The LS platform is the undisputed king of experimentation, having been morphed into everything from chopped-down four-cylinders to custom V12s. But at SEMA 2025, one company revived a forgotten chapter of General Motors history with a modern, high-performance twist. XR10 Motorsports debuted their all-aluminum XR10 Motorsports LS V10, a naturally aspirated monster that reimagines a heavy-duty truck concept as a 1,000-horsepower street weapon.
Origins of the GM V10 Concept
Before this modern reinvention, the idea of an LS-based V10 actually existed inside GM. Back in the mid-1990s, engineers explored a heavy-duty gas V10 to replace aging big-blocks and go head-to-head with rival truck engines. While it never reached production, GM built several Gen IV-based prototypes. These verified concepts were essentially stretched 6.0-liter LY6 engines, sharing L92-style heads and a low-octane compression ratio. Displacing 7.5 liters, they were designed for torque and towing, not the kind of exotic performance XR10 is chasing today.
Reinventing the XR10 Motorsports LS V10
XR10 Motorsports didn’t just clone the factory prototype; they evolved it. They transitioned the block from iron to aluminum, engineering it with reinforced webbing, thick sleeves, and a robust 9.72-inch deck height. They also added a 0.388-inch raised cam tunnel and six-bolt-per-cylinder head provisions to ensure it can handle massive cylinder pressures. Despite adding two cylinders and about 4.4 inches of length, the engine weighs in at a scant 438 pounds — lighter than the iron V8s it outclasses. Crucially, the front and rear architecture remains standard LS, ensuring compatibility with common transmissions and accessories.
Naturally Aspirated Four-Digit Power
The numbers on display at SEMA were staggering. The test mule, built with LS7 dimensions (4.125-inch bore and 4.000-inch stroke) created 534 cubic inches and pumped out 1,003 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 756 lb-ft of torque. It achieved this on pump-gas-friendly 12.5:1 compression without a single turbo or supercharger. Airflow is managed by LS7-inspired heads flowing over 400 cfm, fed by a custom dual-plenum intake with twin 90 mm throttle bodies.
Future Displacement Potential
This 1,000-horsepower iteration is just the starting line. The XR10 platform is capable of housing a massive 4.185-inch bore and an even longer stroke, opening the door for displacement possibilites exceeding 600 cubic inches. While pricing hasn’t been officially released, the combination of a unique 10-cylinder soundtrack and race-winning output ensures this engine will be on the wish list of every serious builder.
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