Small-Block V-8 is the Heart of Chevrolet Corvette

 

For 58 of its 60 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has been powered by the legendary Chevrolet V-8 engine. Technological advancements have increased output threefold – from 195 hp in 1955 to 638 hp today – as well as reliability, refinement and efficiency.

However, the fundamental architecture of the Chevrolet “Small Block” remains the same today as it was in 1955: a 90-degree V-8, with overhead valves actuated by pushrods, and a 4.4-inch on-center bore spacing.

“The brilliance of the Chevrolet V-8 is its elegant, efficient design,” said Jordan Lee, global chief engineer for Small Block Engines. “The Chevy V-8 has fewer reciprocating parts, and is very efficient and has one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any engine family in the industry. The design is incredibly compact, enabling the Corvette’s signature sleek profile and low hood line.”

Despite a sporty appearance, the early Corvettes’ performance didn’t match their good looks. The car launched in 1953 with the “Blue Flame” inline six-cylinder engine and a two-speed automatic transmission – not exactly the stuff on which to build a sports car legend. That changed in 1955, when the new small-block V-8 engine became available and was ordered by 99 percent of Corvette buyers.

Not only did the new and significantly more powerful engine breathe new life into the Corvette’s driving experience, it could be linked to a three-speed manual transmission that gave the driver an even greater connection to the car. The result made the Corvette a proper sports car, and enthusiasts responded. Sales nearly doubled from 1954 and by the end of the decade, they nearly tripled.

Immediately after the V-8 was introduced, the small-block began a steady march upward in displacement, power and technological advancement.

The Corvette’s first 4.3L (265 cu. in.) small-block engine in 1955 produced up to 195 hp with an optional four-barrel carburetor. Today, the LS9 6.2L (376 cu. in.) supercharged small-block in the Corvette ZR1 is rated at 638 hp (476 kW), delivering about 230 percent more power than the original small-block engine from only 42 percent greater displacement.

Today’s small-block is also remarkably fuel efficient. For example, the 430-horsepower (476 kW) LS3 version of the Gen-IV small-block helps the 2013 Corvette accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds, run the quarter-mile in just more than 12 seconds and achieve a top speed of 190 mph – all while achieving EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 26 mpg.

That fuel economy compares favorably to vehicles more commonly associated with daycare drop-off vehicles than road-course lap times. Indeed, the Corvette’s highway fuel economy is better than the 2013 Hyundai Equus (23 mpg), Volvo XC90 AWD (23 mpg) or Subaru Legacy with the 3.6L flat-6 (25 mpg) – and it matches the Toyota Venza (26 mpg). It also matches or beats other sports cars with smaller engines, including the Nissan 370Z (26 mpg/3.7L V-6), Porsche 911 Turbo (24 mpg/3.8L flat-6) and BMW Z4 (26 mpg/3.0L straight-6).

The first pre-production 2014 Impala rolled off the assembly line yesterday.

Who’s going to be the first in line to get Chevy’s flagship sedan? Impala has always been a flagship for Chevrolet. But a leader should never rest on the laurels of its past — especially when it wears the Chevy bowtie. So, when it came time to reinvent one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates, Chevy designers and engineers reached far into the future and shaped it in the present. The end result is a stunning new interpretation of the Impala that’s only recognizable by its signature badge.

Sculptural, athletic, head-turning design
Form and function thoughtfully converge in the 2014 Impala design. The exterior is characterized by smooth, flowing contours that are as visually stunning as they are aerodynamic. Poised on standard 20-inch wheels, the stance of the 2014 Impala is both aggressive and confident — a reflection of the power, efficiency and comfort drivers will enjoy when they take the wheel.

Upscale, refined, spacious interior
When you first step into the 2014 Impala, you immediately notice how roomy and quiet it is. Yet, at the same time, you also feel uniquely connected to the environment. That’s because the design of the interior is deliberately driver-centric. The instrument panel flows around the cockpit. The controls are ergonomically placed. Rich chrome and wood accents, sumptuous available leather-appointed seating and unique available ambient lighting elevate the luxurious feel. Overall, it’s the type of experience that makes driving truly rewarding.

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Dynamic, spirited, efficient performance
No one wants to sacrifice power for fuel efficiency. That’s why the 2014 Impala offers three engine choices to suit your needs: the available 303-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine that goes from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds and offers 28 MPG† on the highway, the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 31 MPG† on the highway and 195 horsepower, and the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with E-assist that delivers and estimated 35 MPG† on the highway and 182 horsepower. Either way, enhanced driving dynamics and premium rack-mounted electric power steering make for a nimble, responsive ride.

Advanced, intuitive infotainment technology
The 2014 Impala is equipped with the newest Chevrolet MyLink™† in-car infotainment system, which seamlessly integrates Bluetooth®† wireless for select phones, advanced touch-screen technology and natural voice recognition. It allows drivers to make calls, stream music from online services like Pandora,®† operate USB†-connected devices —and so much more — with ease. They can even customize the high-resolution 8-inch color touch-screen for quicker access to the features they use most. It’s advanced technology that makes connectivity a whole lot simpler.

Smart, proactive safety features
Impala also gets numerous safety enhancements for 2014. Its structure incorporates more high-strength steel than before along with 10 standard air bags† to help mitigate the impact of a collision. Advanced safety technologies are also available, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Mitigation Braking,† Rear Park Assist with Rearview Camera and Side Blind Zone Alert with Cross-Traffic Radar Alert. These available features proactively help protect against the unexpected.

Coming in early Spring 2013
The arrival of the 2014 Impala is a milestone for Chevrolet, as it demonstrates how the brand’s longstanding commitment to excellence is advanced by uncompromising vision and continuous innovation.

“The momentum at Chevrolet continues to build with the debut of the 10th generation of the Impala, one of the brand's most enduring and cherished nameplates,” says Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing. “The new Impala further strengthens Chevrolet’s passenger car lineup by giving consumers a full-size sedan that balances the desire for distinction with engaging driving dynamics.”