Report: Next-generation Corvette might receive twin-turbocharged V6 engine

Interesting. I'm not sure that a V6 can compete with the current Corvette even with a twin turbo. How about stuffing that V6 into a redesigned Solstice for around $30,000 and instead of calling it a Corvette just call it a Vette.

Larry B.
Key West.

@LarryB

The plastic fantastic by any other name is still a Corvette. As for your comment about the V6, I don't think you're aware of how far turbo tech has advanced. Even in the mid 90's, three manufacturers were pulling 320 hp from 3.0 L engines with good reliability. Hell, you can get a 2.5L turbo with over 300 hp now. If GM went with a Twin-Turbo six, it'll probably put out 500 hp with breathing room for more power. The only drawback will be for people who believe that "there is no replacement for displacement!"

Besides, it's not about horsepower so much as it's about the gearing and the weight of the car. In this case, if they go to a twin-turbo set-up, fuel economy will probably be worse, on the highway, than the basic eight they have in the vette now.

MorePower. I appreciate the input. I am aware of the performance of the V6 from the Nissan GTR and I am very impressed. If GM built a V6 version of the Corvette I think it would perform similar to the GTR. In fact, that in itself would be impressive. The price would also be similar. That would make it more expensive than the base Z06 and in a non turbo "low end" version the performance would not be impressive. "for a Corvette". Chevy likes to have affordable performance for it's patrons.

Larry B.
Key West.

Look to Morepower, Yes, just as Larrybel2000 stated about you being right about the power output, but you got to understand the value of a V8 in the America's history. And yes I am bias. I know the truth, but at this point I haven't came to the realization of the "twin turbo V6." I just can not grasp it and wont grasp it.

Every time we hear a rumour about changing the FR/V8 platform of the Corvette...it just doesn't happen. Let's go for a more modest goal...DSG tranny to replace the slushbox that most Corvette buyers opt for anyway.

Is it okay that I'm not ready for a V6, forced-induction Corvette?!

I highly doubt this, the high displacement v8's provide bullet proof reliability, and an excellent fuel economy compared to the power it puts out. This is due to being able to tune the fuel maps more towards fuel economy and being able to operate the engine at a lower rpm for a given power level, thus lower frictional losses while gaining more complete combustion and better fuel economy.

@ Larry & Joe

You're right about it being critical for GM to strike the proper balance of power, fuel economy and performance. I by no means wanted to come across as implying that you were new to this. Like you said, the GT-R is a great example. I disagree with you one the price. Gm would need to keep the price of a twin turbo corvette in the mid $40's to $50k. Outside of this range, the bread and butter of Corvette buyers wouldn't stand for it and GM wouldn't sell enough cars to justify it.

As to World of Luxury, I understand you not wanting the Vette to loose the small-block, but as Mr. Dylan said, "times, they are a changin". GM would no doubt put, if it ever makes it beyond the realm of speculation into the world of reality, a turbo V-6 in the caddy's, Camaro and probably a high-end buick.

As to Joe, it's not so much about the reliability as it is about better fuel economy and being able to develop a small displacement engine that GM could use across its global product line. Hell, even the small block in the ZR-1 is supercharged. GM has a history of using forced induction engines. I hate to say, but it's not a question of if, but when. I'm sure you know that someday, there will be an all electric Corvette in a Chevy showroom.

But but... V6 is not American muscle. The sound! will not be the same.

The Vette in boosted Camaro V6 form? Doubtful. Vette and V8 are attached like a businessman is to his Blackberry.

Mimicking BMW fans.... 'Any 6 cylinder other than I-6 is a POC!'