Unleashing the Beast: 1,000 HP C6 Corvette Powered by RX-7 Rotary Engine Stuns Goodwood Festival
In the world of automotive tuning, swapping an American LS engine into a Japanese car is almost cliche at this point. But Alex Hildebrand, a UK-based racer with a penchant for the unconventional, thought it was time to flip the script. His audacious project involved nestling a Mazda RX-7 rotary engine into the chassis of a C6 Corvette. The people at Goodwood Festival of Speed were left in awe as they witnessed this unholy union of American muscle and Japanese precision, resulting in a machine that not only defied expectations but also shredded tires like no one's business.
A Bold Engine Choice
When you think of a Corvette, the first engine that comes to mind is usually the throaty roar of an LS V8. But Alex decided to tread the road less traveled and opted for a turbocharged rotary engine from a Mazda RX-7. With a modest boost, this engine delivers a substantial 700 horsepower. However, crank up the boost and you’re looking at an eye-watering 1,000 horsepower, enough to send shivers down any gearhead’s spine. Coupled with a Garrett turbocharger, this setup not only enhances power but also gives the car an entirely unique character.
The 2006 Corvette Coupe underwent a meticulous transformation, stripped down and rebuilt over five arduous months. The crown jewel of this rebuild is the carbon Kevlar body kit, ensuring the car is as light as it is powerful. According to Alex, most of this intensive work was completed in the final week before Goodwood, leaving just enough time for a brief test session. Alex’s understatement that “it certainly shreds tires” doesn’t quite capture the madness that this Corvette embodies on the track.
Unique Features of the Build
Beyond the rotors and horsepower, this Corvette is loaded with components that make it a true drift monster. One of the notable features is the steering angle kit, providing superior control around corners and making this Vette a true drift machine. It’s paired with a 6-speed sequential transmission, which offers lightning-quick gear changes essential for maintaining drift momentum. Let’s not forget the oversized hand brake, a crucial tool in any drifter’s arsenal for precise cornering maneuvers.
Making Waves at Goodwood
Goodwood Festival of Speed is no stranger to exotic builds and high-powered monsters, but Alex’s creation stood out for its ingenuity and sheer audacity. Over the course of the four-day event, Alex made several runs, each more electrifying than the last. The video captures these moments, interspersed with Alex’s insightful commentary, giving us a front-row seat to this drift beast in action.
Rotor engines in American muscle cars are a rare sight, and the combination of a rotary engine with the iconic Corvette body has surely turned the automotive community on its head. This build is a testament to how far innovation and a willingness to break the mold can take you.
For those who might feel a pang of nostalgia at the notion of a rotary engine, Alex’s build provides both a tribute and a challenge to the traditional configurations. The result is a vehicle that embodies the rebellious spirit of the tuning world while delivering a one-of-a-kind performance.
The Verdict
Alex Hildebrand’s rotary-powered Corvette is a magnificent blend of cultures, and it’s hard not to be impressed by the ambition and craftsmanship that brought it to life. By defying the standard V8 route, Alex has not only showcased his ingenuity but also opened up new realms of possibilities within the tuning community.
From the steering angle kit to the carbon Kevlar body, every element of this Corvette has been meticulously chosen to optimize its performance and pay homage to the best of both American and Japanese engineering. Watching this rotary monster tear up the track at Goodwood is a sight to behold, and one that will likely inspire a new wave of similarly daring automotive enthusiasts.
Source: Goodwood Road & Racing