Autoblog

Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

Our completed LS9 V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you think of brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari and AMG, the idea of their engines being built by the hands of skilled craftsmen is no great surprise. However, most people would be very surprised to learn that General Motors has its own special facility dedicated to building its highest performaning engine by hand.

The GM Performance Build Center is located in a nondescript industrial park in in Wixom, MI, not far from the company's Milford Proving Ground. The PBC is a 100,000-square foot factory that opened in 2005 and has since produced both the supercharged Northstar V8 that was used in the Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V, as well as the dry-sump small-block V8 used in the Corvette Z06 and ZR1. The most recent addition to the lineup is the dry-sump LS3 used in the new manual transmission Grand Sport. We were invited by GM to tour the facility and even build one a monster LS9 that would eventually wind up in someone's ZR1.

Gallery: Building an LS9 V8 at the GM Performance Build Center

Continue reading Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1

Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Chevrolet Camaro Z28, is that you?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

How 2009 is this? Not only are you looking at what we're 99.99% sure is the brand spankin' new Chevrolet Camaro Z28, but we got sent the picture via Facebook. Pretty viral (or whatever), right? Also, that Z28 is sitting on the floor at SEMA, and there's an entire posse of us Autoblog types heading out to Sin City so we will be up close and way too personal with this bad-mutha Chevy shortly.

While no one actually has details yet, we're 99.99% sure again that if this is the Z28, then there's an LSA under yonder hood. To refresh your memory, an LSA is the same engine that powers the very, very mighty Cadillac CTS-V. How mighty? 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torquage. Not quite as brute as the ZR1's LS9 (638 hp, 604 lb-ft of torque), but then what is? Will the Chevy get every one of the Caddy's ponies? Most likely not quite. The Z28 will probably be slightly detuned so as to preserve some sort of outdated, century-old General Motors pecking order that no one outside of Detroit boardrooms has cared about in fifty years. We keep hearing "just" 550 hp. But again, maybe not.

Gallery: Camaro Z28 Renderings

[Source: Facebook]

SEMA Preview: Chevrolet Camaro Z28, is that you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700

Drew Phillips — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet

Click above to view the video after the jump

Normally the twisting of an ignition key doesn't constitute news here at Autoblog, but this is one of the few exceptions. Back in January, Hennessey Performance announced the HPE700, a concoction born from the combination of an LS9 supercharged V8 from a ZR1 and a 2010 Camaro. The Texas-based company only recently shoe-horned the engine into the engine bay. A video camera was on when it was finally time to start the newly created monster, and the sound is nothing short of amazing. The result of open headers plus what appears to be a fairly aggressive cam makes for a sound that has the hairs on the backs of our necks standing on end. Have a listen for yourself by watching the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Brian!

Gallery: Hennessey Camaro HPE700

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700

VIDEO: Commencing countdown, engine on for LS9-powered Hennessey HPE700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jackass: 1969 Camaro gets ZR1 heart transplant

Chris Shunk — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

The 1969 Camaro is one of the most iconic pony cars, and there are plenty of '69s on the road, many of which have been tweaked to provide more power than the impressive stock 427 big-block V8. However, none have been outfitted with the most powerful production GM engine in its 100-year history; the 638-hp LS9. That was true until the Jackass was completed.

The Jackass was constructed by GM engineer and Pro Touring stud Mark Stielow in 20 months. And the modified '69 Camaro is more than just a supercharged V8. Stielow added the wheels, tires, and carbon ceramic brakes from the ZR1, along with an Art Morrison subframe and a Tremec T56 tranny from a Dodge Viper. The result? 511 horsepower at the rear wheels, and a price tag that surpasses a loaded ZR1. While that's quite a bit of coin, but someone had to do it first and it appears Stielow's done it right the first time.

