Runge_Kutta

Well, the Gen V, OHV, small block looked like it was well on its way.

http://www.soldiersofsolidarity.com/...ntract_all.pdf

(search for the phrase "Gen V"). The OHV engine, 5X, is a
spark-ignition direct injection (SIDI) engine.

Now, GM V8 engines got put on the back burner.

http://www.forbes.com/markets/2008/0...markets33.html

"GM is also cutting its capital expenditures by $1.5 billion—mostly by delaying its next-generation large pickups, sports-utility vehicles and V8 engines—and cutting engineering costs back to 2006 levels. It’s also rethinking promotional ties to motor sports and other events in an effort to reduce expenditures."

This may influence the release date of C7 and its engine.

Hot Z06

Good Just keep making the LS7 Z06 and The LS9 ZR1

GN1270

How much faster do you need to go? After the GTR showed how valuable AWD can be, maybe they should start thinking in that direction next.

Racer X

Actually, direct injection is not about faster, it is about more efficient. The greater HP is a side benefit.

I doubt they will stop development on that aspect of V-8s. Perhaps they are stopping development on the "high content" v-8 replacement as had previously reported.

I don't know if they could easily add Direct Injection to the Gen IV engine without other changes.

AWD is not the answer, lighter weight is a better answer, it allows better performance and better milage. AWD costs money, and hurts your mileage, how does that fit in better with higher milage standards and better profitability?

03QuicksilverZ06

Racer X

If you do a search you can find many sources saying that the c7 corvette will be getting the the same HALDEX awd system as the bugatti veyron.. This is a lightweight very efficient awd system that allows 4% power to the front wheels and 96% to the back wheels until power is needed to different wheels. I really hope this happens so corvette can move toward to what "I believe" is the future and apparently so does GM.

ZeeOSix

Hummm ... GM and Delphi confidential info (marked on slide footers). Wonder if they know it's on the internet.

Tavarez

interesting, I don't see the v8 disappearing.

vette-oholic

agreed, but i dont think thats what the thread is about..
its about the new v8s being delayed.

Blow N By

Just like a four wheel drive pickup, there is added weight, a new set of rotating assemblies, and added maintenance, less fuel efficiency due to tire resistence. More moving parts = more $$$$. AWD is nice but just it's just what I like what I like in government, I'm looking for less. Taste's great...Less Filling....

WhiteDiamond

I think many of the technologies Runge has posted about and those that are discussed on this forum are much furthor along in development. I believe GM is already capable of putting DI on the V8 line, as the research and development is done.

This may not be the end of the V8, but I believe we are going to see much smaller displacement V8s in the future.

Hot Z06

EVER!!!!!

Racer X

Did anybody notice the Gen V 6.2 DOHC engine mentioned? Perhaps, that is one of the V-8 engines that has had it's development delayed?

Does it sound like it was a Gen V block with DOHC heads, so the short blocks could the same with just different heads and cam drive systems?

edit:
I also just notice the mention of the Next Gen Corvette for 2011. Some HVAC parts mentioned in conjunction with GMX711/721/731, which must be another set of models with similar HVAC needs.

GrampZ

I caught that too.

Yes. DOHC means more R's (one way to get more bhp). And that bad a@@ bottom end is already bought and paid for.

GrampZ

The "confidential" was neither here nor there.

The "subject to protective order" means this posting to the web probably violates some judge's Order - and since it says "subject to Fed. Rule of Evidence 408" that judge would be a FEDERAL judge.

heavychevy

AWD on a corvette.



There is nothing that lightweight. It will still add around 70-100 lbs. Add a paddle shifter and that adds 60-80 more.

With more and more safety standards, weights will continue to grow.

All hail the 3500 lbs corvette.

Racer X

My target would be a 2500-2600 pound Corvette. Reduce the wheel size. This would improve mileage, acceleration, braking, and handling. At the same time it would reduce materials usage and lower the enviromental impact of disposal. A "green" Corvette if you will.

heavychevy

Not a chance. With ABS, TC, Power Everything, AC Radio, AIRBAGS.

Not going to happen with the size of the corvette. Even gutted race versions of street cars are hard pressed to get to 2200, so adding all the amenities will make that impossible.

Remember, the number of people who buy corvettes for Corvette cruise in's and trips to bowling green FAR FAR FAR FAR outnumber the people who buy them to track. So the amenities will take precidence. In fact, you can expect more gadgets like paddles and auto Z's with dual clutches that will add even more weight.

The days of the 2X00 lb full size sports car are gone. Only the compacts like the cayman, miata, lotus etc will get there now.

ZeeOSix

I highly doubt Delphi or GM would have released this information publicly. If that is the case, whoever is plastering it on the internet may be subject to some legal action if they catch wind of such action. I wouldn't be caught dead posting this info ... I've seen cases where heads have rolled and huge Federal fines and possible jail time result in releasing confidential or competition sensitive info without explicit authorization from the information owner.

Racer X

2900 would be easy. Standard Vette with aluminum frame, lightweight 17 inch wheels, Carbon brakes, Carbonfiber panels, Lightweight seats, Titanium exhaust, coated polycarbonate rear glass, this plus any other of the Z06 weight saving changes and I think you are there. Additionally, they could take a couple inches in width and 4-6" in length out and save more weight without compromising interior size much.

2600-2700 would be much harder and require more changes in size. Think Elise and working your way up in weight 600 pounds. That is a lot of weight. The much more powerful engine and transmission is likely to add only a couple hundred pounds, the LSX engine is fairly lightweight.

I think one could have a bigger difference in the levels of trim that might change the weight of the car 100+ pounds due to more luxurious seats and interiors.After having an Elise I can deal with less. A Elise is to a Corvete, as a Corvette is to Escalade in terms of driver space and luxury. Heck, I got use to having a seat that did have an adjustable seat back angle. Of course, I am old enough to remember when almost no car did

If taking all the steps above, and more, and some increased driveline efficiency (direct injection) improved the Vette's fuel economy 20% and thereby saved it, while at the same time improved it's performance in every performance category (acceleration, braking, handling), I am all for a little reduction in luxury, ask the guys with the C1-C3's if they could do it.

GrampZ

Agreed. But neither Delphi or GM posted this.

These folks did: http://www.soldiersofsolidarity.com/