Truth About The C7 Corvette

Mark Reuss' statement that the C7 Corvette will be "completely different" from the C6 and C5 has unleashed volumes of irrational speculation. For example, the Detroit Bureau is reporting that GM is developing a new 3.0-liter turbocharged overhead-cam V-8 for the C7, expected within two years.

That is completely different, and GM would have to plan this engine for such rear-drive cars as the upcoming Cadillac ATS, possibly the next CTS, and the Camaro to make it feasible. As someone close to the C7 project said, "We're here to make money." The prospect of GM working on an all-new V-8 two years after bankruptcy, less than three years after it canceled its last OHC V-8 program, and four years before a 35.5-mpg Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard seems like a long shot.

We don't have a confirmed denial of the new V-8, though we can dispense with at least three rumors right off:

1. No rear-mid-engine. While GM engineers have discussed that possibility for every Corvette since the C3, the latest iteration of that idea left with Bob Lutz, who is now working for mid-engine sports car company Lotus. Even now, GM is in no position to spend such money for the C7 go-around.

2. It will not have a base supercharged or turbocharged V-6. Likewise, the above budget constraints rule out any exotic hybrid system. GM already has cars like the Chevy Volt to carry the green/fuel-efficient car mantle.

3. The C7 will not be Wankel rotary-powered. See number 1.

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