Autoblog

Corvette ZR1-powered Chevrolet Silverado has us feeling sleepy

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Truck, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet

Here we have the kind of sleeper that'll wake you up no time: a short-bed, four-wheel-drive Chevrolet Silverado with an LS9 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. With dyno numbers of 510 horsepower and 504 pound-feet of torque, there's a jump of at least 205 hp and 169 lb-ft over the most powerful factory engine you can get in that truck.

The result? Sound and fury, both of which you can get a taste of in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Corvette ZR1-powered Chevrolet Silverado has us feeling sleepy

Corvette ZR1-powered Chevrolet Silverado has us feeling sleepy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible is a topless powerhouse

Chris Shunk — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:43:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Chevrolet

The 2012 Camaro ZL1 Convertible was unveiled at the LA Auto Show with the same 580-horsepower LS9 V8 powerplant of the ZL1 Coupe, but with a stowable top. Team Chevrolet is happy to point out that this sledge-hammer-of-a-drop-top is the most powerful production Chevy ever produced in the brand's 100-year history, but its open air nature doesn't mean it's a performance slacker.

General Motors engineers fitted the ZL1 Camaro with a tower-to-tower brace under the hood, an underbody tunnel brace, a transmission support brace and a front X brace and rear underbody V braces to give the ZL1 Convertible a more coupe-like ride. The result is less cowl and wheel shake than is expected of most convertibles. GM also added structural reinforcements to keep noise and vibration in check.

The ZL1 Convertible also features the same advanced suspension setup as the ZL1 Coupe: Magnetic Ride with damping levels that now adjust up to 1,000 times per second. The ZL1 Convertible can also travel from zero to 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.9 seconds, making it quick enough to keep the driver happy even when the top is up.

The ZL1 Convertible is scheduled to hit dealerships early in 2012. Follow the jump to read over the official press release, and you can peruse the high-res images of the ZL1 Convertible in the gallery above.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible is a topless powerhouse

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible is a topless powerhouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You now live in a world with a ZR1-powered pickup truck

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Chevrolet, GM

Stuffing engine A into automobile B has been part an enthusiast rite of passage for decades. Fast-forward to 2011, and someone has finally jumped to engine Z. Rather, they've taken the engine from a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, and slung it betwixt the front fenders of a Silverado pickup truck.

Ford Lightning owners, Dodge Ram SRT owners and Toyota Tundra TRD owners... bow to your new master.

For those of you not familiar with this particular engine (how?), allow us to enlighten you. What you're looking at above is the LS9 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. The power output is rated at 638 horses and 604 pound-feet of torque, and all that forward go is now propelling the rear wheels of a Silverado pickup.

Someone get sandbags, high-octane fuel and a video camera, because we want to see this rig run down the drag strip. Our hats off to the mad minds at Houston-based Fastlane for their unholy creation.

You now live in a world with a ZR1-powered pickup truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder trying catch up to 99 units with ZR1 power?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Spyker, Rumormill

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a while since we've heard anything from Spyker that didn't have to do with its acquisition of Saab. The Dutch automaker has apparently had its hands full taking the reins in Trollhattan from General Motors - so busy in fact that it has apparently missed production targets. Like with the new C8 Aileron Spyder.

The convertible version of the stretched and updated C8 debuted about a year and a half ago in Pebble Beach, and was supposed to enter production in the first half of 2010. Well, 2010 has come and gone and apparently production still hasn't started. But we do have some news.

According to reports from the company's native Netherlands, Spyker is planning on keeping the C8 Aileron Spyder very exclusive, with a production run of just 99 units. That's a mighty limited edition, but there's more: according to the same report quoting CEO Victor Muller, Spyker will be ditching the Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 for the 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Considering that, at 638 hp, the LS9 produces over 50% more power than the 400-horse Audi mill, the commensurate drop in the previously estimated 4.5-second sprint to 60 should be well worth the work involved in turning the blown eight around and mounting it in the middle of the Spyker. Either that, or this could all amount to nothing - but the notion that the door between GM and Spyker could be swinging both ways is certainly intriguing.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

Report: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder trying catch up to 99 units with ZR1 power? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Perfomance Parts let you build your own 700-hp Camaro

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet NeSmith LS9 Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's that time of year, kids. Horsepower-crazy General Motors fans are anxiously dancing around their mailboxes waiting for the latest edition of the company's performance parts catalog to arrive. As with past years, the glossy pages are packed from margin to margin with everything you need to give your Bow Tie a little extra giddy up. For 2011, the catalog has fully embraced the Camaro, and a pair of dealer-tweaked versions of the Chevrolet muscle car show exactly what you can do with little more than a crate engine and some spare time.

DeNooyer Chevrolet in New York decided to plop an LSX454 in their orange Camaro, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission via the same clutch used in the mighty Corvette ZR-1. The car turns over 520 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels thanks to a tune-port fuel injection system.

But that's downright child's play compared to what the minds at NeSmith Chevrolet in Georgia cooked up. Those wrenches plopped an LS9 behind the Camaro's headlights. With minor tweaking, the supercharged V8 is kicking out right at 700 horsepower, and NeSmith threw in beefier axles and a Baer brake system to bring the whole party to a stop. Hit the jump to check out the press releases.

