Chevrolet Corvette (C8)

The Chevrolet Corvette (C8) is the eighth generation of the Corvette sports car manufactured by American automobile manufacturer Chevrolet. Following several experimental CERV prototype vehicles, it is the first mid-engine Corvette since the model's introduction in 1953 (as well as GM's first production mid-engine sports car since the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued in 1988), differing from the traditional front-engine design. The C8 was announced in April 2019, and the coupe made its official debut on July 18, 2019 during a media event at the Kennedy Space Center (referencing its association with NASA) to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. The convertible made its debut in October 2019 alongside the racing version, the C8.R.[5] Production officially began on February 3, 2020, delayed by the 2019 General Motors strike.[1]

This article is about the eighth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette sports car. For general Corvette information, see Chevrolet Corvette.
Chevrolet Corvette (C8)
Overview
ManufacturerChevrolet (General Motors)
Also calledGMSV Chevrolet Corvette (Australia)
ProductionFebruary 2020–present[1]
Model years2020–present
AssemblyUnited States: Bowling Green, Kentucky (Bowling Green Assembly Plant)[2]
DesignerTom Peters (2015)[3]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style
LayoutRear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine6.2 L LT2 V8
Power output490–495 hp (365–369 kW; 497–502 PS)
Transmission8-speed Tremec M1L dual-clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase107.2 in (2,723 mm)
Length182.3 in (4,630 mm)
Width76.1 in (1,933 mm)
Height48.6 in (1,234 mm)
Curb weight3,366 lb (1,527 kg) (dry)
Chronology
PredecessorChevrolet Corvette (C7)

2020 model year

The first production model of the C8 Corvette is the Stingray with its new mid-mounted 6.2 L LT2 V8 engine. It is available as a 2-door targa top or a retractable hardtop convertible. The targa top is available in body color, transparent, or visible carbon fiber.

Design

The C8 retains some design elements found on the C7, but the majority of the exterior has been completely overhauled. The engine's repositioning necessitated a stronger focus on aerodynamics and cooling; large side scoops house air intakes, and the rear features smaller vents below the taillights. A trunk is located at the rear, with additional storage space at the front of the car. Combined, these provide 13 cubic feet (370 L) of cargo space, 2 cubic feet (57 L) less than that of the C7.[6] As a result of the switch to a mid-engine layout, the passenger cell has been shifted forward by 16.5 inches (420 mm).[7] The C8 is also offered in both left and right hand drive configurations, another first for the Corvette.[8] The cockpit has been designed to be driver-centric, with numerous controls mounted on the center console as well as utilizing a new hexagonal steering wheel. A 12 in (30.5 cm) digital screen replaces the instrument cluster and reflects one of the six driving modes selected, and is accompanied by an 8 in (20.3 cm) touchscreen. A special Z button (a homage to the Z06, ZR1 and Z51) is also mounted on the steering wheel; this can quickly activate customized performance settings. Models equipped with the available magnetorheological dampers will also offer adjustable suspension settings.[9]

  • 2020 Corvette C8 Convertible
  • Interior

Trim levels and options
GT1, GT2, Competition Sport seat options

Three trim levels are currently available, 1LT, 2LT and 3LT, augmented by three suspension setups, FE1, FE3 and FE4 which correspond with the two Z51 Performance packages. In addition, three seat options are also available: GT1, GT2 and Competition Sport. The interior is upholstered in leather, microsuede or performance textile with carbon fiber or aluminum trims. A Performance Data Recorder has been upgraded with a higher resolution camera as well as a new interface. GM's virtual camera mirror will be optional, which projects video from the backup camera onto the rear view mirror.[10][11]

Engine
The LT2 V8 engine

The Stingray uses a new version of the LS based GM small-block engine derived from the C7 Stingray's LT1, now called the LT2.[12] The new naturally aspirated 6.2 L V8 is rated at 490 hp (365 kW; 497 PS) at 6,450 rpm and 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) of torque at 5,150 rpm, an improvement of 40 hp (30 kW; 41 PS) and 10 lb⋅ft (14 N⋅m) over the outgoing C7 Corvette Stingray.[13] The engine uses dry sump lubrication system.[14] Like the C7, the C8 features Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, which is used when the car is subjected to low load scenarios such as highway cruising.[15][16]

The optional NPP sport exhaust system brings the total power output to 495 hp (369 kW; 502 PS) and torque to 470 lb⋅ft (637 N⋅m).[17] Chevrolet claims that the C8 can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.9 seconds when equipped with the optional Z51 package;[10] Car and Driver recorded a time of 2.8 seconds.[18]

