Daily Slideshow: Arguments For and Against the Corvette's Turbocharger Evolution

1. A sign of the times?

For the folks behind the Corvette, the order of the day has been "modernization." Love or hate it, certain changes are coming and it looks like they're here to stay.

For the better part of its decades-long existence, the Corvette was often seen as the vanguard for fresh sports car design. It's almost funny to think that some of their biggest design controversies currently revolve around updating their cars to suit contemporary norms.

For instance, there has been criticism that Corvette's rumored switch to a mid-engine layout for the C8 generation would cease to be a true Corvette. Likewise, the predictable switch from naturally aspirated engines to turbocharged small-block has longtime fans concerned. A turbocharged powertrain would not have become more standard if it didn't offer clear benefits to the efficiency and handling. Of course, there's far more to a car like the 'Vette than worrying about your miles-to-gas ratio, and the vocal critics warn that switching over could cost the Corvette part of its soul.

>>Join the conversation about the Advent of Turbocharging Corvettes right here in Corvette Forum.

2. Classic feel versus modern function

It goes without saying that the way a car feels owes a ton to the type of engine being used. Upon first glance, turbochargers would seem like the way to go. For starters, they add efficiency and power to an engine that wouldn't be possible otherwise. This effectively allows more power from smaller engines. Economizing on engine space and weight by itself is going to help a car's specs; fuel economy and power output are two of the things people praise turbocharging for. There's still a very clear difference between a small efficient engine and the 6.2-liter beast the Corvette naturally favors. 

>>Join the conversation about the Advent of Turbocharging Corvettes right here in Corvette Forum.

3. There's a good argument to be made for old-fashioned frivolity.

It's the job of an engineer to improve upon and refine things according to their use. However, if you're sitting down to engineer a sports car (especially an American vehicle) you might want to bring out your inner rock star as well. People who favor the turbocharger evolution have a hundred reasons why it's a practical, efficient evolution. Unless someone makes their living by driving laps really fast, however, buying a sports car is already impractical by its nature. Classic action and youth cinema painted the 'Vette as icons of any given era that they were part of. The car has gone through many forms since that golden age, but the cultural nostalgia for big engines and fast living is still a reason why these cars sell.

>>Join the conversation about the Advent of Turbocharging Corvettes right here in Corvette Forum.

4. Outside pressures make turbochargers necessity.

If people groan that muscle cars just aren't the same as they used to be, part of the reason is that there are literally regulations against them. Although the European market has definitely had some influence (they've never been as interested in the roaring bravado aspect of sports cars) government legislation on limiting emissions has to play a role. With smaller, more efficient engines, engineers have an easier time making the most of the Corvette within regulations.

>>Join the conversation about the Advent of Turbocharging Corvettes right here in Corvette Forum.

5. Corvette owners have always had the chance to go turbo.

Part of the frustration involved with phasing out the classic NA model is that the turbo option has always been available, at least for those who really wanted it. Even if old-school 'Vette fans think it a disgrace to the spirit of the car, it hasn't stopped twin turbo kits from becoming one of the most popular aftermarket overhauls to a Corvette's powertrain.

>>Join the conversation about the Advent of Turbocharging Corvettes right here in Corvette Forum.

6. On the brighter side, the transition will be gradual.

While the supposed leaked evidence has made it all but clear that Corvette plans on doing away with their traditional "big engine" builds. Although, there's at least going to be a grace period of several years where both engine versions will be available to customers. The C8 Corvette's mid-engine layout will already change the handling past the liking of some purists, but customers will reportedly be able to buy one with the 6.2L engine if they so choose.

Offering both versions for a time is a very clever move for Corvette, albeit a bit sneaky; they'll be able to market the clear advantages of turbo while simultaneously avoiding drawing ire from their hardcore fans. We've got to imagine the people working on Corvettes share the soft spot for the sweet suspense of a rumbling NA at low-rev. There are more factors playing into this evolution than pure naysayers care to admit, but we've got to at least give it to Chevy for keeping our naturally aspirated dreams alive as long as possible.

>>Join the conversation about the Advent of Turbocharging Corvettes right here in Corvette Forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.