Posted on Friday 23 February 2007
General Motors’ VP of global product development Jim Queen has spilled the beans on one of GM’s most crucial future models. In an interview with Motor Trend, Queen said the next-generation C7 Corvette will retain a naturally aspirated V8 engine but will develop up to 700hp in flagship form. Also, rumors of an AWD version are said to be false.
The major focus of the project will be to increase the efficiency of the drivetrain. “We’re working hard to get that power onto the pavement,” Queen said, adding that weight and weight distribution are the keys. Most of GM’s upcoming large RWD cars are moving to its new Zeta architecture, however, the new Corvette and its Cadillac XLR sibling will be based on a unique platform.
Update: Ok, so it looks like Mr Queen didn’t say the next-generation Corvette would have 700hp, but this figure was guesstimated by the writer and added to the story. It would be nice if Motor Trend could ask its writers to clearly distinguish between the actual interview and pure speculation. Thanks to the lads over at Autoblog for tipping us off about this.
That’s a whoooole lotta ponies to put down without the help of forced induction. I’m not sure I like where this is going - are we going to see $150k Corvettes soon?
True, hard to believe 700 HP normal aspirated.
As for the $150K Corvette, what’s wrong with that?
The 700 HP will be on the top Corvette only.
It doesn’t mean 700hp will be made without boost. The statement is that the C7 vette will retain a n/a engine. It does not say that the flagship model will be n/a.
a $150K Vette is pretty stupid. The whole reason behind the recent Vettes (C4, C5, C^ and up) is to have an affordable sub $90K American ’supercar’ that can stand on it’s own against Vipers and Ford’s GT, Saleen S7, etc. Not to mention $150K for only 700 ponies is a bit lame since you can take a stock C6 add some turbos to it and for less than $70K you can have far more than 700 reliable horsepower.. so this idea from GM is a total ripoff.