Transmission
Transmission cutout

The Stingray is only offered with an 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission[19] made by Tremec, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.[20] No manual transmission option is available. The only other model years not offered with a manual transmission were the 1953–1954 C1 and the 1982 C3.[10] The manual was dropped due to lack of customer demand, though structural concerns were cited as well.[21]

Suspension

The base model of the Stingray comes with unequal length double wishbone suspension at the front and rear axles made from forged aluminum.[22] Monotube shock absorbers are standard at all four wheels. The car can be equipped with a front-axle lifting height adjustable suspension system that can add 2 in (40 mm) of ground clearance at speeds under 25 mph (40 km/h).[23]

The Z51 package adds a performance-tuned adjustable suspension setup with threaded spring seats for further setup customization, as well as an electronic limited-slip differential.[22] Additionally, the top-of-the-line FE4 trim level includes the fourth generation of GM's magnetic ride adaptive suspension system.[24]

Wheels

The Stingray is equipped with alloy wheels with diameters of 19 inches (48 cm) at the front and 20 inches (51 cm) at the rear. The standard tires are Michelin Pilot Sport ALS, with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S available as a part of the Z51 performance package. All-season tires are used on base models for better grip.[25] The exact tire dimensions are 245/35ZR-19 at the front and 305/30ZR-20 at the rear.[10] The standard brakes are four-piston Brembo ventilated discs with diameters of 12.6 in (320 mm) at the front and 13.6 in (345 mm) at the rear. The Z51 package provides upgraded and enlarged brakes measuring 13.3 in (338 mm) at the front and 13.8 in (351 mm) at the rear.[22]

Technology

The C8 corvette debuted with an 8-inch infotainment screen in a driver centric cockpit. It comes standard with Chevy's Infotainment 3 Plus system. Standard features include bluetooth connectivity, 4G hotspot, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims are equip with a 14 speaker Bose audio system and navigation options. Additional technology features include a performance data recorder package for 2LT and 3LT trim levels as well as a camera based rear view mirror.[26] The 2020 corvette was the first year Chevy introduced over the air updates to the Corvette line-up. This allows Chevy to send updates to the vehicle remotely. Chevy used this capability to resolve a front trunk recall for the 2020 Corvettes.[27]

Right-hand-drive (RHD)

For the first time since the 1953 introduction of Corvette (C1), the current generation Corvette is offered in right-hand-drive configuration for the Australian, Japanese, and UK markets.[28] Corvette (C8) is the General Motors's only RHD vehicle to be assembled in the factory rather than converted from left-hand-drive. After the pre-sale announcement, 300 RHD Corvettes were sold within sixty hours: a record for the Corvette sales in Japan and three times the annual sales number for its left-hand-drive predecessor.[29] The introduction of RHD Corvette for Australian market has been delayed to middle of 2021 due to the reorganisation of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) into GMSV (General Motors Special Vehicles). Only 200 RHD Corvette will be sold in Australia per year, and the price is set at $149,990 AUD with higher performance versions above $200,000 AUD.[30][31]

2021 model year

Trim levels and options

2021 saw a list of changes following the 2020 launch year of the C8 Corvette. Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat and Blade Silver Metallic were retired. 2021 will see two new colors added. Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat and Silver Flare Metallic were added as premium color options. Additionally, full length racing stripes saw 4 new color options.[32]

The interior saw the addition of Sky Cool Gray / Strike Yellow color available only on the 3LT.[33] Magnetic Ride became available separate to the Z51 package for the 2021 model year. The Z51 package saw a price increase from $5,000 to $5,995 starting 2021. The front lift saw an increase from $1,495 to $1,995 as well.[34]

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard options in 2021. Black Trident Spoke wheels, all weather floor liners, and carbon fiber mirror covers all saw minor price increases as well.[35]

Production

The 2021 model year will go into production fall of 2020 following an extension to the 2020 production year cycle. The base price of the 2021 model year will remain at $59,995, unchanged from 2020. Several packages and options saw price increases going from 2020 to 2021. Customers with 2020 orders carried over into 2021 will have to pay the price increases on the 2021 models.[36]

Awards

The Corvette C8 was named 2020 Motor Trend Car of the Year,[37] and was also featured on 2020 Car and Driver 10Best.[38] Furthermore, the 2020 C8 Corvette received awards like the 2020 North American Car of the Year,[39] and 2020 Detroit Free Press Car of the Year.[40]

