Would you buy a performance Corvette with a turbocharged engine? Soon, you just might have that choice. Rumors peg the forthcoming Corvette Z07 to be powered by a twin-turbo V8 pumping out more than 600 horsepower.
At the end of August, we reported that the performance ‘Vette will likely be called the Z07 instead of the Z06 – in homage to the C7 moniker of the all-new Stingray. At that time, though, we weren’t sure what engine would be at the heart of the Zed. Now, we have a better idea.
Presently, the standard Stingray packs a 450-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Intriguingly, the forthcoming Z07 could feature an engine downsize. Car Scoops reports that the Z07 could feature a twin-turbocharged 4.5-liter V8 powerplant. Don’t consider it a downgrade, though. The all-new V8 based upon the new Cadillac twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 could producing more ponies – 600 to be exact – when bolted to the Z07.
If that engine sounds familiar, that’s because it recently debuted under the hood of the Cadillac Elmiraj full-size coupe concept just before Pebble Beach. In the Elmiraj, though, the 4.5 only made 500 horsepower. Obviously, a Z07 would need a lot more than 600 horses.
If you ask us, this is the engine that should have powered the Stingray to begin with. Yes, the 6.2-liter with direct injection is a motoring enthusiast’s dream come true. But from a technical standpoint, it’s a bit of a flop. Aside from the newfangled bits bolted to it, the pushrod V8 engine is virtually ancient.
Regardless of our feelings surrounding the antiquated 6.2, we’re eager to see a modern engine under the hood of the C7 – latest and truly greatest ‘Vette we’ve ever driven.
