A V8 engine is Chevrolet Corvette’s signature dish, and on the contrary to early rumors that suggested the next generation ‘Vette will get a V6, the C7 will indeed have a V8 powertrain. The new LT1 series V8 is a 6.2 liter small block unit (that’s right, in America a 6.2 liter engine is considered small) that will power the new generation of GM’s high performance cars, including the Corvette and Chevrolet SS.

In this video Darryl Johnson, head of Tonawanda Engine Plant, explains how they are getting about making the new engine. They have made a $425 million investment in this plant to equip it with new facilities and machinery for the production of the LT1. The plant employs over 700 workers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HISTu2ECnqY

Output, performance, and fuel economy numbers of the new V8 engine will not be finalized until early next year, but the new LT1 engine is expected to deliver:

• The most powerful standard Corvette ever, with preliminary output of 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm)
• The quickest standard Corvette ever, with estimated 0-60 performance of less than four seconds
• The most fuel-efficient Corvette ever, exceeding the 2013 EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon on the highway.