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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #316 LIVE!

We record Autoblog Podcast #316 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #316
2013 Detroit Auto Show

Callaway, Lingenfelter boost Corvette Z06 way beyond 700 hp

With 650 horsepower and just as much torque on tap, few would accuse the latest Corvette Z06 of being down on power. But for those who'll always demand more, two leading Corvette tuners have just announced new tuning packages for the Z06 to boost Chevy's flagship well beyond 700 horsepower. The more powerful of the two comes from Callaway Cars, which has added a larger supercharger, a triple-action intercooler, and more to increase output to a massive 757 horsepower and 777 pound-feet of torque. The result, according to Callaway, is a 0-60 time quoted at 2.8 seconds and a quarter-mile run in 10.5. The package also includes a reshaped hood, all manner of trim upgrades, and a three-year warranty, and will set you back nearly $17k on top of the cost of donor vehicle that currently lists for $79,000. In what could only come second relative to Callaway's kit, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering has also released a Stage 1 package for the Z06. The kit includes a new dry sump damper, upgraded supercharger pulley and drive belt, and more – all of which Lingenfelter says will boost the Vette's output up to 720 hp and 730 lb-ft. Revised performance figures weren't released, but despite the 37-horse, 47 lb-ft deficit, we doubt it'd trail Callaway's by much. But both would likely leave the stock Z06 in their dust, and you can read more about them in the press releases below. Related Video: Callaway Cars Releases Their Most Powerful Corvette - 757 bhp / 777 lb-ft - Z06-based Corvette upgrade boasts 32% larger supercharger, triple intercoolers, and consistent power - lap after lap The Numbers - Callaway Cars today announced power numbers and performance for the flagship model in their performance car lineup. Equipped with Callaway's GenThree Supercharger, the Corvette Z06 now produces 757 bhp @ 6,200 rpm and 777 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm (SAE). A launch to 60 mph is now achieved in 2.8 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds at 131 mph. Why Go Big, When You Can Go Bigger? - Size Matters. To reach that power (which is up from 650 bhp / 650 lb-ft) the supercharger itself needed to be bigger since the output of a positive displacement supercharger is proportionate to its size. The Callaway GenThree supercharger is 32% larger in displacement (2300cc vs 1740cc). Cooling - Callaway engineers recognize that a key contributor to maximizing power is reduction of inlet air temperature associated with forced induction.

2020 Chevy and GMC HD truck spy shots reveal LED lighting

With Chevy and GMC's 1500 series pickups just starting to roll into dealerships, our attention naturally turns to the Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 series trucks. We've seen these HD trucks testing already, but thes latest spy photos give us our first good glimpse of the two HD trucks' headlights through some translucent camouflage, and their designs appear very interesting and quite different from each other. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD looks to be getting a striking set of LED lights that flank the grille. A previously released teaser image of the truck shows that the front lighting elements are split by a bulky wing that branches out from a big, upright chrome face, and both top and bottom units seem to incorporate LED slashes. If you look closely at the images, you can easily make out the Chevrolet script cut into the grille's top edge. Amidst a bevy of Chevy test trucks was one lone GMC model in a dually configuration, and the Sierra HD also appears to have some LED accent lighting up front. Unlike the boomerang-shaped Chevy LEDs, GMC's version sports a shoulder-like right angle of light bars. Assuming these are production-level lighting units, it seems the Sierra HD will stick pretty close to the face of GMC's latest light-duty pickup truck. We're still waiting for confirmation on what range of powertrains will be available in GM's next-gen HD trucks, but we're sure there will be both gasoline- and diesel-burning engines on the ordering sheet. We expect to hear official details on the trucks sometime soon. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2020 GM Heavy Duty Pickup Spy Photos View 18 Photos Image Credit: KGP Spy Photography Spy Photos Chevrolet GMC Truck gmc sierra hd chevy silverado hd