Chevrolet Corvette could go hybrid to meet fuel-economy standards

General Motors Company has no plans of getting rid of the Chevrolet Corvette, says Tom Stephen, GM’s vice chairman of global product development. However, to meet government requirements on fuel-economy standards, GM may consider offering a hybrid powertrain for the Corvette.

“We will only do a hybrid if that is what is required to maintain the vehicle,” Stephens told Automotive News. “I think we have a pretty good plan right now that probably will not require a hybrid in the near term.”

New requirements set by the Obama administration require vehicles to average 35.5 mpg in the 2016 model year.

Stephens said that to boost fuel-economy, GM plans to reduce the weight of the Corvette, offer low resistance tires and an engine with direct injection, variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation.

Currently the base 430-hp 2010 Chevrolet Corvette gets an estimated fuel-economy of 16/24 mpg (city/highway).

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– By: Omar Rana