6 Things to Know About the Rumored C8 ZR1 Hybrid
Rumors have been circulating that Chevrolet will be adding a range-topping electrified powertrain to its newest Corvette C8. Sources that have spoken with GM officials have all but confirmed the upcoming Corvette C8 ZR1 hybrid. Between a flat-plane-crank engine design, twin-turbocharging, electrification, and all-wheel drive, a first-ever Corvette hybrid is certain to garner lots of attention.
All but official
Motor Trend recently spoke with senior GM officials who all but confirmed a range-topping C8 ZR1 performance hybrid is in the works for the brand's latest Corvette. With strong initial sales numbers, there's no doubt a performance hybrid version of the 'Vette would fair well in the supercar field. The idea of a first-ever hybridized Corvette is certain to draw controversy. However you fall against the topic, there are obvious pros and cons to electrifying one of America's most traditional and sacred sports cars. Pros: being increased power output, instant torque from the electric motors, and all-wheel-drive capability that would increase handling. Cons: added overall weight and incessant criticism from die-hard, Corvette loyalists who hate to see the beloved internal combustion-powered sports car of the past fall subject to technological advancement and modernization for the future. Here are six things to know about a future with an electrified Corvette C8!
Photos courtesy of GM
1) Flat-Plane-Crank
Sources say a Corvette C8 ZR1 hybrid model could feature the same 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank found in the Corvette C8.R race car. The 32-valve V-8 has been under development within GM for several years now and is poised to run. In the C8.R, the motor, without any forced induction or electric boost, cranks out 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Flat-planes notoriously vibrate more than cross-plane configurations due to a lack of balance with the pistons. As opposed to "under-square" or a long-stroke design, flat-plane engines use an "over-square" or short-stroke design to reduce piston speed and vibration intensity. Ideally, the end result of a short-stroke design is better high-RPM performance.
Photos courtesy of GM
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2) Twin-turbo
Past rumors previously suggested the Corvette could share Cadillac's new 4.2-liter Blackwing V-8 but that isn't to be. However, Motor Trend confirmed the Blackwing motor would stay exclusive to Cadillac and GM would be developing a separate dual-overhead-cam motor for the Corvette C8. While the Blackwing V-8 uses a hot-vee turbo configuration, a flat-plane-crank setup would likely use a traditional design with outboard turbos with the intake in the valley.
Photos courtesy of GM
>>Join the conversation about the possibilities of the C8 ZR1 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
3) Electrification
The added power boost from the electric motors will certainly offset the expected weight gains. No details have been released on how the electrified powertrain will be set up, but it's reasonable to expect the batteries will be mounted as low as possible to keep the center of gravity closer to the road. Some mid-engine hybrids have mounted the batteries in the firewall between the engine and the seats. C8 ZR1 could see batteries mounted in its frunk or trunk, depending on the size of the packs.
Photos courtesy of GM
>>Join the conversation about the possibilities of the C8 ZR1 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
4) Transmission
Hybrid setups typically place an electric motor between the engine and transmission providing instant torque. The standard 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission currently found in the Corvette Stingray may carry over to the electrified ZR1, however, due to the increase in torque from the electric motors and quicker downshifts from the flat-plane-crank engine design, additional modifications or an alternative transmission setup may be needed to handle the additional power output.
Photos courtesy of GM
>>Join the conversation about the possibilities of the C8 ZR1 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
5) AWD
Mounting motors in the front of the Corvette will enable all-wheel-drive capability as well as active torque vectoring, which will accent the rear axel's electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Adding all-wheel drive will help keep drivers in control of the additional weight and power as a result of the electrified powertrain.
Photos courtesy of GM
>>Join the conversation about the possibilities of the C8 ZR1 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
6) 1,000 Horsepower?
So what will all this electrification business add up to? Sources are ballparking a Corvette C8 ZR1 hybrid could throw down somewhere between 900-1,000 horses. The smaller batteries mean the electric motors will only be good for a quick performance boost and not MPG gains. Don't expect there to be an EV only mode; performance is the priority here, not efficiency.
Photos courtesy of GM
>>Join the conversation about the possibilities of the C8 ZR1 right here in the LS1 Tech Forum!
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