The debut of the mid-engine Corvette is rapidly approaching, and while we expect the complete details when the fresh Vette drops on July 18th, we do have the inside scoop on the C8’s engine a few days prior to the car’s reveal. According to sources familiar with future Chevrolet product plans, the new mid-engine C8 Corvette will be powered by GM’s upcoming 6.2L V8 engine assigned RPO Code LT2.
The 6.2L LT2 V8 is nearly identical to the 6.2L LT1 V8, which can be found in the current Corvette C7 Stingray and Grand Sport, as well as the Chevrolet Camaro SS and new Camaro LT1. However, the LT2 receives a few minor modifications that enable fitment in the mid-engine configuration of the Corvette C8. What’s more, the LT2 may also feature a few other improvements compared to the LT1.
GM Authority has heard of but has not been able to corroborate with a full degree of certainty updates to the Active Fuel Management system (enabled in the Eco driving mode) and valving improvements that diminish friction, delivering smoother and more efficient operation.
Other than that, the LT2 will have the same displacement of 6.2 liters (376 ci) as the LT1, along with the same OverHead Valve (OHV), or push-rod configuration. Supporting technologies will include Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, and Active Fuel Management.
Mounted in the mid-engine Corvette C8, the LT2 is expected to offer slightly higher output figures than offered by the LT1 in the C7, to the tune of 480 to 500 horsepower. For reference, the LT1 in the base-model C7 Corvette Stingray offers 376 cubic inches of displacement, with output rated at 455 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm. On the Z51 package and the Grand Sport, both of which come equipped with the NPP high-performance exhaust system, power rises slightly to 460 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm.
| Corvette C7 Stingray Base | Stingray C7 with Z51 Package | C7 Grand Sport | Expected C8 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement (liters / cubic-inches) | 6.2 / 376 | 6.2 / 376 | 6.2 / 376 | 6.2 / 376 | |
| Power (hp / kW @ rpm) | 455 / 339.3 @ 6000 | 460 / 621 @ 4600 | 460 / 621 @ 4600 | 480-500 | |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) | 460 / 343 @ 6000 | 465 / 627.8 @ 4600 | 465 / 627.8 @ 4600 | 480 |
The LT2 in the mid-engine Corvette C8 will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A grand total of zero sources have so far told GM Authority that a manual transmission option will be available.
The fact that Chevrolet will continue using the fifth-generation Small Block engine architecture for the mid-engine Corvette C8 shouldn’t come as a terrible surprise given how capable the engines are. The family was introduced by the aforementioned LT1 for car applications, as well as the 4.3L LV3 V6, 5.3L L83 V8, and 6.2L L86 V8 for pickup trucks.
6.2L LT1 V8 in the 2015 Corvette Stingray
Finally, we should note that the LT2 will only serve as the mid-engine Corvette C8, and other variants – especially those with more power – will arrive later.
Excited to learn more? We’ll cover the next-gen Corvette debut as it happens, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Are you sure that it’s not getting the slightly revised LGX, known internally as the LGY?
I hope that’s sarcasm. If not, your comment takes the cake for the dumbest comment of the month… probably the year.
After 50 years of working on this thing, one would think GM could’ve developed a new high-tech engine that would’ve had people talkin’.
New GM is exactly like old GM.
I agree with this and wonder if its because GM wanted to bridge the gap from old to new and thought if they went with a higher tech engine, it would alienate too many fans…We presumably have the E-Ray coming and hopefully there’s a TT coming as well…
Or they could have done both. One model with Old/”New” engine. And something that would be appealing to new gen. Like Tri turbo 4.2 L V8 with better MPG and less CO2.
They are just looking for initial sales since this is a BIG change from the norm. Dont put to many apples on the tree, they may rot befire being pulled.
Sorry for the wrong info in my post above. I was misinformed about the IMSA Caddy DPi 5.5 liter racing engine. The head guy of one of the Caddy IMSA race teams told me it is NOT a DOHC new design engine, but a destroked 6.2 liter. I did ask him if they had done any testing of any of the new design DOHC engines in the IMSA Caddy. The answer he gave me was not a definite no, but they will probably use it in the 2021 race season, according to him, after the bugs are all worked out.
it may be an old engine design, but nothing wrong with pushrod. small and light with modern technologies.
Anyone that thinks the LT1 is not high tech has not been paying attention. Is this a form of discrimination because of the location of the camshaft? If you discriminate because of the location of the camshaft of the machine, does this make you a machinist?
Ford has a coyote engine, Chevy has a Wolf Engine.
