In these difficult times for Detroit, it's nice to see that GM Performance Parts has its act together. At 10 a.m. today, it unveiled its latest crate engine, the incredible LS9. Yes, that's right, the supercharged ZR1 supercar engine, the 6.2-liter, 638-horse beast, is going to be available for your hot rod project. Price is expected to be $32,000.

We'll have more details later today (availability dates, exact price, etc.). No, it's not a low buck deal—GMPP has plenty of those available in its 2009 catalog, which is hot off the presses. The LS9 is for the well-heeled enthusiast who doesn't know the meaning of the word "recession" and wants to built the ultimate high-end hot rod.

While some Corvette enthusiasts may be taken aback by this engine's over-the-counter availability, we like it. It harkens back to the days in the late-sixties, early-seventies when you could stroll down to your local Chevy dealer and buy an L-88 or ZL-1 crate engine. The Corvette has always been the source for the ultimate factory Bow Tie power and technology and it has always been available to the rest of us through the parts department.

Just bring cash and lots of it!