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Corvette Racing C6.R Gets 5.5l V8 for Le Mans

After it already confirmed the return of the Corvette to the 24 Hours of Le Mans following a 50 year hiatus, American manufacturer GM announced yesterday the powerplant which will power the car.

Based on the production version ZR1, the C6.R will pack within the same aluminum frame rails that underpin production Corvette Z06 and ZR1 models a new 5.5l production-based V-8 engine. On the ZR1, the unit develops 638 hp and delivers a top speed of 205 mph, while on the C6.R it only outputs 485 hp at 5,800 rpm.

Corvette will race in the new unified GT class in the 2010 American Le Mans Series as well as the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, on June 12-13.

The C6.R uses full-width, production rear spoiler found on the ZR1, as well as a production-based ZR1 front splitter that extends 25mm.

"We are pleased and honored that the new GT2 Corvette C6.R has been invited by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest to compete in the world's most prestigious sports car race," GM Racing manager Mark Kent said in a release.

"Our objective is to carry forward Corvette's legacy of success as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first participation at Le Mans. This year's race will certainly be a challenge because of the depth and quality of the competition in the GT2 division."

"The entries represent the world's most storied sports car brands and underscore the relevance and value of racing production-based cars."
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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