Its not high tech. Far to similar still, to the LT1 of the 1990’s. Plus you can’t put more than 620 to the rear wheels (685 crank), and last more than 5k miles if you rev her past 4500 very often. Thg he C8 needs a light 5.5 V8 or the 3.6 Twin Turbo V6, that latter V6 which will make it into a lesser version of a C8. C8-R race car has a high pitched wail that doesn’t sound like an domestic V8. Or it is not a V8 I believe. It could be a V8 but under 4.8L of displacement and a “cross plane crank” like Ferrari and the Ford GT350.
John, you are misinformed if not willfully and totally ignorant.
The LT1 of the ’90’s was based off the the old Gen 1 SBC used in 1992-1996 GM vehicles. This LT2 is based off the 5th Gen LT1, 2014-present. The GM factory rated rpm limit of any Gen 3-5 engine is 6600 rpm, except for the LS7 with a 7000 rpm, and that’s STOCK. Do you not know all the fame of junkyard based GM engines, Gen 3-5 being raced, continuously, successfully with turbo’s?? Do you not know the difference between DOHC and OHV?? Perhaps the difference between a 4.8l OHV GM motor or a 5.0l Coyote, cross plane crank, or 5.2l Voodoo, flat plane crank??? OR…their hp/trq output?? Common knowledge, if you choose to do the research, is a flat plane crank will NOT have the longevity of a cross plane crank…IF YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE between cranks. One will rev higher and the other LASTS longer. Please feel free to post your knowledge but with links of PROOF, TYVM.
A number of reasons.
They have not been working on this for 50 years, some have wanted to go mid engine for that long but that doesn’t mean they’ve been working on it for that long.
Corvette has ALWAYS and I hope will always be the affordable American sports car. Affordable is different person to person, but if you truly want one you can put in the time and buy one. The next closest thing was probably the Viper, with a starting price of 2x as much I’d say a 6 figure car is not affordable. To make this car affordable while still being at the level of the performance we expect from a Corvette it needs an engine like the small block v8.
Like every generation that I remember, this is only a base engine and there will be higher tier engines that are more bespoke and higher technology. You can buy a 755hp Corvette today and we know next gen will be even more special.
To insinuate they should not have used the small block and instead done some high dollar Corvette only engine shows that you don’t know what the Corvette is. That engine will come, but I hope to god it’s never the base engine.
They’re not putting a 3.6l in this thing. That was an April fools joke.
If we want the mid engine C8 to be affordable an existing engine with required and modest improvement is a key. I do note that the tranny is a dual clutch 7 speed instead of the C7s 8 speed. Before we pick all our nits, lets see the whole package in two weeks.
All new car. Why not a reliable engine the first year. After a year the Corvette will be headed toward a 1000 hp so lets watch.
What happend to the smaller displacement quad cam engine we have been reading about?
Not ready?
That was offered in your Father’s Oldsmobile…
I hope the LT2 finds it’s way into the Camaro to keep it competitive with the Mustang and hopefully improve sales.
I thought the Camaro is yesterdays news, Can’t believe still around Nobody buying
The current bathtub inspired Camaro is dead and will be replaced by an electric car. The Tesla model 3 performance will smoke all versions like it’s standing still. The Tesla also smokes it on sales by a factor of 10 or more. Young successful professionals want electric cars and GM should give them what they want. The future is here! Embrace it or get wiped out.
https://autoweek.com/article/green-cars/place-your-bets-tesla-model-3-drag-races-german-and-italian-performance-sedans?utm_source=daily-drive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190703&utm_content=article4-headline
The Camaro sales are down but I wouldn’t say nobody is buying. It’s GM’s only affordable front engine-rear drive sports car now . Take a look at the Challenger if you really want to see yesterday’s news and they still sell.
Its great to see the mid engine corvette, too bad they can’t fix the problem with the c6 models losing time and gps after battery replacement.
One wonders.. did Chevrolet run out of money or is this a compromise so there won’t be any major headaches when the new C8 Corvette is introduced.
First let clear up some things left out by some detractors.
#1 GM is keeping with the same engine due to it being the entry level model. This will keep the price close to where it is now.
#2 GM often offers only the carry over engine in a new platform. This keeps cost down as well issues. Note the 84 and other changes were handled this way.
#3 GM is working on more exotic engines for future versions that will carry more power in much more capable chassis.
There is no mystery here as this is the norm for most C models in the past and we already have heard the race cars using a turbo. We have so much more to come with this program.
There will be something for nearly everyone.
“something for nearly everyone” unless you want a competent daily driver, which GM is currently failing miserably at.
As a huge GM fan they really need to start marketing for the new VSS-F Trailblazer and next gen fwd daily drivers.
