Report: Next Chevy Corvette to offer small-displacement turbo V8

[Apex Motorsports]

Report: Next Chevy Corvette to offer small-displacement turbo V8

by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on May 25th, 2011 at 5:01PM

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to TheDetroitBureau.com, General Motors is planning to alter its strategy with the next-generation Corvette to appeal to a wider range of customers. Traditionally, the Corvette has always been offered with high-displacement eight-cylinder powertrains, but according to sources within GM, the C7 Corvette may also offer a small, turbocharged V8.

Just how small, exactly? TDB reports that the next Corvette's European-style V8 could measure in at just over 3.0 liters, using an overhead-cam setup and dry sump oil system. With the aid of turbocharging, unnamed GM sources expect that this engine will deliver "in excess of 400 horsepower," or about 125 hp per liter. What's more, the smaller V8 could be of the extremely high-revving nature, with TDB citing that engine revs could handle up to 10,000 RPM.

GM's North American president, Mark Reuss, previously told The Bureau that the C7 Corvette will "target a very different sort of buyer."

However, traditional V8 enthusiasts need not worry, as the story states that a full range of engines will be available, including the classic larger displacement units that have traditionally found a home in the Corvette.

Of course, the rumormill about exactly what's in store for the C7 Corvette continues to swirl. We've heard everything from a mid-engine layout to a split rear window design that pays tribute to the 1963 'Vette. Whatever the case, GM just invested $131 million in the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant that builds the Corvette and the all-new model is expected to arrive within the next two to three years.

[TheCaptain]

It's only understandable. Engines can't just keep getting bigger into infinity! (At least not yet. )
Especially something you want to fit into a sports car and keep lightweight!

[TOMS1SS]

[8cd03gro]

Crap, now I have to save up for a 'vette. I wonder what moniker will have the turbo 8 if it actually happens. I have doubts about the details, but if it's really a 3.0l turbo 8 that revs to 10k I'm already sold. Slap a bigger turbo on that bad boy and you're good to go spank everything else out there. Plus it will sound unreal.

[DGthe3]

This is in the split window, mid engined, 2800 lb hybrid Corvette right?

[TheCaptain]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

This is in the split window, mid engined hybrid Corvette right?

LOL!

Although, as far as i hear, the split window is the only actual possible real part of that!

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

Crap, now I have to save up for a 'vette. I wonder what moniker will have the turbo 8 if it actually happens. I have doubts about the details, but if it's really a 3.0l turbo 8 that revs to 10k I'm already sold. Slap a bigger turbo on that bad boy and you're good to go spank everything else out there. Plus it will sound unreal.

I would have a very hard time choosing between a lite weight turbo V8 and the large displacement V8.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by TheCaptain

LOL!

Although, as far as i hear, the split window is the only actual possible real part of that!

I never cease to be amazed at how quickly people take the bait on Corvette 'rumours'

I'm not saying its not going to happen but ...

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by Apex Chase

I would have a very hard time choosing between a lite weight turbo V8 and the large displacement V8.

Unless they change to a different architecture for that small V8 (which is unlikely, since they're pushing to consolidate their V8 lines not diverge them), its gunna weigh more than a large displacement pushrod V8. No matter the displacement on current production small blocks, the bore spacing is 4.4" and the deck height is 9.025" (IIRC). Overhead cams add weight. Turbos & intercoolers add weight. Building a small engine for forced induction (so stuff doesn't break) adds weight.

Where is the weight savings going to come from? Boring a smaller hole into the block? Wouldn't that end up adding (a little) weight too? Could go with a shorter stroke, but conversely that leads to longer connecting rods ... again, adding (a little) weight. The higher RPMs, plus forced induction mean that internals would have to be incredibly strong. Not that they can't do it but unless they've discovered unobtanium strength = weight.

I see this as little more than a fishing trip by the Corvette team and it sounds like they got a few, hook line and sinker.

[Orange5thGen]

Smaller displacement as in 2 less cylinders maybe......direct injection V6 would save a few lbs.

400 HP hummmm sounds like what I am making....LOL

[Angrybird 12]

Hmmm, could they be trying to make the first 400 hp, 40 mpg sportscar?

[JHL88]

if that happens i would be shocked honestly. 10000 redline x2 turbo OHC small disp. v8 corvette. a pretty humongous and bold change IMO. i wouldn't know what to think until i see it perform. if they also offered a N/A bigger cubed engine it would be very dynamic

[8cd03gro]

Originally Posted by Apex Chase

I would have a very hard time choosing between a lite weight turbo V8 and the large displacement V8.

Like said earlier by someone else, I doubt a DOHC turbo v8 would be lighter than the cam in block v8s offered. What's desirable about it is the ability to spin, crazy strong internals and forced induction. The aftermarket would go absolutely nuts over such a car. Cubes are great, but eventually you just can't increase n/a efficiency any further. If you want easy power, boost it.

[syr74]

I love the concept, but I think DG3 hit it square on the head with this one. A stand alone, small displacement, OHC V-8 engine program that is going to debut in a car that isn't too far off in the future and we've heard nada about it thus far. It would be a real coup, particularly if GM used such a design to replace their current large V-6 engines. (What would you rather have in your LaCrosse, a 3.6L V-6 or a 3.6L V-8?) But, if this is a program it is very difficult to believe it will be done in time for a next gen Vette.