Many of us have been waiting for the arrival of the next-generation Corvette C7 for quite some time. It’s not so much because we are hardcore Corvette lovers or even because the next generation is getting any dramatic changes to pique our interest, but with so many changes in regulations and the growing awareness of the environment - and the effects that has on our wallets - we were just curious to see if Chevrolet would be biting the bullet and straying away from their trademark V8 engine. A few months ago we shared a video of Chevrolet chief engineer, Tadge Juechter, getting very defensive over the company’s beloved Corvette and it became clear that the next generation would still carry the V8 engine that has gotten them this far, but it would be getting some changes to move with the times.
It has been said that the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette - and not 2011 as originally planned - will be utilizing a 5.5L small block V8 engine in its front engine, rear wheel drive platform and will actually get more horsepower than the typical 6.2L and 7.0L engines used in the past. With this engine, the Corvette would end up with 440HP, about 5 HP up from the previous generation, and will also feature better fuel economy to boot. The engine will come with a revised combustion system and an aluminum block and heads.
Some rumors suggest that the new generation Corvette will adopt a European-style, small-block, turbocharged V8 engine. According toTheDetroitBureau.com, the new engine will only be slightly larger than 3 liters in displacement and will be of an overhead-cam, rather than traditional overhead-valve design, using a dry sump oil system that’s particularly well-suited to high-performance road courses rather than straight-line acceleration. This engine would be able to provide only 400 HP, or about 125 HP per liter.
Porsche’s new seven-speed manual transmission has given Chevrolet something to think about in terms of its next-gen Corvette. A source close to the project has told InsideLine that the company is preparing a seven-speed for its Corvette, more than likely to boost fuel efficiency. Of course, a move like this would also be beneficial for all variations in the Corvette lineup.
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