Next Corvette to Get All-New Small-Block

[Jazz]

Next Corvette to Get All-New Small-Block
C7 will Debut with GM's latest V-8
From the August, 2010 issue of Motor Trend / By Mike Connor

Click to view GalleryAccording to sources inside GM, the C7 Corvette will be one of the first cars fitted with the next-generation small-block V-8 GM announced it is investing $890 million to develop and manufacture.

GM has confirmed the new small-block V-8s will feature aluminum blocks and heads, direct injection, and a new combustion system. Our sources say the C7 engine will displace 5.5 liters, with a target output of about 440 horsepower.

The new small-block will retain a traditional overhead-valve layout, ensuring compact dimensions and lower manufacturing costs. Prototype engines reportedly are already running on test beds in Detroit.



Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2010/1008_corvette_to_get_all_new_small_block/index.html#ixzz0sAaLfloh

[Bobrsss]

Sweet! Who would have thought they would need anything more than the LS motors?

[383IROC]

Are they going to finally get with the program and get OHC??

[Jazz]

Nope, clearly states overhead valve setup, however, I don't really see that the overhead cam is a huge advantage, increases complexity, weight and the overal envelope of the engine. OHV is more compact and can make just as much power in the right setup. Direct injection is the really hot ticket item here, but larger aftermarket injectors are going to be pretty expensive.

[grn95t/a]

ya beat me to it, lmao! i do like the prototype body style though.

[socalmach]

Kind of looks like a maseratti or ferrari.

Chris already hit the big points on why not to go with OHC.

[Red2001SS]

Looks stupid. But the new motor could still be LS related, we all new direct Injection was coming. 5.5L is easy to get if you have a LS3 bore of 4.065 and a 4.8L LS stroke of 3.267. Comes out to 5.559L and 339.2ci.

[crispytoast]

if the CORVETTE is only getting 5.5l and 440hp what does that mean for new models of camaro?!?

[Red2001SS]

Means the Camaro will get the same variant of the same 5.5L, but detuned in the ECM to make a few ponies less prob 430/435hp, like the Current LS3. The auto will probably still get AFM and be like 405hp.

[crispytoast]

still seems power levels are moving in the wrong direction with this new motor.....

[Jazz]

Smaller displacement doesn't necessarily mean less power. Look at what the 2011 Mustang brings to the table with the 5.0

Personally I'd like to see the money spent on making the car lighter than making huge hp numbers stock. With CARB and CAFE regulations that's harder and harder to do which is why getting a tune makes such a huge difference on some cars. So, give me better std brakes and less weight along wth modest (440hp) stock power. Imagine the 5th Gen Camaro if it weighed what a 4th Gen does. It would be a much better car overall and be 1/2 a second quicker right? Same goes for the Mustand vs. Fox body mustang.