Next-Gen Corvette to Get Advanced 5.5-Liter V8 With 440-HP
The next-generation (C7) Chevrolet Corvette will get a new 5.5-liter small block V8, making roughly 440-hp. According to sources tapped by Motor Trend, the new engine is already undergoing testing. In fact, GM has already given a related version of this new 5.5-liter motor plenty of test time in its new GT2 Corvette Racing C6.R cars, competing in the American Le Mans Series.
The new small block V8 is reported to have both direct-injection, as well as a new combustion system design – possibly a hint that GM is planning variable valve timing for the venerable pushrod V8.
While the power increase is just 10 ponies above the current V8, fuel economy should be improved significantly and we expect that through the use of lighter weight materials and possibly some exciting new transmission changes, acceleration will no doubt be improved upon as well.
And while we’re excited to see what the General has in store for the C7 Corvette, rumors suggest this model is somewhat of a post-bankruptcy stop-gap as GM plans a major overhaul of the Corvette for it’s 8th generation model.
[Source: Motor Trend]
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The 'Vettes I watch in GT2 racing are very exciting to watch..good to see a USA car in the thick of racing again...I've owned 4 Corvettes during my 69 years, but I still like the feeling of my '68 '427' pushing me down between the crack in the seat..I hope we can keep getting back in the winners' circle in the American Le Mans Series and The Rolex Series..