It looks like the next generation Corvette will feature The General’s upcoming generation V small block V8 engine. The powerplants hold a development tab standing at almost $900 million and will be composed of cast-aluminum with the traditional overhead-valve layout. The engines will also see upgrades including direct injection, Variable Valve Timing (VVT), E85 capability as well as the still-unexplained “advanced combustion system” and will be built all over the US of A and Canada.
Here’s the interesting part: this engine is said to have a displacement of 5.5 liters with a power rating of 440 horsepower – the very same-sized engine featured in the 2010 Corvette Racing C6.R GT2-class racecars. Rumor has it that the 485 hp engine featured in the C6.R (dubbed the LS5.5R) is very similar to these gen. V small block pushrod V8s.
Though we have a few presumptions regarding what kind of engine GM’s next generation supercar will hold, we are still in the dark about what we can expect from the C7 Corvette though there have been rumors. What’s more, Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter has affirmed that the C7 will not be a watered down version of the C6. We certainly hope so.
Comments
I don’t really care what engine it has I just hope it looks like that Stingray concept. Hawt stuff 😉
Honestly, if it makes big power and consumes less fuel, then fine. However, it better be easy to work on! Nothing worse then a poorly thought out engine platform (especially when you own a high performance shop like I do!)
I swear, sometimes it feels like the engineers forget that human beings actualy have to work on these things!
Eb
That’s a very interesting point, Erik. At first, you’d think that engineers have a single duty – to make a kick ass performance engine/car. So it’s not their direct responsibility to consider the aftermarket.
After all, GM makes (or loses) money selling to end users – and sales numbers (and sales sheets) make no room for the aftermarket community. However, certain performance buyers base their decision to buy a Camaro vs. a Mustang based on their ability to upgrade the vehicle. And I’m a true believer in the notion that a healthy aftermarket community is vital for a sports vehicle.
I guess what it all comes down to is GM’s priorities at the moment. Personally, I would love to get my hands on some market research discussing how many Corvette/Camaro buyers consider the aftermarket (i.e. ease of working on a vehicle) when buying their car.