The next big thing is likely to be a new monster motor.
The C7 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was the first model year. Its 755-horsepower (or 563-kilowatts) 6.2-liter supercharged engine shook the world. This new LT5 mill was exclusive to the Corvette. It shares its engine with Cadillac. GM offered the engine as a standalone crate motor outside of production cars. The LT5 era officially ended.
The Chevrolet Performance Parts website still lists the LT5 but a yellow banner on the top informs customers that it is no longer available. We knew that the C7 ZR1 would not be around for long and there wasn’t a suitable secondary application for the V8. A final Camaro IROC with LT5 might have been nice, but with Camaro production problems affecting mainstream models and Camaro Sales almost non-existent, such a move is likely to be very expensive.
GM’s crappy internal-combustion power is overshadowed by this. The Camaro ZL1, Cadillac CT5V Blackwing all have supercharged LT4 engines that produce 668 hp (498 kW). We’re very close to seeing the C8 Corvette Z06 with its superbly powerful DOHC V8. Although it is unlikely to make 755 horsepower, there are no reasons to doubt that the next-gen ZR1 will get an even higher version.
These are Corvettes powered by pure combustion. Add electrification to the mix and power levels will quickly rise, with the Corvette E-Ray anticipated in 2023. The existing 490-hp (365 kW) 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated engine could be combined with an electric motor to increase the total output to 650 horsepower (485 kW). The Zora flagship is also available, and it has been long rumored that it will pack over 1,000 horsepower with its hybrid powertrain.
You can pour one for the supercharged LT5 but don’t worry. There are bigger and better things in the wings.