A General Motors document published in theCamaro5 forums may shed some light on a new engine option being prepared for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro.
Said document shows the 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine added to the rest of the Camaro’s available powerplants for the 2014 model year. The LS7 is used in the current Corvette Z06, in which it has an output of 505HP and 470 lb-ft (636.5 Nm) of maximum torque.
That’s some way short of the Ferrari 458-beating 580-horses of the supercharged V8 shoehorned under the bulging bonnet of the Camaro ZL1 version. On the other hand, it’s considerably more powerful than the 426HP SS model
This is pure speculation on our part, but it’s possible that Chevrolet will
introduce an LS7-powered Camaro to bridge the power gap between the SS
and the ZL1, offering a three-tier performance range, just like it does
in the Corvette.
We’ll soon find out if that’s the
case or if the General has something else hiding under its sleeves in
the next three weeks: remember, the Detroit Motor Show opens on January 14…
By Andrew Tsaousis
Story References:
Camaro5 via
Autoblog.com
PHOTO
GALLERY
General Motor’s modest presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2013 is highlighted by the introduction of a new special edition version of the Camaro created exclusively for Japan.
The new Camaro Giovanna Edition
is named after the alloy wheel maker that provides the special 20-inch
rims and is offered as a coupe in both LT RS 3.6-liter V6 and SS
6.2-liter V8 trims.
Besides the new alloy wheels shod
in high-performance tires, the Giovanna models feature twin stripes
across the bonnet, roof and boot lid, a unique fuel door cap, SS or RS
emblems instead of the Chevrolet bowtie decal, and embroidered
“Giovanna” logos on the seats and door sill plates.
In Japan, the V6 model is priced
at 4,990,000 yen, while the V8, from 5,990,000 yen or about US$56,200
and US$67,400 respectively at today’s exchange rates.
Making their debut alongside the Camaro Giovanna in Tokyo are the customized Sonic Street subcompact and Captiva Freedom Rider crossover concepts.
PHOTO
GALLERY
America’s most recognized sports
car nameplate is welcoming the debut of its seventh member since it came
into the world in 1953.
The new Chevrolet Corvette
is the third model in the series after the second (1963-1967) and third
(used between 1969 and 1976) generation vehicles to wear the Stingray
designation. It will receive its world premiere at the Detroit auto show on Monday, January 14, and go on sale in the fall.
As with all Corvettes or any
other sports car for that matter, the first thing you will notice is the
exterior styling, which in the case of the C7, breaks many traditions
like the round orrounded-square taillights found on all Corvette’s
since 1961, while keeping others. Another new feature worth noting is
the presence of rear-quarter windows, which were last seen in the first
generation coupe model.
Many aspects of its design were previewed by the 2009 Stingray concept that appeared in the Transformers movies as Sidewipe.
It’s too early to say whether the edgier and more sculpted design of the new Corvette Stingray
will capture the imagination of buyers and fans alike and if it will
become a classic, but as a first observation, we’d say that the from
some angles, the styling looks unnecessary busy and overly trimmed,
while we haven’t warmed up to the plain-Jane-shaped rear window, yet.
From what we gather, many of the
design choices were made to cater to the tastes and needs of both
traditional buyers as well as the younger generation that finds cars
like the Nissan GT-R more attractive.
The interior of the outgoing
Corvette C6 was such a low-point that Chevrolet couldn’t really do worse
even if it tried. The new model’s cabin is definitely an aesthetic
improvement with a driver-orientated dashboard, the shape and lines of
which may or may not remind some of you of the Audi R8.
Among other highlights is the new 8-inch screen in the center of the
instrument panel flanked by regular gauges, and a large display for the
infotainment and navigation system on the center stack.
Chevrolet says that it has
improved the quality of materials as well, with the cabin featuring real
carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather surfaces. Buyers will
have a choice of two seats, each featuring a lightweight magnesium
frame.
The new Stingray makes use of
lightweight materials in its construction and body including a carbon
fiber hood and removable roof panel; composite fenders, doors and rear
quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new
aluminum frame. While no specific numbers were given about the car’s
curb weight, Chevrolet said that it has shifted weight rearward “for an
optimal 50/50 weight balance”.
At first, the C7 will be launched onto the market with GM’s
newly developed 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine featuring direct injection,
Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an
advanced combustion system.
The small block V8 delivers an
output of 450HP and peak torque of 450 lb-ft (610 Nm), making it the
most powerful entry-level engine in the model’s history, while it is
claimed to be the most fuel efficient as well exceeding the
EPA-estimated 26mpg (9.0lt/100km) of the current model.
According to the automaker, the base Corvette Stingray
is able to accelerate from 0-60mph (96km/h) in less than four seconds
and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. Transmission options include
a six-speed automatic and, a first for the Corvette, a seven-speed
Tremec manual gearbox with Active Rev Matching.
Driver technologies include a five-position Drive Mode Selector that GM says “tailors 12 vehicle attributes” to the fit the driving style.
As an option, Chevrolet will
offer a track-capable Z51 Performance Package that encompasses the
following items: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump
oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as
well as a unique aero package to improves high-speed stability.
Naturally, more editions and
higher-powered models will be added to the range over the next couple of
years. For now, you can view the photos below and then head over to the
comments to tell us what you think about the new Stingray.
