bit overdue.

GM LT1 V8 Corvette Engine
The 6.2L LT1 V8 engine. Image via GM.

Gen IV LSX Engines Versus Potential Gen V LTX Engines

GM’s LSX crate engines are based around the Gen IV small-block design, which features a cast-iron block and six-bolt main bearing caps. It is available in both 6.2-liter (376 cubic inch) and 7.4-liter (454 cubic inch) displacements, producing 473 hp and 627 hp respectively. But as we’ve pointed out before, Chevrolet has been quietly removing the LS-crate engines from the catalog, making the democratization of cost-effective power more and more exclusive to those with deeper pockets.

The LT engine series first debuted in the C7 Corvette, followed by the K2-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, K2-generation Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, and the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. The LT1 in the C7 and Camaro displaces 6.2-liters (376 cubic inches) the eight-cylinder engine produces up to 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque naturally aspirated, but slap a supercharger on top, and we have the LT4. This engine is still around in various outputs, with 650 hp in the Camaro ZL1, 668 hp in the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and an unknown output in the upcoming Cadillac Escalade-V.

Along with the LT1 and LT4, other Gen V Small Block V8 engines include the LT2 in the C8 Corvette, the bygone LT5 in the C7 ZR1, as well as the L83, L84, L86, and L87 truck and SUV engines.

Compared to the LS engine family, the Gen V LT engines feature direct injection, superior compression ratios, improved variable valve timing, oil-spraying injectors that cool the bottoms of the pistons, stronger cylinder head bolts, and repositioned intake and exhaust valves.

LS engine LS7
GM LS7 V8. Image via General Motors.

Written by Alex

Alex is a freelance automotive journalist hailing from the Toronto area. He considers Michigan to be a warm place.

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