Two weeks ago, the interwebs buzzed when an avid Gran Turismo 5 enthusiast discovered a camouflaged C7 Corvette prototype show up as a screen saver. Yesterday, Gran Turismo 5 finally ended the teasing and released the all-new Corvette C7 Test Prototype DLC package, available for free download from the Playstation Store via PSN.
Today, iMotor spared a couple laps to see whether it was possible to actually formulate an impression on the Corvette C7 based solely on digital sensation.
So here's what we know about the 'C7' Corvette so far: Exterior design of the Corvette C7 prototype remains the automotive equivalent of the traditional burqa. Likewise, the C7 interior is also shrouded in yards of black fabric.
Under the hood is a whole other story. Chevrolet has proudly revealed its latest LT1 V8 smallblock engine. The LT1 is 99.9 percent new and will be one of the lightest, most powerful, and most efficient V8 engines on the market. While the LT1 still uses the same 4.06-inch bore and 3.66-inch stroke as the LS3 engine and will continue to retain pushrods and two valves per cylinder, the LT1 boasts a new Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) that raises compression ratio to an impressive 11.5:1, up from 10.7:1 in the LS3. Improved cylinder heads also feature twisted ports. Finally, spark plugs are moved closer to the center of the combustion changer for more effective ignition.
According to Chevy, the new LT1 engine weighs a whopping 40 lbs. lighter than the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 from BMW, while a broader powerband promises at least an additional 50 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm over the LS3.
Still, it's difficult to actually experience all this through a television screen. We had to set a base line - a C6 Z06 Corvette.
On paper first, Chevrolet data claims that the outgoing 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and its brawny handbuilt 7.0 liter LS7 V8 engine produces 505-hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The C7 numbers are not released.
In Gran Turismo 5, the power figures for the Z06 are rated at 490-hp at 6500 RPM and a curb weight of 1421 kg. Next, the C7 Corvette is rated at 442-hp at 6,000 RPM and a curb weight of 1500 kg.
GT5 Route X Speed Test
At the Speed Test, each Vette had one run to test 0-to-60 mph, 1/4 miles test, standing mile, and top speed.
Here are the results of the Corvette C7 Test Prototype versus C6 Corvette Z06, respectively:
0-60: 4.369 seconds / 4.416 seconds
1/4 mile: 12.658 seconds / 12.403 seconds
Standing mile: 30.576 seconds/ 29.657 seconds
Top Speed: 197.2 mph / 208.7 mph
Larger muscle underneath the Z06 managed to pull the car ahead of the new C7. Now, what about driving behavior?
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Next, we selected Laguna Seca for 3-lap heats on each car, counting the fastest time in each for the final decion. Who do you think won -- the newer C7 sports car or the older but lighter and more powerful C6 Z06?
After the three laps, the Z06 attained a fastest lap of 1:38.629. The C7 Test Prototype hustled Laguna Seca at a 1:40.776.
Bear in mind, this isn't actually a fair test considering the Z06 is the most powerful naturally aspirated C6 Corvette available. That said, the new "standard" model C7 still managed to creep exceptionally close to the outgoing king. In terms of stopping power, the new C7 seemed more responsive and more stable under heavy braking. However, the Z06 was far more effective at finding traction to accelerate out of the corner.
Expect a real production C7 Corvette road test later in 2013.
