After driving a Corvette with a naturally aspirated 7.0L engine for nearly a week, we can honestly say there is no other GM powertrain that we appreciate more. The power delivery, the sound, and the rewarding ability to rev the pants out of the mill to achieve maximum power and torque made our time with Corvette 427 Convertible unforgettable, and we knew right away that if the the Z06/427 were to ever adopt forced induction, things would never be the same.
Thankfully, the latest word indicates that the next-generation 2015/2016 Corvette Z06 will maintain a naturally breathing powerplant, and even the same displacement as the current LS7, but in the form of a fifth-generation small block V8, at least according to Motor Trend. Is this the rebirth of the L88 engine? The LT4? Or is it all just a wild goose chase? We certainly hope it’s the former, as we check with our own sources to see if there is any evidence to the claim. Stay tuned.
Comments
Yes!!! My dad will definitely be buying one now if this is true! He said he would as long as it was black, had bigger fender flares like the C6 Z06, and a naturally aspirated 427 cubic inch engine! Congratulations, GM, you’ve got a customer on the way.
As long as it comes with the efficiency upgrades that the LT1 has then absolutley yes!
If this is true, I am more excited to be buying a c7 “z06” than ever.
Glad to hear that the 7.0L engine will continue in the new C7, but its power ratings need to increase to 550 hp and 550 lbs feet of tq to maintain some distance over the LT1’s 450 hp/450lbs.
Also, I’d like to see this engine in a special edition of the next-gen Cadillac CTS-V and Omega flagship models.
I realize that the CTS-V will get a blown version of the LT1 engine so why not create a hard-core CTS-V clubsport model with the naturally aspirated 7.0L motor?
That does put a smile on my face this morning. I remember the first time driving the LS7 and what a demonic laugh you get when you stab the throttle and the baffles open up on the exhaust. With DI this would be fantastic….whatever engine code it is. The ZR1 is the tech king, but the Z06 is my fav.
I also remember my first drive in a z06, pulls like a big block in a light weight package, what an incredable engine, now think of a c7( maybe an L88) with flares and big brakes ooooh
No replacement for displacement. It’s all I need. 7.0L > 6.2L S’charged.
(I know its not as fast, but how many people can say 500+ hp isn’t enough? Be honest, people..)
Makes sense, the Z06 is a road and track special. The best “driver’s cars” are always N/A. Forced induction gives an unnatural power delivery and often distracts from the mission at hand (straightening curves in as efficient manner as possible) with back of the mind concerns of power surge or lags in boost. A good well tuned N/A motor beats a FI motor any day when it comes to feeling at one with the machine.