General Motors took steps to protect the “LTX” name for use in engines designed for automobiles.
A search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office database reveals that on Jan. 10, GM filed for trademark protection for LTX specifically for use on engines for “automobiles, SUVs, trucks and vans.”
That’s just over a week before the January 20 announcement of an $854 million investment in the production of a next-generation small-block V8.
However, LTX is intended for a new aftermarket engine block for the current LT small-block V-8 rather than the next-generation small-block V-8.
GM sells engine blocks for its various LS small-block V-8s, labeled LSX. They’re popular in the aftermarket, and even GM has used them on its Chevrolet COPO Camaro Drag Specials.
Should GM get around to offering an aftermarket engine block for the LT V-8, it will likely be made of aluminum, just like production LT V-8s like the LT2, LT4, and LT5.
Of course, protecting a trademark does not necessarily mean that it will be used. It might be easy to save the trademarked term for possible future use, or to prevent a competitor from using it. GM has previously applied for trademark protection for LTX more than once. Previous occasions were in 2016 and 2013.