[Source: Inside Line]

Jackass: 1969 Camaro gets ZR1 heart transplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LS9 crate motor costs more than most cars

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res image gallery of the LS9 engine

General Motors did power junkies a solid when it announced at this past year's SEMA show that the famed LS9 engine will be offered as a crate motor. Because the LS9 was designed to live within the tight confines of the Corvette ZR1 engine bay, this engine should fit nicely into all manner of undeserving machinery, a fact that has made our minds reel with endless possibilities.

All that was before we heard the price. As much fun as it would be to drop a ready-made 630-hp supercharged whale-of-a-motor into, say, a Volvo 240 wagon, the $21,000 price tag is a bit of a buzzkill. To put it another way, the LS9 crate motor costs about the same as a base 2010 Ford Mustang. The high price isn't all that shocking, especially considering that Ford charges $17,699 for the 500-horsepower, supercharged 5.4L crate engine that's offered through its Ford Racing Catalog.

As our friends at Autofiends point out, though, anyone with a modicum of experience would be able to eke out even more ponies from a less exotic, standard LS-series engine, which can be had for a song if you're willing to look hard enough. Oh well, like many of the finer things in life, this crate motor is something to be enjoyed by only a limited few with deep pockets.

Gallery: The Chevrolet LS9 V-8

[Source Autofiends]

LS9 crate motor costs more than most cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Supercharged Supercar: Hulme to offer ZR1's LS9 V8

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

Click above to see the Hulme CanAm in high resolution

Most automakers -- especially those with limited resources -- get their first production model to market before announcing future variants. Hulme Supercars director Jock Freemantle had to mortgage his house to finance the development of his pet project, whose launch has been pushed back several times already. Now targeted to go on sale next year, the Hulme will be available in both closed-roof and open-air versions, with a Corvette Z06-sourced V8 replacing the previous BMW unit. Freemantle now says that an additional version will follow, featuring the supercharged V8 from the all-conquering Corvette ZR1. In a nimble, lightweight package, the 640-hp powerplant promises to propel the supercar to epic speeds... if it ever makes it to production.

Gallery: Hulme CanAm

Thanks to Keran for the live shots!
[Source: Gizmag]

Supercharged Supercar: Hulme to offer ZR1's LS9 V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For the kids: Help Mr. Stephens build a ZR1 engine

Dan Roth — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

For many, General Motors' Mr Stephens' Engine Shop online game is full of metallic looking stuff, none of it discernibly purposeful. What you're working with are extracted parts of the LS9 engine that powers the Corvette ZR1. Unless your ZR1 is in the shop for catastrophic engine failure, these components aren't usually seen out on their own. The General's little game has you correctly identify the major pieces and awards a prize after three rounds of correct answers (or lucky guesses). So many people, not just kids, are ignorant about the inner workings of the complex machine known as the car, so we applaud this effort to shed light on the mysteries that lie beneath the bodywork. Watch out for that fuel rail, we found it a little tricky to place. If anything, we're eager to get home and have the young ones begin learning auto anatomy. Thanks for the tip, Eden!

[Source: General Motors]

For the kids: Help Mr. Stephens build a ZR1 engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: GM Performance Parts 638-hp LS9 Crate engine

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of the LS9

General Motors has announced that the blown beastie that lives under the hood of the Corvette ZR1 will be available as a crate motor next fall and our head is spinning with the swap possibilities.

With 639 hp and 604 lb.-ft. of twist available from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, and dimensions shared by the LS3, any number of vehicles could make a happy home for the LS9. According to GM, the engine comes fully dressed, with an ignition system, exhaust manifolds and supercharger, and only needs an external oil tank and coolant tank (for the charge cooler), an ECU and wiring harness.

So, the question is: what would you fit the LS9 into? We've put together a poll after the jump, but feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.

Gallery: The Chevrolet LS9 V-8

[Source: GM via MotiveMag]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: GM Performance Parts 638-hp LS9 Crate engine

SEMA Preview: GM Performance Parts 638-hp LS9 Crate engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Birthing an LS9

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Automobile Magazine was invited into General Motors Performance Build Center to watch and lightly assist in the buildup of a ZR-1's internal combustion heart. It takes four-and-a-half hours of real time to go from a bare block to a fire-breathing, supercharged LS9, but through the magic of sped-up video, it only takes seven minutes of your life. You won't come away with anything productive for that time, unlike the people in the video, who get the pleasure of creating a small-block V8, but it's a neat picture of how it all comes together. We just hope that some other poor sucker gets the motor that the magazine intern fiddled with. Video posted after the jump.

