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Google Reader Shared 2008 LS3 Corvette spotted in Kentucky - Autoblog
So you mean my spiffy ULEV LS2 is already obsolete?
While the full details will apparently be released Saturday, LS3engine.com has this to say about the LS3 thus far:
The C6 Corvette, which debuted in the 2005 model year with the 6.0L LS2 engine (400 horsepower), is scheduled to get an upgrade, possibly in the 2008 model year, to the new 6.2L LS3 engine.
The LS3 is based off the L92 truck motor that debuted in the 2006 Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe. The LS3’s cylinder heads are very similar to the 7.0L LS7 heads found on the 505 horsepower Z06 Corvette, except they are designed for smaller cylinder bores. In addition to the heads, the LS3 included a cam phaser, which allows variable valve timing to maximize horsepower while not sacrificing low end torque or economy.
It is unclear at this time if the LS3 will receive Active Fuel Management, the cylinder deactivation technology that is used in the L92 to inrease higway fuel economy 10%. Many enthusiasts are concerned the Corvette will sound like a four-cylinder when AFM is engaged.
6.2L and variable valve timing to net +30HP, not shabby I suppose. But will the VVT yield any MPG improvements alone? And AFM would be interested as well - can we say 30MPG+ in a Corvette? :thumbsup;
April 26th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Tim,
Car companies are doing more and more to get it right out of the box. In the late 70’s, 80’s, early 90’s it wasn’t that hard to bolt together something that would toast anything that rolled off the line here. Now, it’s getting harder to just keep up. I mean, assuming I get my 454 power C4 on the road late this year, at 500+ hp, it will already be obsolete compared to the Z06’s in power to weight, and possibly absolute power. I also had plans in the truck space with the caterpillar transplant into my dually, but frankly advances by Ford, Dodge, Chevy in their turbo diesels (International, Cummins, Isuzu/GM) make that an obsolete idea. Good news for the consumer public, you can buy some amazing stuff. For the enthusiast, it certainly raises the bar in what you have to “one up” to stay ahead…
April 27th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
[…] up on my previous post, the 2008 Corvette and LS3 engine have been announced. All-new LS3 6.2L V-8 engine for Coupe and […]