The highly anticipated Corvette ZR1 has been the subject of countless rumors regarding its powertrain, leaving enthusiasts eager for concrete details. A potential breakthrough has arrived, thanks to a discovery in the GM Parts catalog, shared by the diligent community at the Mid Engine Corvette Forum. The revelation comes in the form of an entry for an “LT7” engine, described as an eight-cylinder gasoline powerplant with a 5.5-liter displacement.
The subsequent acronyms in the catalog entry provide valuable insights. “DI” denotes direct injection, while “VVT” signifies variable valve timing. Interestingly, “AFM,” which stands for active fuel management, is listed in the catalog but is reportedly not planned for the Corvette ZR1, similar to the existing LT6 engine. Sources suggest that the forthcoming LT7 is unlikely to incorporate cylinder deactivation technology. The leak, unfortunately, does not definitively confirm whether the engine will feature the flat-plane crankshaft used in the Z06.
