C8 Corvette ZR1/Z06 to Ditch Pushrod Config for DOHC Flat-plane V8
From a high-revving, naturally-aspirated Z06 to a 1,000 hp hybrid, Corvette fans have plenty to get excited about.
You could almost hear the internet explode when GM finally pulled the covers off the all-new C8 Corvette recently. A proper performance bargain offering up supercar performance at a budget price, the mid-engine marvel immediately took the automotive world by storm. But as we already knew, this is only the beginning. Soon, there will be a Z06 (and eventually a ZR1) to push the envelope even further.
GM pulled off the rare double shocker when news the Z06 would utilize an all-new flat crank, 5.5-liter V8 dropped soon after the C8’s debut. But at the time, all we really knew was that this wasn’t some derivative of Cadillac’s 4.2-liter Blackwing V8. Instead, this is an entirely new engine inspired by the likes of McLaren and Ferrari. And now, thanks to MotorTrend, we have many more details to share regarding this exciting new powerplant.
The new 32-valve engine reportedly utilizes a firing order that mimics that of Italian and British supercars. Thus, it’s expected to produce a much deeper sound than Ford’s 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 used in the Shelby GT350. According to MotorTrend, the Z06 Corvette is going to employ a naturally-aspirated version of the 5.5-liter. Output is expected to be in excess of 600 horsepower, with a lofty 8,600 rpm redline. Rumors suggest that GM actually designed the engine to rev to over 9,000 rpm, but the dual-clutch Tremec transmission proved to be the limiting factor.
For the “king of the hill” Corvette ZR1, things get much more serious. MotorTrend reports that GM will slap a pair of turbos on the new 5.5-liter, resulting in an output exceeding 800 horsepower. As a result, the redline won’t be quite as high, of course. Much of the rest of the car will consist of what we saw in the C7 ZR1, including a massive rear wing and rear-wheel drive configuration.
Finally, there’s the matter of a first-ever Corvette hybrid. Car & Driver actually expects this version to be the quickest in a straight line, thanks to the addition of an electric motor up front that powers the front wheels. With a twin-turbo 5.5-liter out back, they expect the hybrid to produce nearly 1,000 horsepower. As a result, it’ll be one of the quickest-accelerating cars ever produced.
All of which sounds pretty darn exciting, if you ask us. Whether you’re looking for a drag race champ or a weekend track hero, there’ll be a C8 Corvette for you. Now, we’ll just have to wait and watch the Corvette complete its mission of taking over the performance world as we know it.
Photos: General Motors
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