Nicely-startling in the “Forecast,” it is listed that the maximum output of the gas-powered, direct injection platform of GM’s gas-powered, V-8 motors could be 850 HP, 720 TQ (again, its maximum design parameter) and although probable, nothing in the Forecast specifically shows that that motor would specifically power a future Corvette either at that power lever or reduced somewhat. However, ...the “Cadillac “Sports Cars” has no projected V-8 power-plants for any year through 2024, and he thus concluded that program was “cancelled.” If 850/720 or anywhere near that for the ME, ZORA would be joyous!
I. Two Corvette Platforms for 2020 and 2021: A front-engine platform, called a Y1, and a mid-engine platform, called a Y2.
I have online looked at the “2016-2024 North American Engine Forecast” for several days, and it shows there would be two different Corvette platforms for both 2020 and 2021. And, there would be a total of three motors spread over the two Corvette platforms, specifically:
1.A) A 6.2L, 16V, OHV, for the Y1, front-engined, Corvette platform;
1.B) A 6.2L, 16V, OHV, for the Y2, mid-engined, Corvette platform;
2) A 4.2 L, 32 V, DOHC, for the Corvette Y2 platform; and,
3) A 5.5L, 32 V, DOHC, also for the Corvette Y2 platform.
II. Corvettes’ Projected Future Motor Needs:
A) The 6.2L, Y1 front-engine platform, is projected to use 14,000 motors for 2019, declining significantly for 2020 to 9,000; and even more for 2021 with just 3,000 engines that year — and no more front-engined Corvettes are listed after 2021. Guessing here, that perhaps that the 9,000, 6.2L’s will go into 2020 & 2021 Z06’s, and the much lower amount of 3,000 6.2L’s projected for 2021, will go into ZR1’s (the last year of the ZR1)?
B) The 6.2L, Y2 mid-engine platform, is projected to use 14,000 motors for 2019 through 2021, then slightly less for 2022-2024.
C) The 4.2L, Y2 platform, is projected to use 7,000+ motors every year 2019 through calendar year 2024. (All 4.2L’s would be produced at Tonawanda.)
D) The 5.5L, Y2 platform, is projected to use 5,000 motors annually 2019 through 2023. None are listed for 2024. (All 5.5L’s would be produced at Tonawanda.)
It is very interesting to see that while BGA is currently making many over 10,000 motors annually, then projected to make half that many through 2021, by the very end of this time forecast time period (2024), it would only then be producing only 1,000 — becoming at that time only a “build your Corvette motor option” engine assembly location?
Thus, based on this new info, it is probable that the C7 continues onward after 2019 for two more years (2020 & 2021), being produced simultaneously with the C8/ME those two years,m with the mid-engine’s three motor options (the 4.2L, the 5.5 L, and the 6.2L) all continuing through at least 2023.
Of course, the Forecast is just that, and while it is scientifically and thoroughly researched and prepared, and it is very highly respected, there well could be continued future changes in projections especially as market conditions continue to evolve, i.e., why it is periodically and systematically revised.