References
  1. "C8 Corvette Production Now Officially Underway". GM Authority.
  2. Pleskot, Kelly (2019-04-25). "Bowling Green Plant Adds a Second Shift for Mid-Engine Corvette Production". Motortrend.
  3. McEachern, Sam (2019-07-16). "GM Designer Has No Doubt Mid Engine Corvette C8 Will Be A Hit". GM Authority.
  4. White, Annie (2 October 2019). "Chevy Just Revealed the Mid-Engine Corvette Convertible". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  5. Sorokanich, Bob (2019-07-18). "The 2020 Corvette C8 Stingray Starts Under $60,000". Road & Track.
  6. Payne, Henry (2019-07-18). "Revealed: Chevrolet takes the wraps off mid-engine Corvette C8". The Detroit News.
  7. Howard, Bill (2019-07-19). "2020 Corvette Launches: Mid-Engine, 495 hp (369 kW), More Tech, Less Than $60K". ExtremeTech.
  8. Stoklosa, Alexander (19 July 2019). "For the First Time, Chevy Corvette Can Be Left- or Right-Hand Drive from the Factory". Car and Driver. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  9. Stafford, Eric (22 July 2019). "Here's How the 2020 Chevy Corvette C8's Special Z Mode Works". Car and Driver. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  10. Huffman, John Pearley (19 July 2019). "The Mid-Engined 2020 Chevy Corvette Is Here". Car and Driver. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  11. Golson, Daniel (19 July 2019). "Everything You Need to Know about the 2020 Chevy Corvette C8's Colors, Trims, Options, and Features". Car and Driver. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  12. Smith, Christopher (2019-07-19). "2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Unveiled As Mid-Engine Rocket". motor1.com.
  13. Lassa, Todd (2019-07-18). "2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Specs: Horsepower, Chassis, Dimensions, and More". Automobile.
  14. Tracy, David (2019-07-19). "Here's A Detailed Look At The 2020 Corvette C8's Impressive Engineering". Jalopnik.
  15. Hoffman, Connor (25 January 2020). "Chevy's 2020 Corvette Will Get 27 MPG on the Highway". Car and Driver. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  16. Markus, Frank (19 July 2019). "2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8: 4 Tech Triumphs". Motor Trend. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  17. Stevens, Tim (2019-07-18). "2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray: C8 means mid-engined reinvention". Road Show by CNET.
  18. Ceppos, Rich (2019-10-15). "2020 Chevrolet Corvette Is More Than the Best Corvette Ever". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2019-11-02.
  19. Sherman, Don (9 March 2020). "Engineering the Chevrolet Corvette's first-ever mid-engine architecture". www.sae.org. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  20. Smith, Christopher (18 July 2019). "2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Unveiled As Mid-Engine Rocket". www.motor1.com. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  21. Vanderwerp, Dave (29 July 2019). "The Real Reason the New C8 Corvette Isn't Available with a Manual Transmission". www.caranddriver.com. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  22. Sorokanich, Bob (2019-07-19). "The Mid-Engine C8 Corvette Has 495 HP and Hits 60 MPH In Under 3.0 Seconds". Road and Track.
  23. Lawler, Richard (2019-07-19). "2020 Chevrolet Corvette Mid Engine". engadget.
  24. Davies, Chris (2019-07-18). "This is the 2020 Corvette Stingray C8". Slashgear.
  25. Jacquot, Josh; Vanderwerp, Dave (23 July 2019). "The Base 2020 Corvette Comes with All-Season Tires. Here's Why". Car and Driver. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  26. Hood, Bryan (2020-09-22). "The Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast". Robb Report. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  27. "2020 Corvette Front Trunk Issue Fixed With Over The Air Update: Video". GM Authority. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  28. Markovich, Tony (18 February 2020). "Corvette with right-hand drive confirmed after GM kills Holden: It's for Japan and the U.K., but plans to sell in Australia are up in the air". Autoblog.
  29. Panait, Mircea (26 Feb 202). "RHD 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Reveals Interior Design". Auto Revolution.
  30. Dowling, Joshua (6 August 2020). "GMSV coming this year, Corvette pushed back to late 2021". Drive.
  31. Fogarty, Mark (22 December 2020). "GMSV's price premium for Chevrolet Corvette C8". Wheels.
  32. "2021 Corvette: Here's Everything That's New And Different". GM Authority. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
  33. "2021 Corvette: Here's Everything That's New And Different". GM Authority. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
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  36. "2020 Chevrolet Corvette Buyers Won't Be Happy About This". CarBuzz. 2020-08-12. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
  37. Lieberman, Johnny (November 19, 2019). "The Chevrolet Corvette is the 2020 MotorTrend Car of the Year". Motor Trend. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
  38. Oldham, Scott (21 November 2019). "2020 Chevrolet Corvette: Car and Driver's 10Best". Car and Driver. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  39. Rawat, Karan (January 15, 2020). "Yet Another Award for the 2020 C8 Corvette".
  40. Harit, Karan (January 2, 2020). "2020 C8 Corvette: The Detroit Free Press Car of the Year".
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