Corvette to shed the pounds and power in 2012

[F6Mauz]

The new CAFE regulations might spell the end for big V8s, but future Corvettes will be packing a similar performance punch with a smaller footprint. Automotive News sat down with the Corvette's vehicle line exec, Tom Wallace, to discuss the future of the iconic coupe and he said that a 700 hp 'Vette is off the table. Instead, Chevy is looking to lighten the Corvette's weight and utilize a smaller V8 in order to keep the same power-to-weight ratio of the current generation models. Although Wallace didn't get into details, that didn't stop AN from speculating that the next Corvette could go on a 300 to 400 pound diet and get motivation from a 4.7-liter V8 (making 150 hp less). However, Wallace's own words are more telling, saying that the next 'Vette could be "more fuel efficient [and] even nimbler than it was before.



[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

[OUTAtheBloo]

Looks like it could be a good thing. Something lighter would make a quick circuit car :D

Dan

[Evman]

Holden will need to either downsize as well or source a new V8 though...

[VooDoo]

Holden will need to either downsize as well or source a new V8 though...


Australia doesnt have CAFE regulations. We can use all the left over V8's that the USA cant!! Sounds GOOD to me.

[Evman]

Australia doesnt have CAFE regulations. We can use all the left over V8's that the USA cant!! Sounds GOOD to me.

Haha yeah but the "big" V8's would run out eventually...I doubt they'd be produced if America isn't using them...

[Big_Valven]

I think it's good all round. In every country. Full stop. This is a very positive step, and I always like to stick to the "less is more" principle. Looks like the CAFE rules are along these lines too.

[CALDIR]

Hi

Sounds like the way things will be going.

regards,

Richard
HRTSEN

[VNV8]

mate the yank supply of V8s would keep us in stock till petrol engines are obsolete and illegal, no worries there!

[Haze]

In my opinion, these regulations are a good thing as it forces the car manufacturers to develop new techniology and improve on the technology they have.

For those of us old enough to remember the switch from leaded to unleaded, car performance took a backwards step at first, the holden 6 as we new it was killed but then fuel injection came along, computers controlled the engine and we have more and more power with every model released.

I remember my VK 5 ltr had a whopping 135KW and my VN HSV had 180!! that was pretty impresive back in the day..

I am sure that a '4.7' litre V8 with the right mods & technology could still produce plenty of power, especially in a lighter vehicle.

Just my thoughts :)

[AFAR]

Im taking Dodge will be taking a similar hit too with their viper?

It was bound to happen.
Heaps of smallish v8's producing good power these days anyway.

[Martin_D]

I think it's good all round. In every country. Full stop. This is a very positive step, and I always like to stick to the "less is more" principle.

Worked for Lotus in the 60s....Colin Chapman became the most famous race car engineer of all time by using a similar simple motto :)

[Caprice270]

A step in the right direction. Compare a C2 Corvette form the 60s to a current model C6, and you quickly realise how much weight and size the Corvette has gained just to make fatso americans happy. Its about time.