There’s a chart allegedly showing General Motors’ future engine offerings for the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 floating around on the internet, bringing an abundance of new rumors for the upcoming Corvette’s performance trims. The leak is fresh from a member in the Corvette Forum, who claims to have obtained a photo showing the future lineup of the C8 Corvette from a “guy who knows a guy.” There is no confirming the validity of the leak; however, it does tick quite a few boxes for the C8s enthusiasts, that they have have been expecting to see released during the C8’s lifespan.
For example, there is the LT6 code which is said to identify a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V-8, and although it’s smaller in displacement, it reportedly carries a strong punch, with 620 pound-feet of torque. This power rating places the motor square in the sights of the Z06, though it raises eyebrows to expect GM to release a lower-output engine for its new flagship sports car. Perhaps for a new Grand Sport vehicle?
If you want to feel more adventurous then more power could be the answer. The LT7 platform has reportedly slapped twin-turbochargers onto a 5.5-liter V-8 which produces 850 horsepower; which is a good fit for the future ZR1, which is still a rumor. The specifications for the LT7, allegedly leaked, create a bit of confusion when compared to previous reports which had placed GM’s eyes on a Blackwing-based 4.8-liter twin-turbo platform, although neither has yet been confirmed or denied.
Perhaps the most interesting is the inclusion of the electrification across the LT platform. The LT7 is listed as being available in both a traditional internal combustion engine with 750 pound-feet of torque or an electrified behemoth with a monstrous 922 lb-ft. There’s even mention of the LT2 (which is currently in production) being eyed for a form of hybridization.
When GMAuthority reported all of the mid-engines for the Corvette C8’s, the specifications for the LT6 match the, soon-to-be discontinued, next-generation of Camaro. So while there might be some claim to legitimacy, it might be more believable to think of the chart as a list of pre-production considerations for the C8 (especially considering that the LT2 is listed with 469 horsepower rather than the actual 495 horsepower). Maybe a list of general in-development engine programs.
thedrive.com
While what’s in the chart doesn’t seem wildly unrealistic, it’s essential to treat this particular rumor with a heavy dose of skepticism. If it did come from GM, there’s no telling if this specific range of engines has made it through the chopping block and whether it will find their respective places in the mid-engine sports car.
When reached out for comment, a Chevrolet spokesperson didn’t disclose on the rumor. The Chevrolet spokesperson said the following: “We don’t engage in rumor and speculation, but I can tell you that’s not a document familiar to the engineering team.” This could very well be a fabrication of the member in the Corvette Forum.
RUMORS:
It is believed that the first production units of the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette could start coming out of Bowtie’s Bowling Green, Kentucky, factory as early as September 2019. Industry analyst Auto Forecast Solutions told Autoline that the C7 production would end in August 2019. That’s when the plant would switch over to the new model by the following month.
The rumor doesn’t line up with the previous speculation about the mid-engine Corvette production. Reports published have indicated that Chevy had updated the factory and that it was able to assemble both the next-gen model and the existing ‘Vette on the same production line. If they did this, the company could continue to fill the demand for the current, presumably less expensive model as well as the mid-engine C8.
The September 2019 production start date matches the reports of the mid-engine Corvette which is going on sale in the 2020 model year. However, the debut could take place much earlier because the rumors have been suggesting its unveiling since the North American International Auto Show which happened in January 2019. A trademark registration indicates that the name Zora might appear somehow on the new ‘Vette, which is a nod to the original model’s father, Zora Arkus-Duntov, according to motor1.com.
The mid-engine ‘Vette has a turbocharged engine, but reports have indicated that the base version of the road-going model would have a naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 with around 460 horsepower (343 kilowatts). A 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 with about 650 hp (485 kW) would be available as an upgrade. A rumored range-topping variant allegedly uses a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 making 850 hp (634 kW).
You can search the inventory of Chevrolet Corvette’s at Miami Lakes Automall. Make sure to stop by for a test drive and see if this model and make is the car for you.