Corvette going Diesel!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Corvette going Diesel!!
Corvette to get diesel power for 2009
Chevrolet has announced that they will introduce a diesel-powered Corvette next spring as a 2009 model. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette TDI will be powered by a specially-designed 5.7 liter V8 diesel with twin turbochargers. Output for the engine, developed in cooperation with Isuzu, is estimated at 350 horsepower and 675 lb-ft of torque.
"We feel that with its high fuel economy and strong low-end torque characteristics, the turbodiesel is the perfect engine for the Corvette," says a General Motors spokesperson. Early tests indicate that the Corvette TDI accelerates from 0 to 60 in just over 4 seconds and achieves real-world fuel economy of 25 to 30 MPG.
Chevrolet has hinted that if the Corvette TDI is a hit with buyers, they may consider phasing out gasoline-powered Corvettes altogether and making the turbodiesel engine the exclusive powerplant for the iconic American sports car.
The diesel Corvette will go on sale April 1st, 2008.
THOUGHTS, INPUT, COMMENTS?
Chevrolet has announced that they will introduce a diesel-powered Corvette next spring as a 2009 model. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette TDI will be powered by a specially-designed 5.7 liter V8 diesel with twin turbochargers. Output for the engine, developed in cooperation with Isuzu, is estimated at 350 horsepower and 675 lb-ft of torque.
"We feel that with its high fuel economy and strong low-end torque characteristics, the turbodiesel is the perfect engine for the Corvette," says a General Motors spokesperson. Early tests indicate that the Corvette TDI accelerates from 0 to 60 in just over 4 seconds and achieves real-world fuel economy of 25 to 30 MPG.
Chevrolet has hinted that if the Corvette TDI is a hit with buyers, they may consider phasing out gasoline-powered Corvettes altogether and making the turbodiesel engine the exclusive powerplant for the iconic American sports car.
The diesel Corvette will go on sale April 1st, 2008.
THOUGHTS, INPUT, COMMENTS?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Well, maybe. This sound like the Generals mid engine idea from the past that was never produced. The Corvette comunity rejected the idea just as they did the thought of a V6. I would guess this may have the same turn out. Anyone recall Olds and Cadillac failing at this?
No support from this driver
No support from this driver
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park Kansas
That's true. I've been to a Le Mans race, and the Audi TDI's are amazing to say the least. Compared to the other gas cars on the track they are almost silent, and for the most part faster. Truely amazing engineering.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
In Europe there is a larger amount of diesels on the road and they don't run that bad. Tq is quite enormous as does acceleration.
I think you guys should rethink the fact that the fuel is not going to be there forever, no matter what they try to put in your head. Doing something that will reduce fuel consumption will not be that bad IMO. (not only from an economical standpoint)
BTW : it will probably shoot prices of the old gasoline powered vette skyhigh
I will probably be yelled out of here now...
I think you guys should rethink the fact that the fuel is not going to be there forever, no matter what they try to put in your head. Doing something that will reduce fuel consumption will not be that bad IMO. (not only from an economical standpoint)
BTW : it will probably shoot prices of the old gasoline powered vette skyhigh
I will probably be yelled out of here now...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 833
Likes: 4
From: Mexico NY
I agree..
I agree if GM is not allowed to engineer then what are they there for?
I remember the old schoolers Bi^*UIng about crossfire... the tpi came along and the carb isn't even on gm's repitoure anymore...
...........................
I remember the old schoolers Bi^*UIng about crossfire... the tpi came along and the carb isn't even on gm's repitoure anymore...
...........................
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 29
From: The Netherlands
Probably, quite a few people here with a 'Galileo is talking BS, the world ain't flat!' mentality
However, they've never been asswhooped by say... a 2003 Seat Leon TDI. Like the one my sister drives... 1.9 litres, 150 rwhp and 320 NM torque@1900 rpm. My stock '79 barely kept up
(Which is why I now have an all new Edelbrock powerpackage waiting for install).
Anyway, ofcourse this is a joke.
However, they've never been asswhooped by say... a 2003 Seat Leon TDI. Like the one my sister drives... 1.9 litres, 150 rwhp and 320 NM torque@1900 rpm. My stock '79 barely kept up
(Which is why I now have an all new Edelbrock powerpackage waiting for install).
