The 2014 Corvette C7's new heart: LT1 6.2L DI VVT small block V8

[kaisen]

Don't care? Hate GM? Don't read the post



Earlier today GM unveiled the all-new LT1 small block V8 that will power the all-new 2014 C7 Corvette in base form. It is still 6.2 Liters, but benefits from the addition of direct-injection, continuously variable valve timing and active fuel management. It is still dry-sump with a higher capacity variable pump, higher capacity oil cooler, and redesigned 11.5 quart tank.

Officially, they will only say that it makes "at least" 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. And they'll only say that the base Corvette will do under 4.0 seconds to 60 mph, and better than the current 2013 Vette's 26 mpg EPA freeway rating.

Some insiders hint that the final SAE rating may be as high as 475 hp

More importantly, they've spent a lot of time optimizing the power curve rather than focusing on peak numbers. For example, the new LT1 makes as much torque from 2000 to 4000 rpm as the current 7.0L (505hp) LS7 in the Z06. It makes at least 400 lb-ft from 2000 rpm to 6000rpm.

It weighs 465 pounds, fully dressed with accessories, harnesses, computer, and engine covers. It is 25.3 inches tall from the lowest part of the sump to the highest part of the top engine cover. Put in perspective, that's 40 pounds lighter and almost 5 inches lower than the BMW 4.4L Twin Turbo rated at 400hp and 450 lb-ft.

[kaisen]

This is the dyno that test the engine to simulated 1.3G loads in acceleration, braking, and cornering to ensure the dry sump system is up to task.

As such, the C7 Corvette's 5 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty is NOT voided by tracking the car

[kaisen]

I got my info straight from GM, but here is Motor Trend's article that doesa better job than me:

Next-Gen LT1 6.2-Liter V-8 for 2014 Corvette Revealed with 450 HP, New Tech - WOT on Motor Trend

[kaisen]

More dyno and tilt dyno (from GM footage)

[Scott R]

I think I maybe pointing out the obvious, but all of the technologies listed above have been in other manufacturers cars for years now. What makes this special?

[fastfredracing]

Awesome, great to see an American pushrod V8 being competitive with nearly anything out there.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Scott R

I think I maybe pointing out the obvious, but all of the technologies listed above have been in other manufacturers cars for years now. What makes this special?

They've been in other GM cars for years now too.

But in the 100 million small blocks over the past 57 years this is the first time direct injection has been adapted, and the outputs, efficiencies, and durabilities are impressive -- esp given the costs

[sammyg2]

Cool, pushrods!

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Cool, pushrods!

No kidding! It makes for a much lighter and more compact package!

[Rusty Heap]

Sounds like they need faster computers at their development offices.............I think I still have a 286 CPU PC witha 1200 baud modem kicking around in my shed if they need help.


Quote "Millions of hours of computer processing time was spent developing the top surface of the piston to optimize air-fuel mixture flow and combustion dynamics. Hundreds of combustion systems were analyzed. Over 6 million hours of computer processing time was dedicated to combustion system optimization while reducing knock sensitivity even under extreme climatic conditions........"

[Buckterrier]

Totally cool. Can't wait to see the car. I wish Ford had towed the line with the Thunderbird.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Pretty impressive, I doubt anything else provides more power for less money. If they can get the same power and MPG out of a simple pushrod V8, what does that say about the more expensive and complicated options?

[jcommin]

This must be the GEN V engine.

[Scott R]

I guess it just doesn't "wow" me like that S8 you posted. But I'm pretty sure that's because this type of car is not in my demographic.

[pavulon]

how would a static but tilting dyno simulate 1.3g's?

[motion]

Its a government dyno. Just believe.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by jcommin

This must be the GEN V engine.

Yes, Gen V

The upcoming all-new full size trucks (out next year) will share the same basic motor, but different displacements and power targets

I've heard the Silverado's 5.3L at 365 hp and 405 lb-ft while earning a 24 mpg freeway rating

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Scott R

I guess it just doesn't "wow" me like that S8 you posted. But I'm pretty sure that's because this type of car is not in my demographic.

It's also half the price, and the base model

It should be quicker than the base 991 in every measure, while getting better fuel economy. In that sense it's relateable to Porsche fans.

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by kaisen

It's also half the price, and the base model

It should be quicker than the base 991 in every measure, while getting better fuel economy. In that sense it's relate-able to Porsche fans.

I meant "my demographic" as in I still have all my original hair.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by pavulon

how would a static but tilting dyno simulate 1.3g's?

If you tip a motor on its side, the oil is experiencing +1G in lateral load relative to the engine's normal orientation (on its nose = braking, on its tail = accel)

When the tilt dyno moves abruptly, it's able to amplify peak loads to greater than 1G

They've done more than 1.5 million miles of real road testing on the LT1 version alone, in addition to dynos