Peter Palmer: Chevrolet Displays Modern Nova at SEMA

A 1967, turbocharged Nova 2.0 is among 20 plus concepts Chevrolet is showing at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Chevrolet Performance engineers built the “LTG” direct-injected crate engine as an alternative to traditional V-8 conversions. The 2.0’s 272 horsepower is comparable to the 275 horsepower 327 (5.3L) V-8 originally offered in the 1967 Nova SS. The Nova 2.0 is also more powerful than the 283 (4.6L) V-8 once featured in the Chevy II Nova lineup.

The 283 originally produced 196 horsepower.

Power-to-weight ratio is always an important factor when considering great performance cars. In its time, the 327 Nova was applauded as such. A mere 3,100 lbs. curb weight made it one of America’s most capable muscle cars. This Chevrolet Performance concept follows a similar philosophy, with the all-aluminum turbo-four replacing the iron V-8. The original four-speed transmission is now a six-speed manual while a 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution creates better dynamics overall.

The Nova 2.0 sprints from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds.

A billet grille, narrowed/tucked bumpers, incognito door handles, satin bronze 17-inch Z/28-style wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes further reflect the modern Nova’s hot rod design. The suspension was upgraded with adjustable air bags and a triangulated 4-link design in the rear.

The paint is called Black Gold.

The LTG crate engine, electronic control unit, engine accessory-drive system, and even the six-speed manual transmission, with requisite installation kit, are all available from Chevrolet Performance.

Does this contemporary Nova reflect a new era of muscle cars? Would you consider a small, turbocharged engine worthy of muscle car status?

*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog.net.
Contact him: carl@automoblog.net