1967 Chevy Nova with 2L Turbo Four LTG Crate Engine Debuts at SEMA. No, Thank You

“Chevrolet Performance engineers built the car to showcase the ‘LTG’ direct-injected 2.0L turbo crate engine as an alternative to conventional V-8 conversions,” the carmaker explains.

Chevy moves on to explain how the LTG “offers comparable power to the 275-hp 327 (5.3L) V-8 originally offered in the ’67 Nova SS - and more than the 195-hp 283 (4.6L) V-8 also offered in the Chevy II Nova lineup.”

The company also mentions the 327-powered Nova SS and goes as far as explaining the all-aluminum turbo four offers a superior 50/50 weight distribution. To be honest, this is the point where Chevy completely lost us.

Sure, the modern-day engine, aided by a six-speed manual, allows the Nova to hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. But that’s the kind of acceleration time you get from hot hatches these days. You know, the kind of machines which should play around with turbo fours.

There are enough contemporary cars with capable turbo fours, such as the Cadillacs, for instance. On many of these models, the superior V6 engine options are more of a comfort option than a dynamic one, and the difference the number of cylinders makes grows exponentially when mentioning a decent V8.

Heck, a 2-liter Nova is just as good as an electric one, if you ask us. And by “good” we mean unworthy of its blazon.

We’re fine with the rest of the car though. The tech upgrades include a triangulated 4-link rear setup, all-round disc brakes, as well as suspension air bags that allow for height adjustment.

Finished in Black Gold, this Nova was also gifted with a billet aluminum grille, scaled-down bumpers, and shaved door handles with electronic latch releases.

Fret not, V8 aficionados, Chevy has more than made up for this turbo four Nova by giving us the LT4-motivated 1970 Camaro RS.