[Source: Automobile]

Continue reading VIDEO: Birthing an LS9

VIDEO: Birthing an LS9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scientists create bacteria that eat junk, produce oil

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Technology

A company called LS9 is creating nearly pump-ready oil using single-celled bacteria. They start with industrial yeast organisms or "non-pathogenic strains of E. coli," and redesign their DNA so that they produce a different kind of waste. Crude oil is not far removed, molecularly, from the fatty acids expelled by yeast or E. coli during fermentation, so a little bit of DNA alteration bypasses the fatty acids and produces "Oil 2.0."

The "bugs" can be fed a variety of feedstock, from politically sensitive corn to Brazilian sugar cane to California wheat straw to Southern wood chips. The result is the same: crude oil that is almost ready to pour into your car. What's more: the enterprise is carbon negative, putting out less CO2 than the operation requires. At the moment it takes a 1,000-liter fermentation machine one week to make a 40-gallon drum of crude.

It will be a moment before they have a seamless industrial-sized operation. And there is that little concern of hundreds of billions of genetically-altered critters getting free and wreaking havoc on kids and puppies. But the promise of a steady supply of safely created $40 oil -- because even the Volt will need oil -- is not a bad thing to consider. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

[Source: Times Online via Engadget]

Scientists create bacteria that eat junk, produce oil originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Corvette ZR1 makes 638 hp and 604 lb-ft

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Supercars, Chevrolet

When Chevrolet officially announced the new Corvette ZR1 just before the Detroit Auto Show this year, it hadn't yet finished the certification of its new power-plant, the supercharged LS9. At that time, all the engineers would tell us was that the supercharged 6.2L V8 would produce a minimum of 100hp/L or 620 hp. Three months have passed since we got our first official look at the LS9 and the numbers are now in. According to GM, the LS9 has now been SAE Certified at 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of twist. The official EPA fuel economy testing hasn't been finished and for people who buy a ZR1 it probably won't matter anyway. Nonetheless, GM expects the LS9 to be the most fuel efficient 600+hp engine in the world, a dubious distinction if ever there was one. A special team of technicians will be hand-building and testing the LS9 at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich. Check out the articles below for all the details on the ZR1 and LS9.

Related stories:

Gallery: The Chevrolet LS9 V-8

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: Corvette ZR1 makes 638 hp and 604 lb-ft

Officially Official: Corvette ZR1 makes 638 hp and 604 lb-ft originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 Eaton Supercharger in-depth

Chris Shunk — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

Click the photo above for pics of the ZR1 Corvette and its LS9 engine

Yesterday we showed you an overview of the Corvette ZR1's heart, the force-fed 6.2L LS9 small block V8. In naturally aspirated form, the LS3 powerplant hits in the base 2008 Corvette hits 436 horsepower, but the addition of a new four lobe Eaton supercharger lifts the ZR1 into the horsepower stratosphere. Ron Meegan, assistant chief of GM's small block engine program, took us through the ins and outs of the ZR1's efficient new supercharger and we had our cameras rolling. Hit the jump to learn how the Eaton supercharger works and what makes it special. We also attached a one-minute video that details some of the differences between the supercharged LS9 V8 in the ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 Eaton Supercharger in-depth

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 Eaton Supercharger in-depth originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Flagship HSV GTSR to get LS9 V8?

