General Motors Aims to Trademark ‘LTX’ for New Generation of Crate Engines

On April 11th, 2022, auto giant General Motors has filed a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to trademark the name “LTX”, suggesting it would be applied to a potential new generation of crate engines, replacing the current LSX family.

LSX crate engines are based on the design of the Gen IV small-block, which is a cast-iron block, six-bolt main bearing caps, and comes in both 6.2-liter (376 cubic inch) and 7.4-liter (454 cubic inch) displacements, each with 473 hp and 627 hp.

RELATED: GM is Discontinuing the Chevrolet LS7 V8 Crate Engine

GM first introduced the LT engine family with the C7 Corvette, following up with the K2 Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and sixth-gen Camaro. The C7 and Camaro housed the LTI, which was 6.2-liters and produced 460 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. However, add a supercharger and you are looking at an LT4 engine.

Some of the other 5th Gen Small Block V8s include the LT2 which was found in the C8 Corvette, the LT5 in the C7 ZR1, and the L83, L84, L86, and L87 truck/SUV engines.

When compared to the LS engines, the 5th Gen LT engines had a number of features like:

• direct injection
• superior compression ratios
• greater variable valve timing
• oil-spraying injectors to cool underneath the pistons
• stronger cylinder head bolts
• relocated intake and exhaust valves.