2008 Chevy Corvette revealed with new 6.2L LS3 V8 and up to 436 hp

click above image for more high-res shots of the 2008 Corvette and new LS3 V8

An Atomic Orange Z06 was waiting at the Nashville airport for us today. Why? That would be our ride to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to meet the refreshed 2008 Corvette and its new LS3 engine.

Everything inside and out has been breathed on, but the headlining story is the LS3 engine. The combination of "Corvette," "more displacement," and "more horsepower" is the kind of word play that makes everyone's heart sing, and GM hasn't disappointed. The previous 6.0-liter becomes 6.2, and those 376 cubic inches equate to 430 hp, with torque bumped up to 424 lb-ft. In addition, there's a new high-flow cylinder head, larger valves, an acoustically-tuned intake manifold, and new beauty covers that, of course, say LS3. If you need even more hp, a dual-stage exhaust system is available, half an inch smaller than the Z06 version, that utilizes butterflies in the two inner pipes. The exhaust adds another 6 hp and 4 lb-ft, but even better, it adds the kind of raucous, popping exhaust note -- even on the automatic -- that let's everyone know you mean business. With all the mods, the top speed of the base Corvette gets up to 190 mph.

Inside, the sport shift has been retuned for quicker shifts and a more sporting feel, and offers a 0-60 time in just 4.3 seconds. There are also two full interior leather options, in Sienna and Linen, that raise the bar in the Corvette interior to that appraoching its titular competition.

The full press release is after the jump. Stay tuned for more details on the car, the National Corvette Museum, and the Bowling Green factory tomorrow.