2013 Chevrolet Corvette

Many of us have been waiting for the arrival of the next-generation Corvette C7 for quite some time. It’s not so much because we are hardcore Corvette lovers or even because the next generation is getting any dramatic changes to pique our interest, but with so many changes in regulations and the growing awareness of the environment - and the effects that has on our wallets - we were just curious to see if Chevrolet would be biting the bullet and straying away from their trademark V8 engine. A few months ago we shared a video of Chevrolet chief engineer, Tadge Juechter, getting very defensive over the company’s beloved Corvette and it became clear that the next generation would still carry the V8 engine that has gotten them this far, but it would be getting some changes to move with the times.

The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette - and not 2011 as originally planned - will be utilizing a 5.5L small block V8 engine in its front engine, rear wheel drive platform and will actually get more horsepower than the typical 6.2L and 7.0L engines used in the past. The Corvette will now sport 440HP, about 5 HP up from the previous generation, and will also feature better fuel economy to boot. The engine will come with a revised combustion system and an aluminum block and heads.

The engine won’t be the only defining change, that we can be sure of. Rumors suggest that Chevrolet will finally be bumping up the quality of the materials used in the sports car - ending what seems to be generations of poor quality complaints - and will be putting in higher end seats similar to buckets seats. If they expect to keep up with the times, then we would suggest putting in a few technological advances. If the Ford Focus can get all teched out, then the Corvette should be able to dazzle us with something.

UPDATE 05/26/2011: New details on the next generation Chevrolet Corvette suggest that the car will adopt a European-style, small-block, turbocharged V8 engine. According to TheDetroitBureau.com, the new engine will only be slightly larger than 3 liters in displacement and will be of an overhead-cam, rather than traditional overhead-valve design, using a dry sump oil system that’s particularly well-suited to high-performance road courses rather than straight-line acceleration. Expect to see an output of about 400 HP, or about 125 HP per liter, making it a strong competitor for models like the Porsche 911 and the Lamborghini Gallardo.