Turbo Engine Upgraded with Gearbox
Eager Corvette aficionados on the Mid-Engine Corvette Forum made an astonishing discovery: a GM Parts listing for a forced-induction 5.5 liter V8, which could possibly be the fabled turbocharged powerhouse of the renowned ZR1. Dubbed the LT7, this engine would stand above the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter LT6 in the new Corvette Z06 and is expected to generate over 800 horsepower, enough to catapult it to the ranks of the most powerful Corvettes created thus far.
Not too long ago, the car was seen buzzing around the Nurburgring during a two-week trial period. It has received numerous exterior modifications that make it look completely mean and authoritative – a vast rear wing, bucketloads of aerodynamic changes, and apparently a front compartment that has been removed. As if its abrasive appearance isn’t enough, it also emits an intimidating roar which can be attributed to its new LT7 engine planned to be bolstered by twin turbochargers.
The following screenshots are brought to us by a reliable source who has access to the parts catalogue. This was further confirmed by some insiders. The primary screenshot reveals the name of the engine and transmission, as well as a few codes that give us an indication of what is to come.
The engine description states, “LT7- Engine Gas, 8 Cyl, 5.5L, DI, VVT, AFM, SC Turbo, DOHC.” This is a clear indication that it is a turbocharged 5.5 liter V8. Additionally, we can see that it has direct injection (DI), variable valve timing (VVT), and dual overhead cams (DOHC).
“AFM” stands for Active Fuel Management, and many were taken aback that Chevrolet would implement such technology since the LT6 doesn’t include it. However, an individual with insider connections on the forum has stated that this is likely a misprint.
What is not known is if the engine in question will feature a flat-plane crank (FPC) like the LT6, or if it will be outfitted with a cross-plane crankshaft (CPC). Despite the displacement matching the LT6 and its remarkable ability to maintain high revolutions, which make it well-suited for the ZL1’s ambitions, our expectation is that a flat-plane crankshaft will still be picked.
The LT6’s Variable Valve Timing (VVT) has been preserved, corroborating the idea of a flat-plane crank to ensure plentiful low-rev torque and elevated high-end power.
“M1K – Transmission Auto 8 SPD, 8DCT, Gen 1.” This is the transmission description given. It stands apart from the designations found in the base Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray, and is likely another variation of the Tremec eight-speed DCTs found in those vehicles but designed to accommodate additional power.
A screenshot of a component from the engine has been shared, and another screenshot references the “Customer Engine Build Program (PBC)”, which has been used for Corvettes such as the Z06 in the past. This program allows customers to pay an extra fee and come to Bowling Green to help assemble parts of their engine with the guidance of experts. The fact that this is listed in the parts catalog lends further support to the speculation that the LT7 engine will be featured in the ZR1.
One thing we know for certain is the inquiry regarding the projected arrival of the LT7 in the ZR1. As of now, Chevrolet states that it’s planning to bring out the model in 2024; however, take into account the various setbacks resulting from the labor disagreement, leading to a postponed schedule. It’s probable that we won’t witness the vehicle until 2025 and even then, attaining one will be an extremely difficult task, and not at its Recommended Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (RMSRP).