Anyway, ofcourse this is a joke.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,715
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
Probably, quite a few people here with a 'Galileo is talking BS, the world ain't flat!' mentality
However, they've never been asswhooped by say... a 2003 Seat Leon TDI. Like the one my sister drives... 1.9 litres, 150 rwhp and 320 NM torque@1900 rpm. My stock '79 barely kept up
(Which is why I now have an all new Edelbrock powerpackage waiting for install).
Anyway, ofcourse this is a joke.
However, they've never been asswhooped by say... a 2003 Seat Leon TDI. Like the one my sister drives... 1.9 litres, 150 rwhp and 320 NM torque@1900 rpm. My stock '79 barely kept up
(Which is why I now have an all new Edelbrock powerpackage waiting for install).
Anyway, ofcourse this is a joke.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ad.php?t=94068
http://cars.about.com/b/2007/04/01/c...r-for-2009.htm
Also, Google "Corvette Diesel" ...you may be surprised.
Last edited by vetteguy75; Dec 2, 2007 at 09:03 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,708
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Are you sure it's a joke? Check out these links and see if you come up with the same conclusion....I, like you, am skeptical too....but ya never know! These sites have some credibility...
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ad.php?t=94068
http://cars.about.com/b/2007/04/01/c...r-for-2009.htm
Also, Google "Corvette Diesel" ...you may be surprised.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ad.php?t=94068
http://cars.about.com/b/2007/04/01/c...r-for-2009.htm
Also, Google "Corvette Diesel" ...you may be surprised.
I've seen some pretty interesting interviews with Gale Banks regarding land speed records and diesel engines. Granted he has a vested interest in these systems but also has a lot of knowledge to back it up.
Stranger things have happened at the General. You'll remember that people thought it was a stupid idea to make cylinders out of silica impregnated aluminum and you know how that turned out. It was a stupid idea and they discontinued the Vega.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I had a Vega and kept the belt adjusted and sold the car with 145,000 miles on it.Still ran great.Body looked like sheet.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,708
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I always heard that it wasnt the silica aluminum it was the fact the water pump was driven by the timing belt and was prone to slipping when the belt got loose.To adjust the timing belt you had to remove the water pump and replace the gasket under it-and you guessed it the water pump never got adjusted so the cylinders overheated and drove the silica out.
I had a Vega and kept the belt adjusted and sold the car with 145,000 miles on it.Still ran great.Body looked like sheet.
I had a Vega and kept the belt adjusted and sold the car with 145,000 miles on it.Still ran great.Body looked like sheet.
I don't recall having any cooling issues, just with masive oil consumption. As the car was nearing deth, I was up to one gallon of oil per fill up.
Funny enough, it wasn't the engine that killed this car, but the differential. The car was so rusted that the mechanic that I had didn't think he could remove it without having the rear end fall to pieces. I remember seing a quote from one of the car magazines to the effect of "the Vega was the only car to ever have rust issues while in the showroom." Not well suited to Ontario winters.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 29
From: The Netherlands
@Vetteguy: the Canadian guy who put the 6,5 litre diesel in his 'vette is almost legendary ofcourse.
He put in a 'slow' diesel: I sure hope GM indeed is considering Audi R10 diesel engines... Too bad diesel in my country has reached $1,72 per litre already
He put in a 'slow' diesel: I sure hope GM indeed is considering Audi R10 diesel engines... Too bad diesel in my country has reached $1,72 per litre already
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
forst I hear of this, and it will be out in a few months. for the record I hate diesels, with a turbo diesel and performance exhaust all you will hear is whistling out the tailpipe. just wrong for a corvette. and 350 HP that is going backwards in the performance side, plus all the aded wieght. keep diesels in trucks where they belong. 
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
they wouldnt have been able to keep something like this quiet if it were for real anyways.. and now its supposed to be here in 5 months? yeah ok 
then you have a 60/40 weight ratio on your vette and 700lb/ft todo kickass donuts with I guess.. hell if they had said 2012 I still would not have believed it
then you have a 60/40 weight ratio on your vette and 700lb/ft todo kickass donuts with I guess.. hell if they had said 2012 I still would not have believed it
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 29
From: The Netherlands
forst I hear of this, and it will be out in a few months. for the record I hate diesels, with a turbo diesel and performance exhaust all you will hear is whistling out the tailpipe. just wrong for a corvette. and 350 HP that is going backwards in the performance side, plus all the aded wieght. keep diesels in trucks where they belong.