The LS9 engine found under the hood of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was inspired by the V10 engine used in BMW ’s M line of cars, a new report finds. Rather than using the Dodge Viper as a bench mark, Chevrolet engineers designed the LS9 with cars like the BMW M5 and M6 in mind.
According to an interview conducted by TheCarConnection.com, Chevrolet engineers say that German competition is actually driving the current horsepower wars. BMW’s V10 makes 507 horsepower, while other models from Germany’s heavy hitters — such as Mercedes and Audi — are producing upwards of 600 horsepower.
The LS9 will hold its own on the world stage though, thanks to its 100 horsepower per liter. The engine benefits from — other than our-lobe supercharger — forged aluminum pistons, polymer coatings, titanium connecting rods and iridium-tipped spark plugs.
The same engine will also be featured in the upcoming Cadillac CTS-V.
General Motors has yet to release the LS9′s fuel-economy ratings, but Chevrolet engineers say highway mileage ratings should be in the high 20 mpg range — far out trumping the BMW ’s 17 mpg.
