A Gen V hint?

[stovt001]

On Leftlane News they have an article about the future of the Corvette in the face of the new CAFE regulations (linked below). I found one quote particularly interesting:

"Wallace added: "I don't think we're going to design a 700 horsepower Corvette."

Instead, Wallace says the next Corvette will have a heavy emphasis on pounds per horsepower. Although no figures are set, Wallace said that if the C7 Corvette were to shed 300 or 400 pounds, it could use a 4.7L V8 with 150 less horsepower than found in the 2008 models and still maintain the same performance. Lighter weight would also translate into better handling."

So does anyone else think this might indicate that one Gen V engine could be a 4.7L? The 280 hp figure just doesn't seem right though. They could easily make 280 hp with a V6. A 4.7L should get at least high 300 hp, nearly 400.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/corvette...gulations.html

[SilverTurtle]

as a point of reference, the supercharged 4.4L Northstar in the XLR-V makes 443hp and the 4.6L with VVT in the regular XLR makes 320hp

[Scotsman]

As long as we get to keep the V8 engine I'm stoked. If not; these cars will end up being some of the bastardized products I've seen yet from our beloved. I can make-do with less power as long as they engineer a way to make it a performance marvel, and there are definitely ways of doing that (BMW, Lotus,... anyone???).

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by stovt001

So does anyone else think this might indicate that one Gen V engine could be a 4.7L? The 280 hp figure just doesn't seem right though. They could easily make 280 hp with a V6. A 4.7L should get at least high 300 hp, nearly 400.

I definitely think that it's a Gen V hint. But I also think that the hp humber was just a relative number to gloat(much deserved) and say - "you know we could do this....".

And although a V6 can make 280hp easily...IMO, V8's are easier to work with, and yield better results. Take that DI V6 right now...with all it's tech, it still 'only' gets nearly the same mileage as the LS3 in the Vette.

Now, on the other hand - put the Legendary performance, durability, and economy of a Chevy Small Block into a smaller package. Imagine the savings - in all three areas!!

[Scotsman]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Now, on the other hand - put the Legendary performance, durability, and economy of a Chevy Small Block into a smaller package. Imagine the savings - in all three areas!!

Now THAT sounds like a great idea. GM has too large a resource pool not to make the V8 engine more efficient.

[TAG UR IT]

Calling jenny craig....could our Camaro end up weighing in at even less than the hoped 3,750? And, with a Gen V???

[asrapid]

If we look at LS3 it develops around 70 Hp/liter..so with V8 4.7 l displacement engine based on ls3 could develop around 330 hp..without using DI vvt etc. Maybe he thinks on Z06 engine since zr1 isn't on sale yet. So roughly 505 -150 = 355 hp..which could be achieved with DI, vvt etc in smaller diplacement engine. And if they need more they could turbocharged/supercharged it.
I hope GM didn't cancel Gen V ohv like they did canceled Northstar 2, and that it will get DI (and maybe 3 valve head)

[Grape Ape]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I definitely think that it's a Gen V hint. But I also think that the hp humber was just a relative number to gloat(much deserved) and say - "you know we could do this....".

And although a V6 can make 280hp easily...IMO, V8's are easier to work with, and yield better results. Take that DI V6 right now...with all it's tech, it still 'only' gets nearly the same mileage as the LS3 in the Vette.

Now, on the other hand - put the Legendary performance, durability, and economy of a Chevy Small Block into a smaller package. Imagine the savings - in all three areas!!

I don’t think that the mileage is comparable until GM offers both engines in the same car.

Considering how fat, wide (wind resistance) and stuffed full of power sucking doodads the Cadi is compared to the Vette, I think that it is pretty impressive that the Cadi even comes close on MPGs, even allowing for the missing 130 horses.

I do think you’re right that the 280 is nothing, hell the turbo 4 in the Kappas makes 260. I suspect the quote refers to the LS9. He is saying that the next step from the ZR1’s LS9 is not a 700 horse V8. Instead they are going to get Jenny Craig to help build a Vette that scoots with 470 horses (620-150).

A 470HP 4.7L would be worth bragging about, that works out the about 1.6 horses per cubic inch. And unless it was hand built like the LS7, there is probably a fair chance of the Camaro getting it as an option since the Vette’s weight advantage would be unassailable.

[The_Blur]

There's a lot that could be reduced to make less horsepower go farther. For example, if the Camaro uses fiberglass or aluminum panels, the weight could be significantly less than 3,700 lbs. I'm sure GM has some tricks up their sleeves.

[camarocrazy28]

With direct injection, and super/turbocharging many things are possible--even 400 hp. Remember, GM' s high feature 3.6 liter V-6 with direct injection has like 300 hp and the turbocharged I-4 Ecotec in the Saturn Sky Redline, Pontiac Solstice GTP and the new Cobalt SS (coming soon) has 260 hp.

[asrapid]

Guys , what do you think are chances we will se something like this in future- XV8 engine from 2001. Two cam in block , direct injection, 3 valves.
http://autospeed.com/cms/A_1193/article.html
I think it could with tune up for sports car and more displacement develop around 400 hp.

[mprhead5]

lower displacment and more tech will be a good thing. If they can pull 350-400hp in a 2900 lb corvette it will kick ass. the vette is already a fairly light vehicle though. they will have to come up with some new materials to shed that weight. unless they can mass produce cheaper carbon fiber

[Scotsman]

Originally Posted by mprhead5

unless they can mass produce cheaper carbon fiber

It's said that that's another ten years out. However, CAFE may change that.

[stovt001]

Originally Posted by mprhead5

lower displacment and more tech will be a good thing. If they can pull 350-400hp in a 2900 lb corvette it will kick ass. the vette is already a fairly light vehicle though. they will have to come up with some new materials to shed that weight. unless they can mass produce cheaper carbon fiber

They could also make it smaller, though one of the Corvette's selling points is better than average interior and cargo room for a sports car.