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This is Likely the Mid-Engine Flat-Plane V-8 Corvette Z06 Testing Out in the Open

That certainly sounds like a flat-plane engine

By Brian Silvestro on Jan. 21, 2020

The Corvette switching to a mid-engine layout is huge news, but it's not the only major change happening with the car. In October, Chevy revealed the race-ready C8.R, now packing a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V-8 engine – a big step away from the pushrod V-8s found in the new road car and last-generation race car. A Chevy engineer confirmed the engine would make its way to a road-going Corvette, and this test car is likely it.

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Facebook user Jim Lill shared a video to the C8 Corvette Owners group showing what looks to be a heavily camouflaged Corvette testing in the mountains east of San Diego on Monday afternoon. The car's looks aren't what interests us – it's the sound. Unlike the normal Corvette, which has a traditional, deep pushrod V-8 noise we're familiar with, this one sounds more like the flat-plane C8.R. It has more in common sound-wise with a Ferrari 458 than it does with any Corvette.

Though Chevy hasn't officially confirmed it, the dual-overhead-cam flat-plane V-8 will likely be the engine powering the C8 Z06. In the race car, it uses direct injection, and makes around 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, according to engineers. It's expected to make more in the road car. We're curious to see what Chevy has in store.


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