Gallery: GM Performance Parts Catalog 2011

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM Perfomance Parts let you build your own 700-hp Camaro

GM Perfomance Parts let you build your own 700-hp Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is getting ready to take the stage at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, but John Hennessey and his band of tuners can't wait that long. Hennessey Performance has announced plans and specs for its upcoming, limited-edition 2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible.

HPE had a hit on its hands when it announced the 2010 HPE700 Camaro. That 725-horsepower coupe was limited to just 24 examples and they were all quickly spoken for. Since Chevrolet is bringing out the droptop Camaro, Hennessey has decided to produce another 24-car limited-edition run with the 2011 model. The 2011 Hennessey HPE700 will be available in both coupe and convertible form, and the cars stats are staggering.

The HPE700 ditches the LS3 mill found in the standard Camaro SS and in its place sticks the supercharged LS9 from the Corvette ZR1. Hennessey says the motor has been tweaked to produce 755 hp and 763 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 is able to hit those numbers thanks to revised boost levels and a more robust fuel system. Thanks to all that power, Hennessey has listed a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. A trip down the quarter-mile happens in 10.9 seconds at 130 miles per hour. Those figures are for the hardtop version when fitted with optional Nitto drag radials.

It's not just a straight-line shooter though, as Hennessey adds more than power to its HPE700. The car is fitted with lightweight HPE wheels, 15-inch brakes with six-piston front calipers, larger sway bars and an adjustable coilover suspension setup. The exterior is fitted with numerous carbon fiber trim pieces. Inside, the HPE700 Camaro receives Hennessey logos on the headrests and floor mats, an HPE race shift knob and upgraded shifter, a numbered dash and hood plaque and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

Currently, there is no set allocation plan for the coupe and convertible in the 24-car run. Pricing has been set at a stout $132,500, but that includes the cost of the base vehicle. It also includes a one-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. The quarter-mile dragstrip, which has been featured in many of Hennessey's videos, is located next door to the company's production facility and showroom.

Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro Convertible

[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible

Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey Venom GT dyno'd at 933 RWHP

Zach Bowman — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Specialty, Racing

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above to watch video after the jump

By now we should all know that Hennessey isn't the kind of vaporware tuner that throws out a rendering, some wild projected power numbers and then drops off the face of the planet, but that didn't stop us from being skeptical when the Texas-based tuner/builder rolled out plans for its Venom GT. Originally, the car was supposed to get its power from a beefy V10 borrowed from the nose of a Dodge Viper, complete with a 1,000-horsepower tune in a 2,700-lb chassis. The final product, however, swapped the 10-pot for the supercharged V8 found in the mighty Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Despite dropping two cylinders, horsepower estimates stayed the same.

Now Hennessey has rolled out a video of its creation on the dyno. How does a streetable 933 horsepower at the rear wheels sound? How about 874 lb-ft of torque at the tires? It sounds mighty tasty to us, especially considering that those numbers come courtesy of regular 93 octane pump gas (no race fuel here, kiddies) and, again, are at the wheel. Ditch the drivetrain loss and power at the crank will easily crest 1,000 ponies. Go ahead and hit the jump to see the monster pull for yourself.

Gallery: Hennessey Venom GT

[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT dyno'd at 933 RWHP

Video: Hennessey Venom GT dyno'd at 933 RWHP originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: TVR rebirth hinges on hybrid tech and Chevrolet Corvette power

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, UK, Luxury

At long last, the question of exactly which American V8 the newly-resurrected TVR will use has been answered. As you might have guessed, the Russian-owned, English-bred racer will get a beating heart from none other than the mighty Chevrolet Corvette. The news hounds over at Autocar managed to snag a quick interview with the brand's owner, Nikolai Smolenski, who said that the GM eight-pot presented the most efficient and powerful solution to the company's engine concerns.

Unfortunately, Smolenski didn't say exactly which GM V8 would find its way behind the new TVR's headlights. We'd love to think that the 638 horsepower supercharged LS9 would do a proper job of paying homage to the ridiculously powerful TVR models of days gone by, but it's possible that the company could opt for the more civil (and less expensive) 505 horsepower LS7 found in the current Corvette Z06.

Either way, the car should be an absolute rocket whenever it hits the streets. Given the fact that an all-American lump is going to be pushing power to the rear wheels, there's even some talk of the cars being sold here in the States. Our fingers? Yeah. They're crossed.

Autocar also makes mention of the fact that Smolenski is considering a hybrid model that would allow the use of an automatic transmission. Blasphemy or not, we're about to see a whole new take on the TVR name we know and love.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: TVR rebirth hinges on hybrid tech and Chevrolet Corvette power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey Venom GT spied out in the open

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lotus

Hennessey Venom GT spied in public - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The insane Hennessey Venom GT won't be revealed publicly until this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed (but come back this Monday at midnight for the full scoop), however, the crew at PistonHeads have recently caught the car out in the open. We're definitely swooning over this one, what with its Lotus Elise-based body, Porsche Carrera GT proportions and Corvette ZR1-sourced powerplant.

We don't have the official details just yet, but we're told that this supercar stunner will produce around 1,000 horsepower. And when you consider that the whole car only weighs about 2,400 pounds, we're expecting some pretty impressive performance numbers. Hit the jump to see a video of the Venom GT in the flesh.

Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop

[Source: PistonHeads]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey Venom GT spied out in the open

Video: Hennessey Venom GT spied out in the open originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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