Racer X

I found this article on a new 7 liter Vauxhaul VXR8. It is speculating on power at 570 HP. Could this mean more power for the Z06?

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au...hall_vxr8.html

"The powerhouse Vauxhall VXR8 is about to get even faster – and this time, it has the storming V10-engined Audi RS6 firmly in its sights.

The Luton brand is currently finalising plans to offer a new 7.0-litre version of its supercar-chasing saloon, which will be based on the Australian Holden HSV unveiled at last month’s Melbourne Motor Show. And the British bruiser is expected to be badged the W427 when it arrives in UK dealers in September, carrying a price tag of around £55,000.

Although neither Holden nor Vauxhall has revealed a power output for the new machine, unconfirmed reports from Australia claim the engine – which is borrowed from the latest Corvette Z06 – will deliver a massive 570bhp and 640Nm of torque to the rear wheels............"

Just throwing something out there.

Turbooo2u

I wouldn't think this is going to happen. AT 570hp, the Z would have a hp/lbs ratio close to the ZR1. This would seem to steal the thunder from this car.

Subsea

I think the 2009 Corvette will get a healthy power boost. The new Cadillac CTS-V is coming out with a fantastic interior, the seats the Corvette should have and 565 HP once SAE certification is complete (on a 550HP target). The CTS-V is also aimed at a ~60k price point, considerably lower than an optioned and already heavilly discounted ZO6. The CTS-V is also available with the same upgraded 6-speed manual as the ZO6 or paddle shift the "regular" corvette has. The '09 ZO6 will be a really tough sale without a healthy power boost.

McMung

HSV have historically warmed over the LSx motors used in their vehicles, so it would not be a surprise.

For example, the LS2 as used by the Clubsport is rated at 307KW = 412HP.

Probably comes down to difference in emission regulations that need to be met, CA likely being more strict than any of HSV's markets.

muzzman

I for one can't wait to test drive the 09 ctsv. Could be the new dd (replace 06 300c SRT8)!

VetteHunter

I thought there were some threads from people who work at Wixom to the effect that the engine is going to continue- If that's true, then just better intake and/or exhaust (factory headers?) would cause an increase in horsepower. Maybe they will add paddle shift automatic for the Z06 or something. I agree that they need to do SOMETHING different to spur sales.

bob53

At best, there will be a modest HP bump 535 or less. Any greater and they will cut into ZR1 sales.

Silver98C5

Given the recent boost in the standard C6 horsepower along with the new Japanese competition, not to mention the new internal competition from the Caddy, I sure hope they boost the HP! Rumors I read say they think the current ZO6 engine will be the standard C7 engine. Its not like GM has not done that before.

andreas g.

i wouldn't think that the Z06 will get any HP increase until after 2012. Which is when I think all of the performance motors will be a version of the 6.2 liter supercharged unit. My best guess for the reason is the ever present improvement of fuel eco. and emissions. I could see a blown 480 HP base corvette, 580 HP Z06, and the ZR-1 at 650HP All using different size blowers. Knowing GM, they hate to have so many parts for the same application, so I also see as they have done before, and superseed all of the drivetrain units from twin disc clutch , torque tube, 6060 trans and rear end to be found in all corvette. It saves money in the long run, and doesn't cost that much more to make when your making thousands of units. Anyway that's what I'm thinking

Viscerl

It's typical for GM to add 5-20hp along the way. They'd introduce a slightly more efficient bolt-on, like cats, headers, intake, throttle body, whatever.

Other than the LT-1/4 difference and LS2/3 difference, which created different powerplants, I havent seen more than 5-20.

Whatever it is or isnt, it will be something we can bolt on, I'm sure.... so no worries, and nothing I'd "wait for" before buying a car. You dont want to miss driving a Z06 this spring

Hatdude

Of all things this car could use, more power is far from the top of the list.

Daylon

Twil1ght

Indeed. Some people are completely obsessed with numbers for the sake of numbers. Those same people usually cannot see the forrest through the trees.

MyBeaches

Unless they want to see $12,000 off sticker prices in 09, they will have to freshen the car up a bit.

427500

I think the Z could use a boost in HP, help fend off the GTR and the '08 viper

Silver98C5

It would suck to have a Caddy that could keep up with a Z06 for the same price or less!

McMung

Get real, you are talking about a 4000lb saloon. Same goes for the HSV model, they are heavy heavy cars.

Just think SL65 vs C6Z...

walterm32

I think there will be no HP bump in 09, mabey in 2010. The just put a new transmission, upgraded the interior and tweaked the steering in the 08's. What was done to the c5z's to bump the HP from 385 to 405? You might see a similar bump in 2010 IMO.

GMuffley

Yeah, better seats, less weight and better tires would be more welcome IMHO.

Silver98C5

All I know is the 2008 CS-V is supposed to run 0-60 in 4.6 sec vs. an 08 C6 in 4.3, with a top speed over 160 in the Caddy. The 09 CSV will have a detuned (550 HP) ZR1 motor with slightly different components. While it may not be able to outrun a Z06, it will likely be able to keep it in sight, weight, bulk and all, and with a way nicer interior!

This is the kind of stuff that happens when GM starts putting Corvette motors in their other lines.