Jay Leno's Chevrolet Corvette C6RS

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What is it?
Jay Leno's Chevrolet Corvette C6RS

What's special about it?
It seems every new SEMA show brings with it collaboration between Jay Leno and General Motors. So, no surprise, Leno and GM have another interesting hot rod for display this year, a modified Corvette Z06 called the C6RS. It features an 8.2-liter (500-cubic-inch) version of the all-aluminum LS7 small-block V8 making about 600 horsepower and 585 pound-feet of torque on a diet of E85 fuel.

"C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative fuel technology weren't diametrically opposed concepts," explains Leno. "I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline." We might have suggested nitromethane as an alternative to Mr. Leno, but E85's 85 percent ethanol blend with gasoline has its virtues, too.

The direct inspiration for the C6RS is the C6.R Corvette racecar that has proven so dominant in international endurance racing. In fact, Leno's major partner in construction of the CR6RS is Pratt & Miller, the firm in New Hudson, Michigan, that engineers, fabricates and races the C6.R for Chevrolet.

The C6RS's V8 engine block has been CNC-machined from a single block of aluminum alloy. Filling the block is a custom forged-steel crankshaft thrust by custom forged-steel pistons and forged-steel connecting rods. While both the bore and stroke of the cylinder bores are larger than those of the 7.0-liter (427-cubic-inch) LS7, the stock LS7 cylinder heads are used, and the intake system and dry-sump oiling system from the stock V8 are employed as well.

Of course the LS7's fuel system and engine control computer have been tweaked to handle E85, but the only significant modifications beyond this are a custom-built carbon-fiber ram-air induction system, a new DeWitt high-capacity radiator and a Corsa exhaust system. A fortified T56 six-speed manual transaxle and Centerforce dual-friction clutch feed power to the rear wheels.

Visually, the C6RS gets its good looks straight from the C6.R. Both the front and rear fenders have been significantly widened in order to cover the massive P295/30ZR18 front and P345/30ZR19 rear Michelin radials and the BBS wheels they surround. The rear fascia has also been widened significantly, with an integrated spoiler on its topside and a racing-style air diffuser down below. In all, the C6RS is 1.6 inches wider overall than a stock Z06.

All the body panels forward of the windshield are built of carbon fiber and mimic those of the C6.R. Both front fenders are louvered while the hood has a waterfall-type opening that works in conjunction with special inner fenders to help clear heat and air pressure out of the engine bay. The nose piece includes an oversize induction opening at its center, and functional brake ducts sending cool air back to huge front brakes clamped by six-piston Brembo calipers.

In contrast to the radical exterior, the interior of the C6RS is close to that of the production Z06. The few interior tweaks include a two-tone shift knob, leather-covered center console, racing-type pedal covers and various other pieces of trim from GM's catalog of Corvette accessories.

As this car takes up residence in Leno's already vast collection, does its mix of alternative fuels and high performance portend anything for the Corvette's future? Don't be surprised if the answer is yes.

What's Edmunds' take? Yet another reason to envy Jay Leno. — John Pearley Huffman, Contributor