Electric Cars

A custom automotive shop, Late Model Racecraft (LMR), has dramatically enhanced a 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, pushing its performance far beyond factory specifications. While the standard Z06 features a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 delivering 670 horsepower, LMR's modifications have propelled the vehicle's output to an impressive 810 rear-wheel horsepower, making it a true marvel of engineering for its owner.

The transformation involved integrating twin-turbochargers and meticulously recalibrating the car's engine and transmission control units. This extensive overhaul by the Houston-based specialists allows the Z06 to operate efficiently on standard 93-octane gasoline, a notable shift from its previous E85 fuel setup. This upgrade not only increases power but also improves the car's practicality for regular use.

Prior to arriving at LMR, the Corvette had already received several bolt-on modifications, with its baseline power recorded at approximately 597 rear-wheel horsepower. LMR's owner, Steven Fereday, highlighted the careful selection of Precision mirror-image ball-bearing turbochargers. These components are specifically chosen for their air-to-water cooling system, which eliminates the frequent maintenance associated with grease-lubricated turbos, thus simplifying ownership and reducing upkeep hassles.

To manage the significant heat generated by the new turbo system, LMR implemented an advanced air-to-water intercooling system. This setup features a heat exchanger that circulates coolant to both sides of the engine bay, ensuring optimal operating temperatures under intense performance. Additionally, the installation includes a deliberately short exhaust system connected to the downpipes, which Fereday notes helps preserve the distinctive snarl of the flat-plane-crank V8, even with the added forced induction.

Crucial to the performance enhancement is the custom electronic control module (ECM) and transmission control module (TCM) tuning. LMR’s adjustments to clutch pressure and shift behavior are designed to enable the C8 Corvette’s dual-clutch transmission to effectively manage the substantial increase in torque. Fereday emphasizes that the transmission's capacity is often the primary limiting factor in achieving such high-horsepower builds. The tuning options offered by LMR are versatile, ranging from aggressive, popping deceleration tunes to more refined, factory-like engine behavior, catering to individual owner preferences.

Dynamometer tests revealed that the modified Z06 produces 810 rear-wheel horsepower and 588 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane gasoline. This represents a gain of roughly 213 rear-wheel horsepower over its pre-turbo, E85-fueled state. While the estimated crank output is around 1,000 horsepower, the confirmed and measured figure is the 810 rear-wheel horsepower validated by LMR's equipment.

Despite its formidable power, Fereday assures that the vehicle retains the drivability of a stock Z06 in Touring mode. Turbocharger noise is noticeable in specific acoustic environments, such as underpasses, but the car remains composed during normal cruising speeds. For owners intending to exploit the car's full acceleration potential in lower gears, Fereday advises upgrading to stickier rear tires, as the factory rubber may struggle to cope with the immense torque output.

LMR's expertise extends beyond twin-turbo packages, as they are renowned for generating substantial power from GM's small-block engines through various methods. This project aligns with a growing trend in high-performance automotive tuning, where shops strive to achieve extreme output levels without relying on specialized fuels. For Corvette Z06 owners considering such an upgrade, LMR offers a compelling proposition: a high-performance vehicle that delivers a thousand horsepower, can be daily driven, and requires no extraordinary maintenance between spirited drives.

In an effort to address the current economic challenges, particularly the rising cost of new vehicles, Ford is set to introduce its new Fathom electric truck, positioning it as an accessible option for consumers. This revolutionary vehicle, expected to debut next year, is designed to keep costs down, with even its premium versions retailing below the 40,000 dollar mark.

Andrew Frick, a senior executive at Ford overseeing both traditional and electric vehicle divisions, shared with the Detroit Free Press that the Fathom line will feature models priced in the "high 30,000s." While specific details were not disclosed, Frick expressed confidence that the Fathom's introductory price point would tap into the core of the market. He believes this strategy will appeal to a diverse customer base, including those currently driving electric, gasoline, and hybrid vehicles, primarily due to anticipated reductions in long-term ownership expenses.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has openly acknowledged the considerable hurdles involved in bringing a vehicle as groundbreaking as the Fathom to market. This includes developing entirely new vehicle architecture and streamlining production processes. Early last month, Farley underscored the immense effort required to achieve mass production efficiently and on schedule. These challenges persist, yet Ford is committed to ensuring a seamless introduction for what it considers its most significant vehicle in decades.

According to the Free Press report, Ford is diligently working to establish a robust network of suppliers capable of delivering high-quality components in large quantities. Kumar Halhotra, the company's chief operating officer, noted during a recent earnings call that this aspect would be a primary focus for the coming months. Furthermore, Ford revealed last week that it has already manufactured over 5,000 large aluminum unicastings in anticipation of the Fathom's production next year. These unicastings are integral to the truck's innovative architecture and manufacturing process, which Ford has engineered to simplify complexity and minimize expenses.

The Fathom electric truck is expected to boast a more spacious interior than popular SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and achieve acceleration comparable to an EcoBoost Mustang. The latter, a performance-oriented sports car, can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in under five seconds, a remarkable feat for a pickup truck priced around 30,000 dollars. This blend of practicality and performance aims to make the Fathom a compelling choice in the electric vehicle segment.

Farley enthusiastically described the Fathom as an exciting vehicle to operate during the recent earnings call. He also highlighted the truck's advanced technological features, such as integrated Apple Maps, which he deemed a "game changer," particularly given its competitive pricing. Ford plans to commence accepting pre-orders for the Fathom early next year, with a full vehicle unveiling scheduled closer to its late next year launch.

Ford's strategic pricing for the Fathom aims to make advanced electric truck technology accessible to a broader consumer base, marking a significant step towards sustainable and affordable transportation solutions. This approach seeks to broaden the appeal of electric vehicles beyond early adopters, inviting a wider array of drivers to embrace the future of mobility.