2008 Chevrolet C6 Corvette: LS3 Engine, Pricing, and Performance

General Motors premiered the LS3 for its base model 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. The engine put out 430 horsepower (320 kW) and 424 lb. ft. (575 N•m) of torque. The power increase, up 30 horsepower from the basic motor of 2007, is attributed to an updated valvetrain and camshaft, improved intake flow, and use of the Z06 model fuel injectors. Displacement is 6.7 L or 376 cubic inches.

A dual-mode exhaust is available as an option on the 2008 Corvette for
an additional $1195. It employs vacuum-activated valves which open at
high-load conditions and allow the exhaust gas to bypass the muffler;
the valves remain closed in low-load conditions. The result is more
exhaust sound during the higher load condition and more power — 436 hp
(325 kW) and 428 lb. ft. (580 N•m) torque. The car’s manual
transmission is also updated for quicker shifting.

The coupe edition, base model, with the new motor sells for $45,995; the convertible costs $52,335.