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Posted January 24 2008 06:23 AM by Edward A. Sanchez
Filed under: Opinion, Chevrolet Corvette, Coupes, Sports
Ironically, just before the new Corvette ZR1 was publicly unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, Congress passed one of the most extensive fuel economy bills in the last several decades. As usual, the Cassandras of the industry were predicting a return to the dark days of the '70s and '80s when automakers were suddenly forced to bring their pollution-belching lead sleds into compliance with strict new emissions laws. We're all going to be forced to drive a Prius, Smart, or some other socially-responsible Gore-mobile, they lamented.
Although it can hardly be considered an economy car, the ZR1 is not all that awful in the economy department. Although fuel economy figures have not yet been released, consider this: the economy ratings on the 505-horse Z06 model are 15 city, 24 highway. Compare this to two of its competitors: Lamborghini Gallardo - 9 city/15 highway, Ferrari F430 - 11/16. I'm going to throw out a semi-educated guesstimate for the ZR1 at somewhere around 14 city/21 highway. In light of its competitors' fuel consumption, America's supercar doesn't come out all that bad.
But it can certainly do better. And maybe the conventional wisdom of just adding mega-horsepower engines isn't the formula for sucess for future iterations of America's supercar. Even in the weight department, the current Corvette has done remarkably well in keeping the overall poundage in check. From the C4 to the C6, the Corvette has actually lost a little over a hundred pounds or more, depending on model. But based on some quotes from GM engineers, the development team may be shooting for a sub-3,000 pound Corvette for the C7. Possibly as light as 2,800 pounds.
Although a weight reduction of "only" 300-400 pounds may not seem like a big deal, it will require a total re-thinking of the entire vehicle, its architecture, components and drivetrain. Reducing overall vehicle weight will allow for a smaller, less powerful (and more efficient) engine as long as the overall power-to-weight ratio is maintained.
So although a future 'Vette might "only" have around 300 horsepower, if it's hauling around 2,800 pounds, it still promises to be one fun ride. Imagine a Corvette with a short-stroke, low-deck Gen V direct-injection V-8. Maybe 4.5 liters or so, but with a redline of 7,500 rpm. Variable valve timing, AFM (GM-speak for cylinder de-activation), auto stop-start. Figure that combo would be good for about 340 horsepower and 310 lb./ft. Throw in some compact ultra-capacitors that store energy under braking, and then release it for power bursts, and you've potentially got one of the best-handling, most fun-to-drive Vettes ever made.
Although some of the traditionalists are already rending their garments and wailing in anticipation of the future weenie-Vette, I personally can't wait to see what the wizards are cooking up for the C7.
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