In 1989, General Motors (GM) engineers developed the Corvette ZR-2 'Big Doggie' as a concept car featuring a 454-cubic-inch V8 engine. This ambitious project emerged from a late-night brainstorming session, where engineers discovered that the large engine could fit within the Corvette's frame with only minor modifications. They implemented a tuned-port fuel injection system and a modified intake manifold, resulting in an estimated power output comparable to the then-upcoming ZR-1's LT5 engine, which produced 375 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. However, the ZR-2 never reached production due to GM's significant investment in the ZR-1 and the challenges of meeting emissions and fuel economy standards of the time. The ZR-2's aesthetic changes were minimal, featuring a slightly higher hood and a striking orange paint job, but it was designed to be a subtle performance upgrade rather than a flashy model. Ultimately, the concept was shelved, although one prototype was sold at auction in 2009, underscoring its unique history within the automotive world. The ZR-2 'Big Doggie' serves as a fascinating example of the engineering possibilities explored in the 1980s sports car landscape.