The mythical 5.5.........I know some about it, based on readings around the web. But due to the competitiveness of the sport, plus the competitiveness of the Industry, there is very little known about it specifically...
Of course, #3, if you read this and chuckle at my ignorance...do tell me. I hate when I talk out my a$$.
The 5.5L to be used in the 2010 GT2 C6.R car is based off of the new Gen V small block. Since these engines are race-engines, and thus rebuilt after nearly every race, they don't need a factory dedicated to this engine to pump out a few at a time. The engine is no doubt in the middle of validation and testing, because the block design is complete, evidenced by the fact they're going to use it in the series. Since a race-engine doesn't need to last 100,000 miles without opening it, the engine they will be using won't need to go through testing, etc and can be used far sooner than the street car version. This engine will also be run with E85 racing fuel, just like the current LS7.R.
The Street car version, the "normal" Gen V, was scheduled to start production in 2011. Similar to GM's rollout of the 6-speed auto trannys, don't expect this engine to be placed in every V8 vehicle all at once. However, the LS3 is the last "new" Gen IV engine. The LS9, the LSA, the L99, are all based off of that engine, and so they 'don't count'. So the next "new" engine WILL be a GenV.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1533
If it stays true to this "sneak peak" a couple years ago, the lineup will employ Direct Injection, which increases hp and fuel economy, while allowing a displacement reduction (which also inherently increases fuel economy). It should be able to utilize cam phasing, AFM, and be able to run E85. Expect a significantly reworked engine block/heads, while maintaining the classic 90-degree V8 foundation of the Chevy Small Block. The article above also quotes Tom Stephens as saying that they would want to introduce this engine in a high-profile car like the Camaro. Given that the C7 Corvette isn't due until 2012-2013, it would make sense that the Camaro gets this engine first, and then 'update it' for the C7 to make it a thoroughly 'new car'.
Needless to say...I'm f'n excited.
