Leno sought out the expertise of Pratt & Miller who specialize in the engineering and construction of American Le Mans Series Corvette C6.R racecars. The goal was to create a Corvette Z06 that could run on E85 ethanol.
Jay Leno’s popularity as a television host is almost equaled by his love for cars. Leno is a passionate car enthusiast with a collection of nearly 100 automobiles that spans almost 100 years. Leno, GM’s spokesperson, has been making appearances at Las Vegas’ SEMA show for several years. This year is no exception. This time, however, the vehicle being shown is a project car in which Leno was involved.
Leno sought out the expertise of Pratt & Miller who specialize in the engineering and construction of American Le Mans Series Corvette C6.R racecars. The goal was to create a Corvette Z06 that could run on E85 ethanol. The project went beyond converting the LS7 engine so that it could run on an alternative fuel. The result was an 8.2L (500 cubic-inch) custom-built all-aluminum small block V-8, which produces approximately 600 horsepower and 585lb.-ft. torque.
It uses stock LS7 cylinder heads and intake system. However, the engine was made from a block of billet aluminum. Katech Engines developed the engine for Pratt & Miller. It also features forged steel crankshafts, forged rods, and forged pistons. The fuel system control unit was modified for E85 fuel. The blueprinted and reinforced T56 six-speed transmission features a high-performance Centerforce dual friction clutch.
Pratt & Miller had a range of carbon fiber parts from their C6.R parts shelf to make Leno’s C6RS exterior. The press release below shows “… with wider front and back fenders, and a wider rear facia. There is also an integrated spoiler at the top and a racing-style diffuser in the bottom. (The diffuser includes an LED-lit backup light). This Corvette is a special one. The car’s front panels, which include rockers, louvers and lower grille openings, are C6.R-style and feature waterfall-hood front fender louvers. Leno’s C6RS has a wider body than stock, measuring 1.6 inches.
Leno, like many others before him, wanted to show that the stigma attached to performance cars is temporary and that alternative fuel technology can produce the same results as performance cars. See the press release below for more details.