Seventh Generation Corvette Models (C7)
According to Motor Trend magazine, GM executives have been planning the next-generation (C7) Corvette since 2007. The car was originally planned for the 2011 model year (to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet). Mid-engine and rear-engine layouts had been considered, but the front-engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD) platform will continue to keep costs lower and the engine compact. There's a possibility of a return of the split rear window roof design. The seventh generation Corvette is still in development, but is widely believed to be publicly unveiled by 2012, but may be delayed further depending on the scope of upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations.
According to one of Motor Trend’s inside sources, the Corvette C7 will come equipped with Chevrolet's upcoming 5.5 L small block V8 that features a number of technical advancements including an aluminum block and heads and a revised combustion system, however the engine will retain the pushrod, overhead valve design configuration. The new 5.5 liter V8 has already made its world debut, appearing between the fenders of the C6.R racecar. Power will likely total 440 hp (328 kW) horsepower, an improvement over the 436 horsepower available currently in the Corvette C6, however thanks to the new engine's smaller size and advanced features, there will be a noticeable jump in fuel economy. The engine is part of a new $890 million program committed for vehicles across the GM lineup.
GM has assigned C7 internal codes: Coupe – GMX721, Convertible – GMX711, Z06 – GMX73, ZR-1 or SS – GMX245. |
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