As the federal government
ratchets up fuel economy standards, General Motors Co. says it will
do whatever it takes to keep the Chevrolet Corvette -- even a hybrid
powertrain.
"We will only do a hybrid if that is what is required to maintain
the vehicle," says Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global
product development. "I think we have a pretty good plan right now
that probably will not require a hybrid in the near term."
New regulations require a company average of 35.5 mpg in the 2016
model year.
To boost fuel economy, GM plans to reduce the Corvette's weight,
offer tires with less rolling resistance and offer an engine with
direct injection, variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation.
Electric power steering alone could add about 0.5 mpg.
The base 2010 Corvette coupe has a 430-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 that gets
16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
As for a smaller engine, Stephens says, "I don't believe that we
need to do a six-cylinder engine in a Corvette at this time.
Meanwhile, Stephens says GM is no longer considering a unibody
pickup like the Honda Ridgeline
SOURCE: Rick Kranz
Automotive News
September 21, 2009
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