GM to supply partners: Hold your horsepower
In response to the current pandemic, GM’s executive director in charge of program management, Michelle Braun, recently issued a blanket order pausing all future car and truck development—including for the Corvette. Industry leakage dropped this document in our editorial laps.
While there is (understandably) no forecast indicating when work will resume and what the new timing for these projects will be, this communication does at least provide insight as to what the General had planned for future Corvettes. The chart that follows mixes some of our speculation with accurate details from the hold order and other leaked documents. When businesses resume normal operations, what follows could come true a year or so after the indicated model years. In particular, the power and torque figures presented below are estimates consistent with our previous reporting.
Model Year | Engine | Power (est.) | Torque (est.) | Likely Application |
2021 | LT2 6.2-liter 16-valve OHV | 490-495 hp | 465-470 lb-ft | RHD Corvettes for export |
2022 | LT6 5.5-liter 32-valve DOHC | 600 hp* | 470 lb-ft* | Corvette Z06 |
2023 | LT2 6.2-liter 16-valve OHV hybrid | 600 hp | 500 lb-ft | Corvette Grand Sport |
2024 | LT7 5.5-liter twin-turbo DOHC | 850 hp | 825 lb-ft | Corvette ZR1 |
2025 | LT7HP1 5.5-liter twin-turbo DOHC hybrid | 1000 hp | 975 lb-ft | Corvette ZORA |
Though it might be delayed, along with the Stingray convertible, plenty of additional Corvette goodness is awaiting us in the years ahead.
*Credible industry feedback suggested reduction in output compared to our original estimates