The LS engine, primarily used by General Motors, originally stood for Luxury Sport engine. However, it's more commonly recognized as referencing the "LS1" engine code used to designate the third-generation small-block engine used in the Chevrolet Corvette.
LS Engine History and Meaning
The LS engine family has a rich history within General Motors, evolving from the small-block V8 engine. The term "LS" has somewhat shifted in meaning over time, though the origin is rooted in the engine code designation.
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Original Interpretation: Initially, "LS" represented Luxury Sport, reflecting its use in performance vehicles.
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Engine Code Recognition: More widely, "LS" is recognized as part of the engine code "LS1," the designation for the Corvette's third-generation small-block engine. This is what solidified "LS" in popular automotive culture.
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Predecessor: Before the "LS" engine was used in the Corvette, Chevy used the "CL" designation, standing for Custom Luxury engine.
In essence, while "Luxury Sport" is the original meaning, the association with the "LS1" engine code has made "LS" a shorthand for the specific lineage of GM small-block V8 engines that followed.
