The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray’s signature sound and performance are enabled by advanced exhaust and powertrain technologies from Tenneco Inc. (NYSE:TEN). Tenneco’s Clean Air and Powertrain Business Groups supply the complete cold-end exhaust system, as well as a range of components for the eighth generation sportscar’s Small Block V-8 LT2 engine.
Sophisticated emissions systems for high-performance vehicles often incorporate active valves that can vary system backpressure in order to provide the right balance of performance, sound characteristics and regulatory compliance.
The Corvette’s emissions system features up to four electronic valves supplied by Tenneco: The standard exhaust unit is equipped with two newly developed valves with enhanced heat resistance designed to work in concert with the vehicle´s Active Fuel Management system to support the engine’s cylinder deactivation function for optimum efficiency and lower emissions. These valves open and close to control the Corvette´s exhaust sound as it switches between the two engine modes. The optional `performance exhaust´ incorporates two additional electronic valves at the rear that provide greater acoustic differentiation, helping to create the vehicle’s signature sound.
Tenneco developed a series of thermal solutions that enable the Corvette’s emissions system to more effectively manage the high temperatures that result from the mid-engine vehicle architecture. Solutions include the use of advanced, multi-layer heat shields designed to prevent unwanted heat transfer to surrounding components as well as a new valve arrangement with decoupled design that reduces heat impact on the valve´s electronics.
