When Jay Leno created his custom, Z06-based Chevrolet Corvette C6RS, he took a slightly greener route than most enthusiasts would. Of course, when you have as much money as the famous comedian and certified car nut, you can take any route you want.
Rather than retaining the stock 7.0-liter V-8 engine, he commissioned Pratt & Miller -- the same company responsible for building the dominant C6.R Corvette race cars -- to build a one-off, 8.2-liter all-aluminum small-block V-8 for the car which is capable of running on E85 ethanol.
With a cylinder block honed from a single chunk of billet aluminum, custom pistons, crankshaft, and rods, stock LS7 cylinder heads, dry-sump oiling system, and intake setup, Leno's C6RS produces a whopping 600 horsepower and 585 lb-ft of torque. Transferring all that power to the rear wheels effectively and reliably involved blueprinting and strengthening the T-56 six-speed transmission and adding a high-performance clutch along with it.
The modifications didn't stop there. Wider rear fenders and carbon-fiber front fenders increase the car's girth by 1.6 inches. A racing-style diffuser is incorporated, along with custom brake air ducts, wider rear fascia with integrated spoiler, C6.R-style fender louvers, engine hood, rocker panels, and lower grille opening, essentially turning the car into a C6.R-style replica.
Inside the C6RS, genuine Corvette accessories abound, including: a two-tone shift knob and boot; leather-covered console armrest; parking-brake handle and boot; interior trim kit, and racing-style pedal covers. The 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels are produced by BBS and incorporate racing-style center-lock hubs.
"The C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative-fuel technology weren't diametrically opposed concepts," Leno said. "I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline."
Leno's C6RS will be on display at the General Motors pavilion at this week's SEMA show, and of course you can check back to Motor Trend Online for more pictures, information, and live updates from the show floor next week.
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