Alex Nunez — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Australia, HSV

Since last summer, rumors have swirled in Australia regarding a potential "flagship" HSV GTSR. The original scuttlebutt had GM's Aussie performance division dropping the Corvette Z06's LS7 V8 into one of its fully-tricked, Commodore-based sedans. That never panned out. In the interim, we've seen the introduction of the blown, 620-horsepower, 6.2-liter LS9 V8 in the Corvette ZR1, as well as its less-caffeinated brother, the 550-horsepower LSA, in the Cadillac CTS-V. As such, the time is nigh to commence Round 2 of the HSV GTSR rumormongering. Australia's Motor magazine (no website? come on, guys) steps up to the plate with its March 2008 issue cover shot, a Photoshop of an HSV sedan sporting the ZR1's hood window, with a claim that the LS9 is headed Down Under. Whether the rumor's even remotely valid is anyone's guess, and it's likely to go on for months. You see, something like the mythical GTSR would be a pretty major reveal, worthy of a big stage like the Sydney Motor Show. That doesn't take place until October, so there's plenty of time for this one to get whipped into a frenzy. Thanks to Autoblog (and Motor mag) reader Zayed B. for the photo!

UPDATE: I'm reminded in the comments that the Melbourne Motor Show is less than three weeks away, so perhaps we'll get more word on whether there's a Super HSV in the works sooner rather than later.

[Source: Motor]

Rumormill: Flagship HSV GTSR to get LS9 V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - supercharged LS9 cutaway display

Eric Bryant — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Technology, Supercars, Chevrolet

Yea, we know - the automotive press has featured a whole bunch of Corvette ZR1 content lately (including us!), and readers are probably getting a bit tired. However, we figure that a cutaway of the mighty supercharged LS9 should be interesting enough to justify yet another post on the revived King of the Hill.

Painted in monochrome silver as GM is wont to do, this particular display isn't particularly photogenic. Still, we were able to capture some details that aren't easily observed in 2D drawing or press releases, so click through the jump for a variety of shots.

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Corvette ZR1 LS9 engine cutaway

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - supercharged LS9 cutaway display

Detroit 2008: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - supercharged LS9 cutaway display originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 chassis display

Eric Bryant — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Technology, Supercars, Chevrolet

As gorgeous as the 2009 Corvette ZR1 may be on the outside, it's what is under the skin that gets our blood pumping. Fortunately, GM stripped down its new supercar to the bare essentials and put it on display here at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

You can access our gallery of ZR1 chassis photos by clicking on the photo above. We've also got commentary on what you're looking at after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 chassis display

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 chassis display

Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 chassis display originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR1's LS9 inspired by BMW M V10?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Technology, BMW, Chevrolet, GM

It used to be that American muscle cars were competing against themselves when it came to power. But rumor has it that, in the case of the Chevrolet ZR-1, the domestic horsepower war has a new international benchmark: the BMW M-division V10.

Word is that "German competition is driving the higher horsepower and torque numbers coming to the Corvette." Chevy engineers said that the new LS9 was created to "match up favorably" with the V10 found in the M5 and M6. The supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 has 620HP and 595 lb-ft of torque, with 535 lb-ft available from 2,600 RPM and a 6,200-RPM redline. The high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 has 507 HP and 385 lb-ft of torque, and goes all the way up to 8,250-RPM.

It's good to see Chevrolet taking its cues from the best, no matter whether its domestic or international. Especially when it's applied to an engine created with a different philosophy (large-displacement, low-revving grunt) to go in a car with a vastly different purpose than the M5 or M6. BMW's S85 V10 has won at least two International Engine of the Year awards for three years straight, and the LS9 still needs to prove itself. In the mean time, the far more powerful LS9 can gloat that it gets better highway gas mileage: 20 MPG versus. the V10's 17. American ingenuity, +1.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Gallery: Supercharged LS9 V8

Corvette ZR1's LS9 inspired by BMW M V10? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 0-60 mag gets first crack at Corvette ZR1

