Chevrolet has revealed that the new Corvette engine it is developing will make use of cylinder deactivation technology.
The technology automatically and imperceptibly deactivates cylinders when under light engine loads and although the idea isn’t new, it hasn’t found its way into many production cars as yet.
Currently it is the Volkswagen Group which is pushing ahead in the field, with the Audi S8 and Bentley Continental GT both available with a 4.0-litre TFSI biturbo V8 engine with cylinder deactivation, while the manufacturer has also just opened the order books for its Polo BlueGT which features a 2.0-litre petrol engine with similar technology to improve fuel economy.
However now its the turn of GM-owned Chevrolet to announce that the new Corvette ‘LT1’ engine combines several advanced technologies, including direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (AFM) (Chevy’s patented name for its cylinder deactivation technology) .
"Our objective for the development of the all-new LT1 was to raise the bar for performance car engines," said Mary Barra, senior vice president, Global Product Development. "We feel we have achieved that by delivering a true technological masterpiece that seamlessly integrates a suite of advanced technologies that can only be found on a handful of engines in the world.
"What makes this engine truly special is the advanced combustion system that extracts the full potential of these technologies. The art and science behind that combustion system make the Corvette LT1 one of the most advanced V8 engines in the world," said Barra.
With the Corvette set for a late-2013 launch, Chevrolet predicts it will be the most fuel efficient 450hp car on the market.
"The Holy Grail for developing a performance car is delivering greater performance and more power with greater fuel economy and that's what we've achieved," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "By leveraging technology, we are able to get more out of every drop of gasoline."
Seems that even the most thirsty performance sports cars are turning green.
Richard has been writing about cars since 2008. His favourite motoring topics include the latest fuel-saving technology but also high performance cars – he's conflicted like that. When he doesn't have his writing (or marketing) hat on, he can be found traipsing around the British countryside. Or drinking a skinny latté.
Richard Lawton
October 26, 2012
Filed under: Chevrolet
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