2008 Corvette w/ LS3 Specifications
07-18-2007, 02:24 PM
#1
2008 Corvette w/ LS3 Specifications New for 2008
All-new LS3 6.2L V-8 engine for Coupe and Convertible:
430 hp (321 kW)*
424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)*
436 hp / 428 lb.-ft. (325 kW / 580 Nm)* with new, optional dual-mode exhaust system
High-flow cylinder heads
Enhanced valvetrain
High-flow intake manifold
Larger-bore block with structural enhancements
Improved manual transmission shift effort
Quicker shift times on paddle-shift six-speed automatic
2.73 performance axle ratio available with six-speed paddle shift; included with Z51 package
Improved steering feel
Standard split-spoke cast aluminum wheel design for Coupe and Convertible (Competition Gray finish optional)
Available polished forged aluminum wheel design
New Keyless Access remote key fob with integrated key
Interior trim enhancements for all models, including wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern and new, brushed aluminum accents
Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package available for all models in exclusive, new Linen and Sienna colors
New sill plates
iPod/MP3 jack included on all sound systems except navigation (Personal Audio Link available as accessory for navigation system)
OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard on all models
Auto-dimming mirrors with compass standard on all models
Two new premium exterior colors: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat
Model Lineup
Engines Transmissions
6.2L V-8 (LS3)
7.0L V-8 (LS7) 6-spd manual
6-spd paddle shift automatic
Corvette Coupe s - s o
Corvette Convertible s - s o
Corvette Z06 - s s -
Key:
Standard
s
Optional o
Not available -
2008 CORVETTE: ICONIC SPORTS CAR RECEIVES LARGER, MORE POWERFUL LS3 6.2L V-8 AND HOST OF DRIVING, INTERIOR REFINEMENTS
Get comfortable. There's so much new and exciting with the 2008 Corvette that you'll want to grab a hot drink, sidle up to your computer screen and absorb all the details.
The changes involve everything from an all-new, larger and more powerful V-8 engine to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify the Corvette's position as the preeminent American sports car – and further the argument that it is one of the world's best. There are also a host of exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette's luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.
“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet's unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”
Also back again for '08 is the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06, an American super car that has won over enthusiasts, journalists and racers around the world for its balance of racetrack-bred performance, daily-driving civility and value.
Here's a look at the new and enhanced features for '08 Corvette models:
Engine – A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Coupe and Convertible models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system; with the new, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436 horses / 325 kW and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm. As a result, the standard Corvette is true supercar, capable of 190 mph. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.
This new iteration of the storied small-block family features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L's 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06's LS7 engine; and a new engine beauty cover.
The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement, the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. But while the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased when compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine's stroke remains at 3.62 inches (92 mm). The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also are new and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.
Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. They're based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.
Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 2.00 inches (50.8 mm) to 2.16 inches (55 mm) – an increase of nearly 9 percent. The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine's 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.
To accommodate the engine's large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 0.521-inch to 0.551-inch (13.25 mm to 14 mm). Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.
Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles falls to a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a “lost core” process that improves runner to runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.
Exhaust system – Optional on '08 Coupe and Convertible models is a new, two-mode performance exhaust system. Similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06, the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during high-load operation. It is not identical to the Z06 system; the Coupe/Convertible uses a 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust, while the Z06 uses a three-inch system.
With the new, dual-mode performance exhaust, power output for Coupe/Convertible rises from 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). This system gives the Corvette a more aggressive exhaust sound character that will appeal to performance enthusiasts
All-new LS3 6.2L V-8 engine for Coupe and Convertible:
430 hp (321 kW)*
424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)*
436 hp / 428 lb.-ft. (325 kW / 580 Nm)* with new, optional dual-mode exhaust system
High-flow cylinder heads
Enhanced valvetrain
High-flow intake manifold
Larger-bore block with structural enhancements
Improved manual transmission shift effort
Quicker shift times on paddle-shift six-speed automatic
2.73 performance axle ratio available with six-speed paddle shift; included with Z51 package
Improved steering feel
Standard split-spoke cast aluminum wheel design for Coupe and Convertible (Competition Gray finish optional)
Available polished forged aluminum wheel design
New Keyless Access remote key fob with integrated key
Interior trim enhancements for all models, including wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern and new, brushed aluminum accents
Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package available for all models in exclusive, new Linen and Sienna colors
New sill plates
iPod/MP3 jack included on all sound systems except navigation (Personal Audio Link available as accessory for navigation system)
OnStar and XM Satellite Radio standard on all models
Auto-dimming mirrors with compass standard on all models
Two new premium exterior colors: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat
Model Lineup
Engines Transmissions
6.2L V-8 (LS3)
7.0L V-8 (LS7) 6-spd manual
6-spd paddle shift automatic
Corvette Coupe s - s o
Corvette Convertible s - s o
Corvette Z06 - s s -
Key:
Standard
s
Optional o
Not available -
2008 CORVETTE: ICONIC SPORTS CAR RECEIVES LARGER, MORE POWERFUL LS3 6.2L V-8 AND HOST OF DRIVING, INTERIOR REFINEMENTS
Get comfortable. There's so much new and exciting with the 2008 Corvette that you'll want to grab a hot drink, sidle up to your computer screen and absorb all the details.
The changes involve everything from an all-new, larger and more powerful V-8 engine to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify the Corvette's position as the preeminent American sports car – and further the argument that it is one of the world's best. There are also a host of exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette's luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.
“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet's unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”
Also back again for '08 is the 505-horsepower Corvette Z06, an American super car that has won over enthusiasts, journalists and racers around the world for its balance of racetrack-bred performance, daily-driving civility and value.
Here's a look at the new and enhanced features for '08 Corvette models:
Engine – A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Coupe and Convertible models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system; with the new, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436 horses / 325 kW and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm. As a result, the standard Corvette is true supercar, capable of 190 mph. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.
This new iteration of the storied small-block family features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L's 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06's LS7 engine; and a new engine beauty cover.
The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement, the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. But while the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased when compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine's stroke remains at 3.62 inches (92 mm). The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also are new and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.
Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. They're based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.
Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 2.00 inches (50.8 mm) to 2.16 inches (55 mm) – an increase of nearly 9 percent. The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine's 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.
To accommodate the engine's large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 0.521-inch to 0.551-inch (13.25 mm to 14 mm). Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.
Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles falls to a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a “lost core” process that improves runner to runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.
Exhaust system – Optional on '08 Coupe and Convertible models is a new, two-mode performance exhaust system. Similar in design and function to the system used on the Z06, the dual-mode exhaust uses vacuum-actuated outlet valves, which control engine noise during low-load operation, but open for maximum performance during high-load operation. It is not identical to the Z06 system; the Coupe/Convertible uses a 2.5-inch-diameter exhaust, while the Z06 uses a three-inch system.
With the new, dual-mode performance exhaust, power output for Coupe/Convertible rises from 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm). This system gives the Corvette a more aggressive exhaust sound character that will appeal to performance enthusiasts
