The upcoming Corvette ZR-1 has been a major topic among performance and Chevy enthusiasts alike, and has been rumored and desired since the C7 hit dealerships a few years ago. Up until now, however, we’ve gotten very little official information but have seen the beast testing in the wild in mixed colors with lots or padding and camo. We have learned from leaked documents that it will, indeed, have a midship layout and a brand-new engine, but information about said engine has been rather elusive. All that has changed thanks to a leaked document on GM’s service website. The document has since been removed, but not before we’ve all taken in the knowledge that the new ZR-1, as well as the C8 Corvette, will get a naturally aspirated, DOHC, 6.2-liter V-8 that is being called the LT5.

As you’ll see in the document below, the listing in the leaked document reads “ENGINE GAS CYL, 6.2:, SIDI,DOHC,VVT,ALUM,GM. So, out of all that, we know that it will be a dual-overhead-cam unit – the first in a corvette since 1995 – and will make use of variable valve timing, and will have an aluminum block and heads. Of course, it’s not all gravy, as the listing also raises some concerns. After all, this engine is naturally aspirated, and that leads some into a serious state of doubt. See, the current 6.2-liter in the Corvette Z06 pumps out 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, but it’s only able to do so with a supercharger in tow.

So, with the ZR1 expected to have more power than the Z06 – some are saying as much as 750 horsepower – the concept of the LT5 being a naturally aspirated engine is stirring up come skepticism. It’s not impossible, but it is improbable and illogical to get that kind of power out of a naturally aspirated V-8. But, it could all work out in the end. After all, there’s just something about a large and powerful, naturally aspirated V-8 that tickles the fancy of every self-respecting American.

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What about the LT1 and LT4?

As I was writing the text above, I also had a bit of a tug in my gut as I started thinking about the LT1 and LT4, which are both respectable in their own rights. But, they are both listed as active for the 2018 model year as far as GM is concerned, so they aren’t going anywhere – at least not yet anyway. And, the fact that the ZR1 already breaks away from tradition with an engine mounted behind the driver, a naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter, LT5 V-8 really fits the bill for the next best thing to come from Chevy. Then again, things could change as it would take everything short of black magic and sorcery to get 750 ponies out of a naturally aspirated eight-cylinder. Like I said before, it can be done, but whether it can be done reliably or not remains to be seen. Needless to say, this is yet another development in the long history of the upcoming ZR1, and we’re keeping our eyes out for the next development. Stay tuned.

Read our full review on the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 here.