Except GM is not keeping the same engine, they are introducing an LT2 that is based on the same small block architecture as the LT1. I’m told it will feature a surprise for everyone.
Multiple sources have confirmed that the LT2 will have well over 500 hp. 525 – 530 is what I’m hearing, which puts it at a 15% increase over the C7 base engine, which also featured a 15% increase in hp compared to the C6 base engine, which had a 15% increase over the C5 base engine. It’s almost like GM plans this stuff out and has marketing data to prove that less of a power increase won’t be as well accepted. ; )
The twin turbo DOHC V8s will debute on the ZO6/ZR1 (or whatever the high performance versions are called). Some are already on the streets for validation. There was some talk a while ago about a high revving NA DOHC V8 but nothing lately, so it’s uncertain and my guess is that the FPC didn’t make it through validation. Check out Ford’s Voodoo if you want to see what uncontrolled second order vibrations do to large displacement V8 reliability.
FPC = Future Performance Concept
Flat plane crank.
I have no problems with putting in the same old engine revised a bit. Would like to see it Port injection. With that being said I’m no car expert but I am led to believe that that’s more reliable then just direct injection.We all know that they have something else up their sleeves something a little more exotic in years to come. Can’t wait to se the unveiling
Just another fossil buring dinosaur
I like EV’s too but come on now. Not everything is going to be full EV anytime soon so Sports Cars are great to be ICE for the time being. Even if you’re an environmentalist, a Sports Car EV should be preferred as it only gets utilized parts of the year or just not as a complete Daily Driver.
I personally cannot wait for the new C8.
I own a C6 GS and a P85 Tesla. I wrote that the C8 will probably get it’s front wheels powered by an electric motor.
I agree with that. Hope to see it as well
I liked to find out about the DOHC engine they were rumored to be working on a couple of years ago. It’s not the blackwing either, I don’t remember without pulling it up but I think it was a 6.2 DOHC, but not the 5.5 DOHC Motortrend was rumored coming.
A 5.5 high revving DOHC (hopefully NA) flat plane crank is the engine that would get me to write the check. Keep the weight in check and I’ll be a customer.
Travis, GM cast the parts for all three versions of the new design DOHC engine, in a 4.2 liter, 5.5 and also a 6.2 liter version. All the engine parts are cast at the Tonawanda, NY plant. GM does NOT want the V8 Camaro to outrun a new C8 Vette, so they tested the 5.5 liter version for the Camaro. If, if, if, the 2021 Camaro has the 5.5 liter, it could be offered in both a non-turbo 5.5 and a twin turbo 5.5 version. This way GM protects the higher price C8 Vette with a 6.2 liter twin turbo engine. Yesterday, i saw two Youtube videos of all the C8 engines. There were 3, with the base engine being a 6.2 LT2, with higher HP of about 515 to 530 HP. The second engine option is a 6.2 liter twin turbo LT6 ( turbos not inside the engine V ) with about 650 HP. The third engine is an LT7, which has an 80 HP electric motor to boost the LT6 power to over 700. Guess what. Both of those two Youtube videos that had all the C8 engine details posted on Monday night, have been removed as of today after lunchtime, Tuesday, 2 days before the July 18, reveal date. That makes me think they were accurate as to the power figures. .
I seriously doubt we will see the introduction of three engines in 2 days. This is not the way that the brand has been managed in the past.
The 18th is the intro of the Stingray and later we will see other specialty models introduced.
MARK SMYTH member of the SAE since 1988
“Both of those two Youtube videos that had all the C8 engine details posted on Monday night, have been removed as of today after lunchtime, Tuesday, 2 days before the July 18, reveal date. That makes me think they were accurate as to the power figures. .”
What do you think now of those BS videos? You must be one of those guys who believe in conspiracies and bearded men in the sky watching you. ROFLMAO
Live to dream.. sales of the C7 Corvette wouldn’t be so slow if it featured the updated LT2 6.2L V8 that made 480-500 hp.
What would be the point of 20-30 more hp in base through GS models? It’s all about a generational change and what virtually all vette enthusiasts have been asking for for 30+ years – the mid engine. We are getting our wish. Want to be able to afford one? Then take a few minor compromises at the outset. Be happy and see what further iterations of the C8 bring us. It’s like whatever they do there is 53% that aren’t happy. I love my C7 GS but I can’t wait to drive and see a Z51 or GS C8. I’ll place my order in the second year of production.
If you want a collector car Then always buy the 1st year. You never need to worry re: bugs the 1st year. GM always backs their products.
