Next Corvette could offer small-displacement turbo V8

[Wretched]

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.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/n...ment-turbo-v8/

This could be interesting if it is true.

[DBourne]

it'd be unreal winding a turbo 8 to 10,000rpm.

But Mullet Joe over there won't take to it.

"No replacement for displacement" is their way

[mik]

why would`nt they, the Ford 5.0 has been a big success.

[FPV8U]

While this Motor would be ideal for a lightweight Corvette i can't see this being great news down @ HSV.

A High Revving 3.0L V8 even with a Turbo won't suit a 2t Sedan.

[2011G6E]

A Corvette already weighs bugger-all...why keep stuffing bigger and bigger V8's into it when they could turn it into a very sharp package with a nice light weight turbo V8?
They say "perfect 50/50 weight distribution"...but common sense says that when you have a massive lump of engine in the back, then weight has to have been added somewhere aft to allow for that weight up front. I know they've been moving the current engine back and downwards to help, but still...
Not to mention the average age of Corvette buyers is, shall we say, on the grey-haired baby boomers side...will they really notice the performance anyway? Looks are more important for most buyers with that thing.

Bring it on...should be a pearler.

[chevypower]

I think GTDI technology is the way now until something better comes along, but 3.0L is a still little small for a Corvette. A 5-5.5L V8 GTDI would be perfect.

[FPV GTHO]

Originally Posted by mik

why would`nt they, the Ford 5.0 has been a big success.

I dont think theyre looking at the 5L for this, more likely the Ecoboost V6 which is in a similar displacement range.

I'll believe it when i see it though. Ive heard plenty about the Gen5 going smaller to ~5.5L but nothing about a high tech, low displacement V8.

[ebxr8240]

Hmmm? Turbo V8... Nice....

[smoo]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

A Corvette already weighs bugger-all...why keep stuffing bigger and bigger V8's into it when they could turn it into a very sharp package with a nice light weight turbo V8?
They say "perfect 50/50 weight distribution"...but common sense says that when you have a massive lump of engine in the back, then weight has to have been added somewhere aft to allow for that weight up front. I know they've been moving the current engine back and downwards to help, but still...
Not to mention the average age of Corvette buyers is, shall we say, on the grey-haired baby boomers side...will they really notice the performance anyway? Looks are more important for most buyers with that thing.

Bring it on...should be a pearler.

I think you have a misconception of 'big V8s', do yourself a favour and see how much the current chev small block weighs and compare.

[prasac]

the yanks are slowly turning towards turbo's more and more. i think they are noticing the benefits of them. a 4L V8 similar to a 1UZ with 2 turbo's in a Corvette even a Commondore would be fine.

[stevz]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

While this Motor would be ideal for a lightweight Corvette i can't see this being great news down @ HSV.

A High Revving 3.0L V8 even with a Turbo won't suit a 2t Sedan.

This....

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.

[FPV GTHO]

Originally Posted by prasac

the yanks are slowly turning towards turbo's more and more. i think they are noticing the benefits of them. a 4L V8 similar to a 1UZ with 2 turbo's in a Corvette even a Commondore would be fine.

I think its a case of everyone is looking to smaller displacement, blown motors to pass tighter emissions.

[jordsnissannx]

thats bloody awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so wheres some pics of it since they know what motor its gonna have, and im not talking about the glorified c6 z06 pics on that page lol



jordo

[burnz]

chev allready have a 2.6L V8 720hp @ 12,000rpm that was shared with corvette and indy/cart cars..

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by prasac

the yanks are slowly turning towards turbo's more and more. i think they are noticing the benefits of them. a 4L V8 similar to a 1UZ with 2 turbo's in a Corvette even a Commondore would be fine.

As is BMW, Mercedes, and Hyundai. None of these manufacturers were using turbos not that long ago. Merc said supercharging was the way to go, BMW said naturally aspirated was the way to go. These are not your old school Toyota Supra turbos.

[prasac]

Originally Posted by chevypower

As is BMW, Mercedes, and Hyundai. None of these manufacturers were using turbos not that long ago. Merc said supercharging was the way to go, BMW said naturally aspirated was the way to go. These are not your old school Toyota Supra turbos.

it's funny how things change in a couple years. a well setup turbo car is as good any NA, supercharged car as long as you spend the time doing some R&D and not just saying, we will throw this turbo on and be done with it.

[jpd80]

It sounds like a fantastic idea, maybe too fantastic.
GM likes to amortize the costs of its V8 engines through sales of trucks and as far as
I can see. a 3.0 V8 turbo that spins to 10,000 rpm doesn't seem to fit that profile.

Here's what I think, a 5.5 litre DI V8 with VCT for trucks, Camaro and Corvette,
high series will probably get a supercharger to keep car and truck fans happy.

[SteveJH]

Originally Posted by burnz

chev allready have a 2.6L V8 720hp @ 12,000rpm that was shared with corvette and indy/cart cars..

Sure, but how often does it need to be torn down, inspected and rebuilt?

Racing engines are different to road engines, From memory the engine in a V8 supercar is stripped down once every 2,500km or so.

[kpcart]

The current chev 7.0L v8 is a very light unit. i saw a comparison in an aussie car mag a few years ago versus a BMW m5 v10. the bmw and chev had similar "maximum" power, but the chev had 2L more capacity so most people would assume it is technologically inferior, but amazingly it weighed less then the bmw unit, and had more low down power and heaps more torque. so it is a great engine.
If they made a smaller version of it, then yes they could make it rev up quicker and to higher rpms, and it wouldnt be bogged down so much with too much torque. and team that to the lastest rumours that the new corvette will have a mid-mounted engine, and they could well build something special indeed.

that example of the indy car 2.6L v8 (turbo) is not a good example, it is a racing car engine, not a road car engine. the current f1 cars use 2.4L v8s (no turbos) and spin to a limited 18,000rpm and make 750hp. they are also built by companies that make road cars (renault, mercedes etc), but those companies would not put those engines in road cars.

[burnz]

Originally Posted by SteveJH

Sure, but how often does it need to be torn down, inspected and rebuilt?

Racing engines are different to road engines, From memory the engine in a V8 supercar is stripped down once every 2,500km or so.

correct you are..
just saying the engine (road version) was slotted in the vette, don't know the power or rpm limit thou..