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2018 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 to Get 7.0-Liter V8, Reportedly Called LT7

Based on the Gen IV GM small-block engine, the 7.0-liter LS7 is a dinosaur compared to the Gen V small-block V8. Then again, dinosaurs are exciting.
GM 427 big-block V8 crate motor 50 photos
Photo: GM
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Introduced in 2005 for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the hand-built big-block V8 powerplant boasts two valves per cylinder, titanium intake valves, sodium-filled exhaust valves, 505 HP and 470 lb-ft (640 Nm) of torque, and a 7,100 redline. The crate version of the 427 cubic inch motor is $16,503 and lots of people pay that kind of money for such a dinosaur. This is a testament to the appeal of the LS7, a modern classic that will always be remembered.

The best application for the LS7 was the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro in Z/28 form, hands down. However, the pony car segment is evolving, getting increasingly competitive at an alarming pace. With the advent of the Mustang Shelby GT350R, the fifth-gen Camaro Z/28 became yesterday’s news. It is no secret that Chevrolet is preparing something special for the 2018 Camaro Z/28, but the question is, will the big-block V8 soldier on in one form or another?

According to Jonny Lieberman of MotorTrend, also known as that guy who says funny things on Twitter, the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 will definitely have a 7.0-liter V8. “I’m thinking somewhere between 540 - 565 horsepower would do the trick,” writes Jonny. For once, I agree with Lieberman because the golden bowtie won’t let the flat-plane crank 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 of the Shelby have its own way. And so, cue the LT7.

It’s plausible, alright, just as believable as calling it L88 because GM owns the trademark to it. However, I’m more inclined to believe LT7 will be the winning handle for a rather simple reason. You see, the change from LS7 to LT7 will see the big-block V8 adopt goodies that debuted on the LT1. The most important of these are direct injection and variable valve timing. Keep those fingers crossed the big-block will soldier on.

P.S.: Rumor has it General Motors is also working on a 6.2-liter small-block V8 christened the LT2, essentially a better version of the LT1, with around 500 horsepower on tap. Will the mid-engined 2019 Chevrolet Corvette (C8) get it first? Oh well, only time will tell if the rumor turns out to be true.

P.S. 2: In the meantime, here's a guide to the LS engine family.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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