Photo: jlord8 / Instagram
Over the years, General Motors allowed Chevrolet to go wild regarding powertrains on several occasions. The bigger, the better, said the engineering teams, so that's how the 'BBC' (big-block Chevy) attitude came to exit.
Among the big blocks, one of the most important associations that went down in time was that of the 454 cubic-inch V8 (7.4-liter) and the SS (Super Sport) trim of many models. And there was something for everyone, from Chevrolet C/K 454 SS trucks to Monte Carlos, Impalas, or Chevelles. But what about the Corvette?
Well, it did have the 454 cu in (7.4 L) big block engine under the hood back when classic car aficionados also talked about the last true dual exhaust systems, as well as the last sports cars without a catalytic converter – around 1974 was the end of the era for 'America's sports car.' And that was around when the Corvette was at the C3 iteration.
Now Chevrolet is well into the C8 generation with Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray versions – none of which go above the 6.2-liter V8 marker of the Stingray and E-Ray. The Z06, for example, although it's the most powerful Corvette currently on the market with 670 hp, only needs a 5.5-liter and a flat-plane V8 to achieve greatness.
According to the rumor mill, Team Corvette is diligently preparing at least one more high-performance version above the Z06. It's the classic ZR1, of course, which is supposed to reuse the Z06 engine with twin turbos attached to it, resulting in at least 800 – 850 horsepower and more than 700 pound-feet of torque. The whispers then continue, and there's talk of town that Corvette will even dip into hypercar territory with help from electrification – Chevy might introduce a new Zora version with around 1,000 hp on tap!
However, not everyone wants modern twin-turbocharging and electric aids. Some folks just want to see the big block Chevy atmosphere return to prominence – if not in the real world, then at least across the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. For example, Jim, the virtual artist known as jlord8 on social media, has returned to one of his most beloved series - '454 SS all the things' - including a mid-engine C8.
Over time, his 454 SS-focused series has touched everything – both old and new – from the little Geo Storm and Tracker 454 SS to the Pontiac Fiero 454 SS and Chevelle 454 SS Wagon or Chevy Silverado and Astro 454 SS. Note how most of these transformations were on point with the time period. Not this one, though, and instead, the C8 Chevy Corvette goes back to classic times with a few retro mods like the 'fresh' new wheels or the 454 SS decals. However, this is a missed opportunity – where is the blower sticking out the back?!
Well, it did have the 454 cu in (7.4 L) big block engine under the hood back when classic car aficionados also talked about the last true dual exhaust systems, as well as the last sports cars without a catalytic converter – around 1974 was the end of the era for 'America's sports car.' And that was around when the Corvette was at the C3 iteration.
Now Chevrolet is well into the C8 generation with Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray versions – none of which go above the 6.2-liter V8 marker of the Stingray and E-Ray. The Z06, for example, although it's the most powerful Corvette currently on the market with 670 hp, only needs a 5.5-liter and a flat-plane V8 to achieve greatness.
According to the rumor mill, Team Corvette is diligently preparing at least one more high-performance version above the Z06. It's the classic ZR1, of course, which is supposed to reuse the Z06 engine with twin turbos attached to it, resulting in at least 800 – 850 horsepower and more than 700 pound-feet of torque. The whispers then continue, and there's talk of town that Corvette will even dip into hypercar territory with help from electrification – Chevy might introduce a new Zora version with around 1,000 hp on tap!
However, not everyone wants modern twin-turbocharging and electric aids. Some folks just want to see the big block Chevy atmosphere return to prominence – if not in the real world, then at least across the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. For example, Jim, the virtual artist known as jlord8 on social media, has returned to one of his most beloved series - '454 SS all the things' - including a mid-engine C8.
Over time, his 454 SS-focused series has touched everything – both old and new – from the little Geo Storm and Tracker 454 SS to the Pontiac Fiero 454 SS and Chevelle 454 SS Wagon or Chevy Silverado and Astro 454 SS. Note how most of these transformations were on point with the time period. Not this one, though, and instead, the C8 Chevy Corvette goes back to classic times with a few retro mods like the 'fresh' new wheels or the 454 SS decals. However, this is a missed opportunity – where is the blower sticking out the back?!
Google News