Why do I think the front wheels will be powered by a 200kW electric motor?
The 2019 Mustang Bullit makes 480 hp from it 5.0 litre engine. If GM was able to produce the same hp per litre as Ford does in their 5.0, the 6.2 should produce 595 hp.
Corvette is a supposed to be a flagship even if this is going to be the entry level version. 500 hp doesn’t cut it these days.
What is Ford doing right or GM doing wrong?
Relative to the Coyote, the LT1 is more fuel efficient, lighter, and has a lower center of gravity. The LT1 not only has higher peak torque, but at low rpms it has substantially more torque. It’s also 6 years old while the Coyote was just updated in ’18.
Drive them back to back on the street and the LT1 dominates the Coyote.
So why do you believe GM is doing something wrong?
OHC engines are more fuel efficient, that’s why the entire world has gone that way. The new Blackbird engine is OHC. On the other hand, the LTI is lighter, more compact and does in fact have a lower center of gravity. Higher peak torque of the LT1 is likely the result of larger displacement with more power at lower rpm being a feature of OHV. OHC engines rev higher and produce more power on top. Both types of engine have their advantages.
I have driven both and the 5.0 Coyote is a heck of a lot of fun with high revs and great sound. OHC is the future in performance applications. GM is the alone in offering an OHV due to lower cost to produce but will eventually come along and so will the Vette.
The reason OHC engines seem more fuel efficient is that OHCs are the only way to get reasonable horsepower out of a small four cylinder engine. Displacement taxes in Europe also resulted in all the exotic sports car brands developing four or even six valves per cylinder to wring the most hp out of small displacement engines, whether they be six cylinders or twelve.
It’s hard to make blanket generalizations since so much depends on how a particular configuration is executed. GM decided to focus on variable displacement technology (AFM) and achieved slightly better results than Ford did with their smaller displacement DOHC V8s – primarily because the higher low end torque permitted taller gearing which lets the OHV V8 keep the revs way down while cruising.
Ford is even going back to OHV two valves per cylinder on an upcoming truck engine because they need gobs of low end stump-pullin’ torque for towing.
Blackbird engine? Do you mean the Blackwing? That’s a turbo engine so the low rpm induction velocity issues inherent to four valves per cylinder is moot. There is more advantage to precise valve control and independent phasing of intake and exhaust cams. We can expect future C8 Corvette engines to be based on the Blackwing architecture but they won’t be hot V engines, instead mounting the turbos conventionally on the sides for a lower center of gravity and what I presume will be greater reliability since those hot Vs tend to have head gasket and valve seal issues due to thermal stress.
Just where, exactly , is the C8 going to be “launched”….”previewed”….whatever. I heard that it was going to be L.A. Will there be one at “Corvettes at Carlisle” , Carlisle, Pa. in late August. This is the largest Corvette gathering in the world and usually where Corvette/GM previews it’s newest product…
Still using a 2 valve/cylinder pushrod v8??? My wife’s 1999 Grand Marquis has a more advanced engine design! (Dual chain drive overhead cams v8)
Yea…..but Her’s is likely a “Hybrid” engine.
Burns both Gasoline and Oil.
Nah this is the modular Ford v8 engine that powered thousands of police cars, taxis, and Lincoln Town cars to 400k miles and beyond. I’m not a pro Ford anti Chevy guy at all, I love the Vette! Point is for a premium sports car they have to do better on the engineering end, I’m talking 1990s technology here!
I own a C6 GS and a P85 Tesla. I wrote that the C8 will probably get it’s front wheels powered by an electric motor.
Front electric motors will show up later on the ZR1 model (or whatever it’s called) and maybe, just maybe, the ZO6. The base model will stick to the basics.
Where do you get this nonsense from? 6 years and all GMPS could come up with is 20hp/20lb-ft of torque? They could get that simply from a new IM, new headers, and shorter ME exhaust path, lol.
You want some real info? The LT2’s power output will be at least 15% greater than that of the LT1.
I completely agree with you. 20/20 is too conservative and I suspect is used to throw people off. Considering that GM has the 376/535hp LT1 crate engine already, it puts your 15% or better spot on. What’s interesting is that even though HP is 535, Torque is 470 LB/FT @4600 RPM. Kind of funny how on the web page for that CE they state ” INTENDED FOR COMPETITION USE ONLY.” and when you scroll down they show it showcased in a ’69 Chevelle that’s obviously a street car, lol. Just wondering how emissions & MPG’s will be affected if an LT2 variant finds it’s way into the C8. I guess we’ll find out in 12 days.