Dan Roth — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

click above image to view video

Our reaction to the official press shot of the Corvette ZR1 was a little guarded. The bright blue car that accompanied the lifting of the embargo left us thinking a bit more about Hot Import Nights than we were comfortable with. 0-60 Magazine recently had a photo shoot with another ZR1, and this one dressed nice. All the tungsten instruments around 0-60's ZR1 really play up the surface detailing of the C6 Corvette, and the handsome metallic gray hue made this particular ZR1 a stealth bomber. There's the minor detail of that polycarbonate skylight in the hood, and the humongous brake package peeking from behind equally huge rims is far more striking in person than pictures will ever convey, too. So, even in a subdued color, the ZR1 still manages to announce to the world that it's packing something special. There's nothing of any consequence in the video, it's a few walkarounds of one of the hottest cars extant. It's a nice holiday treat, so stop feasting on goodies for a couple minutes and hit the jump for some eye candy instead.

[Source: 0-60]

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Continue reading VIDEO: 0-60 mag gets first crack at Corvette ZR1

VIDEO: 0-60 mag gets first crack at Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #83

Dan Roth — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Performance, Supercars, BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Nissan, Celebrities

Autoblog Podcast #83 was judiciously held back until after the embargo cleared, but we can now talk freely. The biggest news this week is the official unveiling of the Corvette ZR-1/Blue Devil. Powered by the new LS9 supercharged small-block, the car's performance is sure to be astounding. After laying eyes on the un-camoflaged car, hood porthole and all, we have to ask: is it overwrought? From ridiculous speed to ludicrous wordsmithing, we talk about the Nissan FORUM concept mainly for the chance to bash the hilariously composed press release. Maybe it was written in Japanese and they just passed it through translation software before releasing the announcement.

While we're being scornful, we turn our gaze to the new Knight Rider. We've been keepig an eye on all the news, and let's just say we expect the show to fail. The new Mustang-based KITT, even in Attack guise, is no Super Pursuit Mode original KITT. We wrap up with some discussion of Hyundai's move toward a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-inject engine (GEMA?) and take that off into a discussion about the expanded selection of good, inexpensive, and powerful coupes. The finale is some speculation about the rendering of a new McLaren supercar, as well as analyzing the absurdly high price of the BMW 1-series. 43 minutes will do it, see you next week!

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Autoblog Podcast #83 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: The Heart of the King, the LS9 is born!

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:18:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Technology, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

Every great king needs a great heart. Given the competition out there, if a car intends to claim the mantle of "King of the Hill", it better have a mighty heart. We haven't driven the new Corvette ZR1 yet, but based on what we know so far of its heart, it can surely make a plausible claim to the throne. Beating in the engine compartment of every ZR1 will be the most powerful series production edition of the Chevrolet small block V-8 ever created.

While the new LS9 shares the important dimensional characteristics that define the small block, that being the 4.4-inch bore spacing and the cam-shaft embedded in the valley between the two banks of four cylinders, it is in essence a new engine. With a minimum output of 100 hp/L and forced induction, this machine can climb to some serious altitude. Read on to learn all about what makes the LS9 so special.

[Source: General Motors]

Gallery: The Chevrolet LS9 V-8

Continue reading Detroit 2008: The Heart of the King, the LS9 is born!

Detroit 2008: The Heart of the King, the LS9 is born! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEAKED! Corvette ZR1 6.2L LS9 V8 sees light of day

Drew Phillips — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

We didn't think we would get a glimpse of it until January at the Detroit Auto Show, but Jalopnik has obtained official photographs of the LS9 V8 that will power the 2009 ZR1 Corvette. The images show that the LS9 is a supercharged version of the 6.2L LS3 V8 like we previously reported. One photo also illustrates in detail a unique integrated twin intercooler that sits atop the supercharger. While it may not have the official name, the blue accents on the engine cover hint at the "Blue Devil" moniker by which we referred the car for some time before switching to the official ZR1 name. While specifications haven't been released yet (we're guessing it will offer somewhere in the neighborhood of 650 HP), just seeing the images of the LS9 gets us even more excited for the ZR1's official debut in January.

[Source: Jalopnik, Digital Corvettes]

Gallery: Supercharged LS9 V8

LEAKED! Corvette ZR1 6.2L LS9 V8 sees light of day originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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