GM Putting $890Million in to new LS Development
Well, the LS line of engines are already one of the nicest and most popular in the world today, and GM is committed to ensuring that they remain such for a long time to come. Few things are as iconic as a Chevy small block V8, and GM just dedicated $890 Million towards the R&D on the next line of them. This is good news for Corvette and Camaro lovers everywhere, as the LS engine is a staple in those respective vehicles.
So, that's a lot of money you say. Yeah, it is, but is doesn't appear to be for naught. GM has plans to improve the build and technology for the new LS engine, beginning with the materials and constructing an all-Aluminum engine block. Adding to this the direct-injection technology and the fuel-efficient push GM is making, it's very likely that the new LS engine will be one of the most efficient (power/mpg) engines ever built. GM has also ensured that the new LS engine will E85 Ethanol compatability, certainly another move being made to continue to meet the risingly stringest fuel efficiency demands over the next decade without losing vehicle power.
Another positive of this move by GM is that guarantees to create or retain more than 1,600 jobs, which is something that can be much appreciated in the current economic situation. All in all, this is good news on the Camaro front, as we can expect to see the next generation of LS engine powering Camaros in the future, continuing to promote the vehicle's popularity and performance strong-hold against competitors. As time goes on I'm sure we'll see more and more information on the engine, but for now we can just speculate and dream. Is there any specific function or feature you would like to see included in the R&D of the new LS?
New GM LF3 Engine
Sorry I've been awhile for a while everyone. I went on vacation in my Camaro, but am very happy to be back and writing. An article concerning the trip itself will be coming soon. For now though, some GM news:
Apparently, the R&D boys over at GM have been hard at work (while I've been hard at play) putting finishing touches on their new, more eco-friendly, twin-turbo LF3. This V-6 TT engine is meant to be a direct competitor to the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost TT engine in both power and efficiency. At this point in time, no official HP or Torque numbers have been released, but it should be expected to be equivalent to or surpassing the 355 HP of the 3.5L Ford Ecoboost. This number doesn't seem too far-fetched either, considering the power that Chevy has been milking from their LS engines for so long now, and also applying the knowledge that this will be a Twin-Turbocharged monster. Of course, the TT does mean that some Torque will be sacrificed for the added HP boost. Only time can truly tell, but I can only imagine performance numbers of 350+ HP, possibly nearing the 400HP range.
Providing further merit to those HP speculations is the very recent (March 22nd) announcement from John Fitzpatrick, the head of marketing for the Camaro. Fitzpatrick hinted to MotorTrend that the 2011 Camaro's V6 HP numbers could exceed the numbers of the 2011 V6 Mustang. If not 2011, very soon. When asked if those HP matching numbers would be met in the next couple of years, Fitzpatrick was quoted as saying “you might see it sooner than that.” This show of faith in the future HP numbers of the Camaro engine lead me to wonder how those numbers will be achieved, and if the LF3 isn't destined for Camaro SS or Z28 designation as soon as it is finished and ready for production. I would love to see that LF3 hitting the Camaro sooner rather than later, but will also happily accept just some more HP from the base Camaro build. I do like the V8 and would be sad to see it leave, so I would hope that when the LF3 is done GM could find a means by which the two engines could live in harmony within the Camaro body. We'll see. Time will tell.
Hennessey Camaro, or the Camaro ZR1 (if you will)!
Hennessey, the vehicle tuning shop out of Texas run and operated by John Hennessey, has been making fast cars go a lot faster for a long time now. Over the last 20 years they've introduced twin-turbo Venom Vipers, suped up 911 Twin Turbos, 1000+ HP Ford GTs, and that's just beginning to scratch the surface of what they're capable of. Well, their newest endeavor is one of their most impressive. Hennesey has taken the ever impressive LS9 (more commonly known as the stage 1 rocket booster powering the Corvette ZR1) which was already pumping 638 bhp, amped up its BHP output to 725 with some ingenious touches, and dropped it in a 2010 Camaro. Sounds like a whole lot of fun, doesn't it?
So, an extra 100hp out of an already extremely powerful motor is no easy task, how did the Hennesey guys do it? They started by installing a smaller pulley on the blower's snout, which effectively raised the supercharger's peak boost from 11.0 psi to 14.5 psi. After the shortened pulley, they installed a custom created carbon fiber 4 inch cold air intake system, utilizing a K&N cone nose filter, and paired that with a more efficient central plenum which utilized improved air to water heat exchangers to help the engine run cooler and stronger. Not finding themselves satisfied there, they also installed 1 7/8" long tube headers, which run down to a 3 inch center X-Pipe, and improved stainless high flow cats. All of these exhaust modifications equate to a more powerful, wider breathing exhaust system, with a deliciously rich exhaust note on the end. Basically, this car not only flies, but really sounds like it as well.
Of course, there were some issues with the LS9 install in the Camaro. Typically housing a LS3 V-8, the size difference between the LS9 and LS3 was not much, so very little engine bay modification was necessary to make the engine drop in and sit. The electronics though, were something totally different. According to Hennessey, in the modern Camaro system all vehicle systems communicate with one another (from the air bags to the radio to the fuel pump), and perfecting a computer system which utilized the new engine's electronics with the pre-existing Camaro vehicle was no easy task. Hennessey did figure it out though, and then went about modifying the Camaro's fuel delivery system, which ultimately required a very intensive reworking. The LS9 requires 40psi more fuel which meant that larger injectors, a higher volume fuel pump, and new fuel rails were ultimately installed as well.
Through all of this, you have one of the meanest sounding and performing Camaros ever created, but now one must beg the question: Well, how does it look? The answer to that, quiet simply, is fantastic! While it will ultimately be available in any color combination desired, right now Hennessey has it in Cyber Gray Metallic with Blue Hockey Stick Accent striping. Adorned with carbon fiber ground effects spoilers and body kit touches, and a slightly wider wheel stance, make this car looks fantastic. Add to that the gorgeous 18 spoke wheels, housing the gigantic Brembo brakes and KW complete coil-over kit, and the exterior of this vehicle is very striking and beautiful. Inside, the Hennessey Camaro has a fairly standard Camaro look. All leather, and upgraded trim touches are some of the few visible touches, apart from the short-shifter. This fantastic feeling, short throw racing shifter, looks great and custom in the center of the Camaro does a lot for the vehicle.
All of this said, the vehicle does have some issues. Currently, there's no transmission that can make the most of the powerful engine, and the engine's 741lb-feet of torque will very literally shred the Camaro tires. Because of this, and the general weight of the Camaro, the car isn't as fast as one would expect, ultimately. It does handle fantastically, and is more nimble than the stock Camaro, but that's still not enough of a difference. The Hennessey Camaro (which is almost 100 HP stronger) is .8 seconds slower than the Corvette ZR1 to 60mph. The Hennessey Camaro is also .6 seconds slower the quarter mile than the ZR1 Corvette, but is a full second faster than the Camaro SS. The vehicle does handle well and look great, but some more work is necessary before it is seemingly worth its $125,000 price tag. (Compared to the $31,000 for the Camaro SS and the $107,000 price tag of the Corvette ZR1).
