The 2018 Corvette Lineup Will See A Return To Overhead Camshafts
Push-rod no more. GM’s recent patent for an LT5, along with leaked documents point to at least one Corvette model having dual overhead camshafts.
LT5 is an engine code we haven’t heard since the C4 ZR-1. Eschewing the use of pushrods and a single camshaft buried in the V, the LT5 engine was unique in its design. Lead by GM, with joint development by Lotus and Mercury Marine, the LT5 in that era used overhead camshafts. Newly leaked documents now show the LT5 name is officially coming back for the 2018 model year in a yet-to-be-named Corvette model.
Switching engines comes as a bit of a surprise, because there’s no doubt the current LT1 and supercharged LT4 engines pack enough respectable punch on their own. They aren’t exactly inefficient either, with Displacement on Demand, and an 8 speed automatic that makes 30 miles per gallon within the realm of reality.
One also has to think about space. The OHV engine’s compact nature gave it a wide variety of applications, in everything from cars, to trucks and SUV’s. This leaves us to speculate two things: This engine is going in a slightly reconfigured (wider) ZR-1, or it’ll eventually find its way behind the driver in the almost confirmed mid-engine C8 Corvette.
Displacement has been confirmed at 6.2 liters, but one thing that’s not mentioned in the leaked documents is any form of forced induction. It would seem to be a misstep if GM were to release a ZR-1 with less horsepower than the Z06, unless there’s an all new model waiting in the wings.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
via: [Road & Track]
