2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette V-8 Engine Specs Revealed

First Look

• The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The conspiracy theorists have been silenced, the next Corvette, scheduled to go on sale in the latter half of next year, continues to be powered by a 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Chevrolet today confirmed that the displacement of the C7 Corvette's engine remains the same as before, though power and fuel economy have both been improved. The 6.2-liter will deliver 450 bhp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque – Chevy says the latter figure is "comparable" to the LS7 engine presently found in the Corvette Z06. This will be the quickest "standard" Corvette ever built, with a 0 to 60-mph time estimated at less than 4.0 seconds.

2014 "LT-1" 6.2L V-8 VVT DI (LT1) Direct Injection Fuel System for Chevrolet Corvette

More Power for Less MPGs

The web has been buzzing about the possibility of Chevrolet adding a turbocharged V-6 to the Corvette range, in a bid to boost economy and lower curb-weight without sacrificing performance. We speculated the C7 Corvette might use a smaller displacement V-8 engine, versus the 6.2-liter unit that carries over from the C6 to C7 edition. Chevrolet does point out that the latest small-block now features direct injection and active fuel management – which is nice, if not quite as catchy in a banner headline.

Exact economy figures have yet to be released, but Chevrolet promises the new LT1 engine will exceed the 26-mpg highway average of the current C6 Corvette. Emissions have also been reduced, by as much as 25-percent during cold starts. For you trivia buffs out there, the first small-block V-8 debuted in the Corvette in 1955. It had a displacement of 4.3-liters (265 cubic inches) and pushed out a total of 195 bhp.

2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette

Chevrolet says many of the engine advancements came about thanks to its C6.R race car, which competes in the American Le Man Series GT Class. "The engine requirements for a production car and a race car are remarkably similar," said Jordan Lee, small-block chief engineer and program manager. "In both cases, you want an engine that is powerful and efficient, compact and lightweight, and durable."

2014 "LT-1" 6.2L V-8 VVT DI (LT1) Intake Manifold Assembly

As a point of comparison, the LT1 engine is now 40 pounds lighter than "a competitor's twin-turbo 4.4-liter, DOHC V-8 with similar output," according to Chevrolet's press release. We'll give you a hint; the mystery competitor is German and has a three-letter name, with the first a `B' and the last a `W.' The lighter engine is nestled into a Corvette platform featuring a longer wheelbase and, as a result, the C7 Corvette has a "near perfect" 50/50 weight balance front and rear.

Nick KurczewskiFor more than 20 years, automotive journalist Nick Kurczewski has written for dozens of print and digital publications about all aspects of the car world. Past adventures have included driving nearly 200 mph on the German autobahn and becoming a licensed Zamboni driver at an ice rink in Manhattan. He’s driven a car powered by compressed air, investigated how to keep rodents out of engine bays, and talked his way out of a ticket while piloting a Bugatti. In his more relaxed moments, Nick loves helping people find the perfect car for their driving needs and shopping budget