📰 Auto News Corvette to shed the pounds and power in 2012

[Mook]

[Source: Autoblog]

The new CAFE regulations might spell the end for big V8s, but future Corvettes will be packing a similar performance punch with a smaller footprint. Automotive News sat down with the Corvette's vehicle line exec, Tom Wallace, to discuss the future of the iconic coupe and he said that a 700 hp 'Vette is off the table. Instead, Chevy is looking to lighten the Corvette's weight and utilize a smaller V8 in order to keep the same power-to-weight ratio of the current generation models. Although Wallace didn't get into details, that didn't stop AN from speculating that the next Corvette could go on a 300 to 400 pound diet and get motivation from a 4.7-liter V8 (making 150 hp less). However, Wallace's own words are more telling, saying that the next 'Vette could be "more fuel efficient [and] even nimbler than it was before.

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[Bru]

This should be interesting. A 2800-pound Corvette? Sweet.

 

[Mook]

what the weird ass title...that shouldnt be right...i shall have to fix that

 

[Mr Baytchos]

Yeah i have a feeling most sports cars will go this way......or at least add DI and boost

 

[Bru]

Yeah i have a feeling most sports cars will go this way......or at least add DI and boost

I also think that's what we're going to see. Lighter cars with small displacement, forced induction powerplants and six-speed autos.

 

[Euro]

fuckin CAFE

Although a lighter vette would be cool. I hope that doesn't sacrifice the looks at all.

 

[Lord Tin Foilhat]

wow it would be great if they could get it to 2200

 

[Stink Star]

that would be pretty cool, but one reason the vette is so cool is because of the low price. Although a full carbon fiber monocoque would be cool because it would certainly trim the weight tremendously, it would take the car out of that "easily affordable" price range that makes it so popular today

 

[Bru]

that would be pretty cool, but one reason the vette is so cool is because of the low price. Although a full carbon fiber monocoque would be cool because it would certainly trim the weight tremendously, it would take the car out of that "easily affordable" price range that makes it so popular today

Carbon fiber is in huge demand right now -- cars, aircraft, etc. -- so for right now it's not a cost-effictive way to decrease weight. But once the supply catches up with the demand (who knows, like 10 years) I wouldn't doubt to see it used more on the standard Vette, as well as on less-expensive cars as a way to decrease weight.