When the all new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette arrives later this year, it will be powered by a technologically advanced, racing proven 6.2L “LT1”V8 delivering an estimated 450 horsepower,the highest standard horsepower rating in the car’s 60 year history.

The new Corvette LT1 engine, the first of the Gen 5 family of Small Block engines,combines several advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to support an advanced combustion system. They are technologies that not only help the Corvette deliver more power, but do so with greater efficiency.

Direct injection is all new to the Small Block engine architecture and is a primary contributor to its greater combustion efficiency by ensuring a more complete burn of the fuel in the air – fuel mixture. This is achieved by precisely controlling the mixture motion and fuel injection spray pattern. Direct injection also keeps the combustion chamber cooler which allows for a higher compression ratio  Emissions are also reduced, particularly cold start hydrocarbon emissions, which are cut by about 25 percent.

Active Fuel Management (AFM) a first ever application on Corvette helps save fuel by shutting down half of the engine’s cylinders in light load driving. Continuously variable valve timing, which GM pioneered for overhead valve engines, is refined to further optimize performance, efficiency and emissions. These technologies support the all new, advanced combustion system, which incorporates a new cylinder head design and a new sculpted piston design that is integral to the high compression, mixture motion parameters enabled by direct injection.

The new  LT1 engine is based on the architecture of the previous “LS” engine family, but with a number of important changes, revisions and updates, including:

• · New aluminum cylinder block casting with revised knock sensor locations
• · Unique head castings with the intake/exhaust valve positions reversed, compared to previous LS engines
• · Variable displacement oil pump and oil spray piston cooling with optional dry sump oiling system
• · Dexos 5W30 oil specification
• · Engine mounted, camshaft driven high pressure direct injection fuel pump that delivers approximately 2,175 psi (150 bar) fuel pressure
• · PCV integrated in the valve covers
• · Revised cooling system with offset water pump
• · Air induction system with new humidity sensor
• · All new “E92” engine control module