The LS376/535 is marketed as “INTENDED FOR COMPETITION USE ONLY” because of State and Federal emission regulations. Basically it’s illegal to install this, and most other crate engines, in cars subject to emission regulations. Labeling a crate engine “competition” or “off road” use only, absolves them of any responsibility if you install it in an emission equipped vehicle. Most aftermarket heads, manifolds, carbs, etc, are marketed the same way.
I don’t understand why so many people seem to think that the Corvette, or any performance car, needs to have some complicated, high strung engine, to be a “true” sports car. Chevrolet has proven time and again that they can get as much power out of the OHV design, as their competition can with OHC, multiple cams, and multiple valves, and the OHV design is more reliable and easier to maintain.
If the coyote is such a great leap forward in engine design, how come no one’s hanging around junk yards waiting for wrecked Mustangs to come in? Yards can’t pull LS engines from wrecked Camaro’s, SS’s, Corvettes and G8’s fast enough, to meet the demand for them from people looking to do LS engine swaps.
I guess clarification is needed for you and perhaps others here.
1. My example of the 376/535hp LT1 was simply to show that GM has already done the high performance work to support higher Hp levels in the current LT1 and may well be applicable to the LT2. Perhaps you are unaware that to get the 535hp level out of ANY factory LT1, you only need to install PN:19333525 and then have the ECU tuned. Emissions are not the factor here as a proper tune will produce no more emissions. We are not talking the good ‘ole days of carbs, cams, heads with no ECU to fine tune for power AND emissions. If emissions were the main factor, there would be no 755hp ZR1, 760hp GT500, 800hp+ Demon. The issue is Gov Mileage requirements for a new production vehicle or pay a gas guzzler tax which is of course passed on to the customer. Efficiency continues to improve (CNC heads, Superchargers, Turbo design, etc) but significantly more HP will ALWAYS require more fuel.
2. OHV is cheaper to produce and maintain but is NOT more Efficient than the OHC/DOHC design. Hence you get more power from less displacement. Look at GM’s own 3.6l DOHC V6 @ 335hp, fords 5.0l@ 460hp & 5.2l V8@ 526hp. While the new C8 gets an LT2 to start, it will use TT DOHC V8/s, and potentially a hybrid/EV eventually.
3. Ford has been ahead of GM for years regarding OHC technology/development. Remember the 427 SOHC motor way back in ’64? Yeah, 616hp single carb. The 5.0l and the 5.2l voodoo both punch well above their displacement hp wise but not MPG wise. The 5.0l is a singular design being sourced in salvage yards by many for ford swaps as it’s most prolific V8 from trucks and mustangs.
Only the GM 6.2l is the most desirable because there are not as many simply due to production/wreckage percentages with numerous LS 4.8’s & 5.3’s sitting in the yards, while Gen V L83 5.3l’s are slightly more desirable and those three are from trucks/suv’s but still being capable performers if built and tuned properly.
Hi, I love reading about the new C8 but I don’t understand technical talk. Some GM Authority made a little clearer for me, there will be a 7 speed which I love and buy only. I read once there were only automatics. I like horsepower and my 7 speeds. Always Z06’s and now the ZR1 I have. I am not a crazy driver, just love the take off I 1st,2nd and 3rd and just know the horse power is there. I don’t race or ever want anything to happen to my cars. They have been my life since 1974. When all they had as new when I was able to buy my first one. Never stopped. Part of my family so hope this new one will make it through to the next generation of corvettes and one for everybody, affordable and fun to drive. And keep building that horsepower. Actually I had an 09 ZR1 too and here comes my Z06 with more horsepower again. Like I say, Z06’s for 20 years and now my ZR1 but I miss my Z06 too. Can’t afford both this time. Didn’t know I had to post this. Nobody will care. But at least a normal person’s point of view. A female. Sorry, didn’t mean to bore anyone. Just my opinion for what I like. And I am not bragging honestly, I would
live in a shack as long as I had a safe indoor place for my corvette.
I would like to add a little to my story. GM has been building our corvette on the foreign car market but without the price tag. I did see a picture of a red Ferrari 488 with the same looking side vents as the new vette. Truly looked a lot like it but that car had a 400,000.dollar price tag and up. So that along with the Porsche has a lot of thought for the new C8. Also their performance. I have been reading a lot along the way and not technical as I said before. Glad the guys know the technical parts about the C8 for those of us that don’t, like me. Hopefully it will be everything we imagined it would with it’s beautiful lines and and still a corvette we all will love. Will take some time to get use to it as it is a drastic change. But do we have a choice? No. It is what it is with no cares to what we think or wanted. It was GM’s decision. And hopefully makes us happy.