A high-performance variant of the all-new Chevrolet Corvette is reportedly under development, with a twin-turbo V8 powerplant rumoured to be at its heart.
Car and Driver reports an upcoming Chevrolet Corvette Z06 model based on the seventh-generation Corvette Stingray (pictured below) could trade the standard car’s 339kW/624Nm naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 for a tuned version of the 373kW/678Nm twin-turbocharged 4.5-litre V8 unit seen in the recently revealed Elmiraj concept coupe.
Tweaked to produce around 447kW, production of the twin-turbo concept engine would follow Cadillac’s current shift toward forced-induction powerplants such as the Elmiraj’s V8 and the 313kW/583Nm twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V6 that will power the 2014 CTS Vsport edition.
The US publication also suggests the performance model, which would become the fourth Z06 after C2-, C5- and C6-based variants, will be an exclusively manual affair with a seven-speed transmission to be the only gearbox option. Large carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo and stickier Michelin tyres are also to be part of the upgraded package.
A 2015 Detroit auto show debut is believed to be on the agenda, with the model thought to reach US showrooms by mid-year priced above the current Corvette Z06’s US$76,000 ($84,700) price tag.
A Corvette Hybrid has also been hinted at with General Motors North America president Mark Reuss telling the Los Angeles Times that the idea is “cool”.
“Actually, don’t laugh,” Reuss said.
“I think it’s a very attractive idea. I think it would be really fun to do.
“I think it would build capability inside our company and I think people would love it.”
