How much horsepower does a 6.2 L V8 supercharged Ho engine have?
The 6.2 L V8 “High Output” (HO) engine produces 638 horsepower in its best-known production form. This figure comes from GM’s LS9 variant, used in the Corvette ZR1 from 2009 to 2013.
In context, HO denotes a higher-performance version of GM’s 6.2-liter V8 family. The LS9 is the most famous 6.2 L HO engine, built for a limited run in the Corvette ZR1, and it set a benchmark for GM’s SC (supercharged) V8 output during its era.
What is the 6.2 L V8 Supercharged HO engine?
The “HO” label refers to a high-output version of GM’s 6.2-liter V8. The premier 6.2 L HO is the LS9, a supercharged V8 used in the C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 from 2009 through 2013. It employs a Roots-style supercharger and intercooling to reach its peak power of 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque.
LS9: The High-Output 6.2 L V8
Designed for top-tier performance, the LS9 combines a 6.2-liter displacement with forced induction to deliver 638 hp (476 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 604 lb-ft (819 N·m) of torque. It was produced specifically for the Corvette ZR1 during its 2009–2013 run, marking a high point for GM’s 6.2 L HO lineup.
Key performance figures
Below are the core numbers associated with the LS9 HO variant, as cited in manufacturer documentation and performance guides for the Corvette ZR1 era.
- Displacement: 6.2 L (378 cu in)
- Configuration: V8, pushrod
- Forced induction: Roots-type supercharger
- Horsepower: 638 hp (476 kW) at 6,500 rpm
- Torque: 604 lb-ft (819 N·m) at 3,800 rpm
- Production years: 2009–2013
- Primary application: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C6)
The 638 hp figure remains a defining benchmark for GM’s 6.2 L HO family, illustrating the peak performance GM achieved with the LS9 configuration in production cars of that era.
Where does this engine stand in GM's current lineup?
GM has continued to push the 6.2 L supercharged V8 platform beyond the LS9. Later variants include the LT4, which powers the Camaro ZL1 with about 650 hp, and the LT5, which powers the Corvette ZR1 with roughly 755 hp. These newer engines surpass the LS9’s 638 hp output in production cars, reflecting ongoing advancements in forced induction and tuning.
Summary
The 6.2 L V8 HO engine, most famously the LS9, delivers 638 horsepower in the Corvette ZR1. While this remains a landmark figure for GM’s 6.2 L HO lineup, subsequent GM productions—such as the LT4 at about 650 hp and the LT5 at about 755 hp—have surpassed it in more recent high-performance models.
