A few weeks ago, Cadillac used the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to debut an all-new concept car, the Cadillac Elmiraj. Besides being a gorgeous peek at the future of Cadillac looks and design, the Elmiraj also came out with an under-the-radar 4.5 liter twin-turbo V8 engine making 500 horsepower that raised more than a few eyebrows. Just what is GM getting at here?

Well, according to Carscoops, a more-powerful version of the smaller-displacement V8 engine could be dumped into the Corvette Stingray Z07, perhaps making as much as 600 horsepower or more. Tempting, but are Corvette fans ready for Ferrari-size V8s?

We don’t see why not, and there is certainly reason to think such an engine is on the way. Cadillac’s last concept, the droptop Ciel, came with a twin-turbo V6 engine that later made its debut at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. The 4.5 liter twin-turbo V8 in the Cadillac Elmiraj concept could be destined for a similar journey, only into a Corvette, not a Caddy.

Rumors have been circulating for some time that a turbocharged C7 Corvette is in the works. With the new LT1 engine setting the bar at 450 horsepower, GM isn’t going to be able to satisfy buyers with only a 505 horsepower Z06 like the Corvette C6 offered, and a 4.5 liter twin-turbo would certainly promote high-tech pedigree of this 21st century Chevy sports car.

But dropping almost two full liters of displacement is bound to upset some of the faithful, as well as change the entire tone of the Corvette’s sexy sound. Are you prepared to drive a Chevy that sounds more like a Ferrari?