Bob Lutz: 600HP Corvette due by 2009

General Motors’ Bob Lutz has confirmed that there’s a limited-edition super-Vette in the works that will develop in excess of 600hp and is due by mid 2009 as a 2010 model. "There is a distinct appetite for something beyond the Z06 in performance, beyond the Z06 in exclusivity and beyond the Z06 in price," Lutz told Automotive News.

GM's head of performance cars Tom Wallace already gave a confirmation of the car’s production but this is the first time that we have a rough estimate for the model’s release date. GM were never going to let the Dodge Viper hold the title as America’s most powerful sports car, and made this evident at last week’s Chicago Auto Show with the statement "call it horsepower wars. In summer 2009, Chevrolet will add a limited-edition Corvette producing about 600hp.”

Spy images of a Corvette test mule featuring a large bonnet scoop have been circulating for months. Rumors are suggesting the car will utilize a supercharger for the extra oomph. A name hasn’t been confirmed as yet and production levels will be significantly lower than the 3,000 Z06’s that are built annually.