dascrow
09-29-2007, 10:05 AM
by Sam Abuelsamid (http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/sam-abuelsamid/)
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/gm_vette-13_450.jpg
Torque is good! More torque is better. For anyone who likes to drive, an engine with a stratospheric red-line is fun for a while, but a fat torque curve means acceleration is just a squeeze of the right pedal away. Compared to a Ferrari engine, GM's classic small block V-8 may seem crude and unsophisticated, but the latest variation is anything but. The basic architecture of the 2008 Corvette power-plant dates back to 1955, but aside from some of the basic dimensions, this is a whole new beast.
In the engine bay of the C6 Corvette, the new 6.2L LS3 V-8 now cranks out 430 HP @ 5,900 rpm and 424 lb-ft of twisting force @ 4,600 rpm. That's 25 hp more than the pricey and complex Lotus-designed LT5 in the old ZR-1, and the base price of this car starts at about $45K. At its 2008 model intro, GM offered up a base 'Vette with the six-speed manual gearbox to toss around. Find out what the latest version of America's oldest sports car is like after the jump, including a VIDEO.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/gm_vette-7_220.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-chevy-corvette/417482/)
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/first-drive-2008-chevrolet-corvette/
(http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/first-drive-2008-chevrolet-corvette/)
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/gm_vette-13_450.jpg
Torque is good! More torque is better. For anyone who likes to drive, an engine with a stratospheric red-line is fun for a while, but a fat torque curve means acceleration is just a squeeze of the right pedal away. Compared to a Ferrari engine, GM's classic small block V-8 may seem crude and unsophisticated, but the latest variation is anything but. The basic architecture of the 2008 Corvette power-plant dates back to 1955, but aside from some of the basic dimensions, this is a whole new beast.
In the engine bay of the C6 Corvette, the new 6.2L LS3 V-8 now cranks out 430 HP @ 5,900 rpm and 424 lb-ft of twisting force @ 4,600 rpm. That's 25 hp more than the pricey and complex Lotus-designed LT5 in the old ZR-1, and the base price of this car starts at about $45K. At its 2008 model intro, GM offered up a base 'Vette with the six-speed manual gearbox to toss around. Find out what the latest version of America's oldest sports car is like after the jump, including a VIDEO.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/gm_vette-7_220.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2008-chevy-corvette/417482/)
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/first-drive-2008-chevrolet-corvette/
(http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/first-drive-2008-chevrolet-corvette/)