2008 LS3 - C6 Updates
Discussion
2008 Corvette: Sports Car Icon Receives Bigger, More Powerful LS3 6.2L V-8, Driving and Interior Refinements
• Preliminarily rated at 437 hp (321 kW) and 586 Nm of torque
• With the six-speed paddle-shift the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever
• New Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package
GENEVA – The 2008 edition of the sixth-generation Corvette, available as a coupe or convertible, has an all-new, larger and more powerful LS3 6.2 L V8 engine. The pre-eminent American sports car also benefits from refinements in driving characteristics. A host of exterior and interior refinements raise the Corvette’s luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.
“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet’s unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”
Engine
A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in both the coupe and convertible models. It is preliminarily rated at 437 hp (321 kW) and 586 Nm of torque. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever.
This new member of the storied small-block family features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L’s 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06’s LS7 engine; and a new engine cover.
The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create the 6.2 litre displacement, the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. While the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased when compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine’s stroke remains at 92 mm. The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also are new and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.
Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. They’re based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.
Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 50.8 mm to 55 mm – an increase of nearly 9 percent. The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine’s 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 40.4 mm in diameter.
To accommodate the engine’s large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 13.25 mm to 14 mm. Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.
Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles falls to a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a “lost core” process that improves runner-to-runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.
Transmission and steering system
The shifting efforts for both the six-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmissions have been improved in ’08 Corvette models. The manual transmission shifting improvements include a more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location.
The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission on both the coupe and convertible is improved with new hardware and a new controller calibration that deliver quicker shifts. This change bolsters the feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles.
Also new for ’08 models is the 2.73 performance axle ratio with the automatic transmission.
The Corvette’s precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system’s internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.
Wheels and exterior colors
Corvette coupe and convertible models come with a new split-spoke wheel design for ’08. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional. Also new is a distinctive, performance-oriented forged five-spoke aluminum wheel for the Corvette models. It comes in a polished finish.
There are two new premium exterior colors available with 2008 Corvette models: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat; they replace Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat.
Custom leather-wrapped Interior Package
Available on coupe, convertible and Z06 models, the new Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that enhance the feeling of Corvette’s craftsmanship. Details include:
• Two-tone, leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats
• Choice of new, exclusive colors: Linen or Sienna, with unique color breakup
• Padded door panel armrests
• “Corvette” embroidered on passenger-side dash pad
• Embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests
• Unique center trim plate with Bias pattern.
Equipment enhancements
All Corvette models feature a new wrapped instrument panel center trim plate, with bright surrounds for the shifter and cupholder. There are also new metal-finish door sill plates that greet passengers as they step into the vehicle, as well as a new lighted control knob for the available Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Other refinements include an audio input jack on all radio systems except navigation and a new keyless access fob, which features the key and remote-function controls integrated in a single unit.
Corvette Z06
The Corvette Z06 is the fastest, most powerful production car ever offered by General Motors. The Z06 was developed alongside the Corvette C6.R race car, for the enthusiastic driver seeking supercar performance in a vehicle that can be used daily, and offers an unmatched horsepower-to-price ratio.
The Corvette Z06 combines the attributes that have made the sixth-generation Corvette a sales success across Europe, with raw power, endurance and race-winning know-how. Derived from the Corvette racing program, the Z06 is a totally unique vehicle that has its own powertrain, body structure and chassis system and a different body structure compared to the Corvette coupe and convertible. The phrase “technology transfer” has never been more appropriate than when used to describe Corvette Z06 road car.
• Preliminarily rated at 437 hp (321 kW) and 586 Nm of torque
• With the six-speed paddle-shift the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever
• New Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package
GENEVA – The 2008 edition of the sixth-generation Corvette, available as a coupe or convertible, has an all-new, larger and more powerful LS3 6.2 L V8 engine. The pre-eminent American sports car also benefits from refinements in driving characteristics. A host of exterior and interior refinements raise the Corvette’s luxury status and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.
“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners with impeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvette reflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet’s unflagging commitment to building the best sports car – and with nearly 55 years of experience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”
Engine
A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in both the coupe and convertible models. It is preliminarily rated at 437 hp (321 kW) and 586 Nm of torque. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever.
This new member of the storied small-block family features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L’s 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06’s LS7 engine; and a new engine cover.
The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create the 6.2 litre displacement, the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. While the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased when compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine’s stroke remains at 92 mm. The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also are new and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.
Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. They’re based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.
Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 50.8 mm to 55 mm – an increase of nearly 9 percent. The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine’s 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 40.4 mm in diameter.
To accommodate the engine’s large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 13.25 mm to 14 mm. Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.
Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles falls to a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a “lost core” process that improves runner-to-runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.
Transmission and steering system
The shifting efforts for both the six-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmissions have been improved in ’08 Corvette models. The manual transmission shifting improvements include a more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location.
The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission on both the coupe and convertible is improved with new hardware and a new controller calibration that deliver quicker shifts. This change bolsters the feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles.
Also new for ’08 models is the 2.73 performance axle ratio with the automatic transmission.
The Corvette’s precise rack-and-pinion steering system is revised to provide improved feel at all speeds. The revisions are due to a new, premium machining process of the system’s internal components, a new, stiffer intermediate shaft and controller calibration changes.
Wheels and exterior colors
Corvette coupe and convertible models come with a new split-spoke wheel design for ’08. The standard 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels feature a Sparkle Silver finish, with a Competition Gray version optional. Also new is a distinctive, performance-oriented forged five-spoke aluminum wheel for the Corvette models. It comes in a polished finish.
There are two new premium exterior colors available with 2008 Corvette models: Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat; they replace Le Mans Blue Metallic and Monterey Red Metallic Tintcoat.
Custom leather-wrapped Interior Package
Available on coupe, convertible and Z06 models, the new Custom Leather-Wrapped Interior Package offers a stylish, two-tone leather-appointed cabin with details that enhance the feeling of Corvette’s craftsmanship. Details include:
• Two-tone, leather-wrapped upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats
• Choice of new, exclusive colors: Linen or Sienna, with unique color breakup
• Padded door panel armrests
• “Corvette” embroidered on passenger-side dash pad
• Embroidered crossed flags logo on headrests
• Unique center trim plate with Bias pattern.
Equipment enhancements
All Corvette models feature a new wrapped instrument panel center trim plate, with bright surrounds for the shifter and cupholder. There are also new metal-finish door sill plates that greet passengers as they step into the vehicle, as well as a new lighted control knob for the available Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Other refinements include an audio input jack on all radio systems except navigation and a new keyless access fob, which features the key and remote-function controls integrated in a single unit.
Corvette Z06
The Corvette Z06 is the fastest, most powerful production car ever offered by General Motors. The Z06 was developed alongside the Corvette C6.R race car, for the enthusiastic driver seeking supercar performance in a vehicle that can be used daily, and offers an unmatched horsepower-to-price ratio.
The Corvette Z06 combines the attributes that have made the sixth-generation Corvette a sales success across Europe, with raw power, endurance and race-winning know-how. Derived from the Corvette racing program, the Z06 is a totally unique vehicle that has its own powertrain, body structure and chassis system and a different body structure compared to the Corvette coupe and convertible. The phrase “technology transfer” has never been more appropriate than when used to describe Corvette Z06 road car.
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