At the heart of the 2008 Corvette C6 range, the new 6.2-litre LS3 small block V-8, available as the standard engine in both Coupe and Convertible models, is rated at 325 kW (437 hp) and 586 Nm of torque. It ensures that the Corvette is a true supercar, capable of 306 km/h.

The LS3 is the latest chapter in the story of the immortal GM small block family of V8 engines which made their debut in 1955 and have since been an integral component of Corvette’s performance history. The LS3 features an aluminium cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners and a larger cylinder bore, which boosts both the engine’s displacement and allows more efficient breathing letting the LS3 engine rev freely to a 6,600-rpm red line

This also enabled by new, high-flow cylinder heads, based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine used in the high performance Corvette Z06. These heads feature larger-capacity, straighter intake ports, to optimise intake flow to the combustion chamber, while exhaust ports are also designed for aid better flow. Bigger valves complement the big-port heads. The intake valve size is increased by almost 9 percent, from 50.8 mm to 55 mm. The exhaust valves measure 40.4 mm in diameter.

The free-revving LS3 engine is also aided by its ‘oversquare’ dimensions. While the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased to 103.25 mm in comparison with 101.62 mm in the previous 6.0 litre engine, the engine’s stroke remains at 92 mm. New pistons for the larger 6.2L engine are also designed for its high-rpm performance capability, while the intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which also enable the LS3 engine to rev more freely.

To accommodate the engine’s large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 13.25 mm to 14 mm. Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.

Further engine refinements include a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a ‘lost core’ process that reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material, sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional ’skull cap’ acoustic shell, is used to reduce radiated engine noise. New ‘beauty covers’ on top of the engine rocker covers and feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound.

The new engine offers stunning performance with both the six-speed manual shift and in models featuring the electronically controlled six-speed paddle shift automatic transmission. The Tremec T56 manual-shift is developed to give more positive and direct feel during gear changes, with better gate-to-gate location, while the automatic model has been enhanced to bolster the feeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles.

The technological sophistication of this transmission is exemplified by two electronically controlled automatic modes, Drive and Sport which can be selected in addition to the paddle shift. The Drive mode follows a specific shift schedule of predetermined shift points, while the Sport mode enables Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS). PAS modifies shift patterns when performance driving is recognized by the controller. The Drive mode optimizes shifts for smoothness, while the Sport mode enables firmer shifts for better performance.

The combination of the LS3 motor with the upgraded automatic transmission, which features revised hardware and recalibration of the integrated 32-bit electronic control to deliver quicker shifts, along with a 2.73 performance axle ratio, has created the fastest automatic Corvette ever, with 0-100 km/h capability of 4,4 seconds.

For Corvette owners and potential owners wishing to experience the exhilarating performance and handling of their iconic American sports car in the safe and controlled environment of a race track with qualified instructors, the Corvette Performance Academy was created. In 2007 more than 700 people took part on race tracks in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Sweden.