Instant track-hound status, primo power, and an unapologetically aerodynamic design: these are just some of the traits that anyone who has owned a Corvette will frequently enjoy. This past week, Car and Driver provided a detailed account of new details of the next-generation 'Vette, which include no manual option, and a hybrid trim level that has the ability to crank out 1,000 horsepower. They also claim that pricing won't be priced too far out of the unattainable stratosphere, due to fiberglass composite materials used for the body's construction, and the new generation carrying over a heavily-updated version of the LT1 pushrod engine.
The overall weight is expected to be a bit heavier than the current model's 3500 pounds, but the satisfying tradeoff is the extra 500 horsepower due to the LT1 engine's presence. It will definitely quicker than the C7, also courtesy of a very quick-shifting transaxle. This future C8 is also slated to be available with a 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8, that peaks at 9,000 RPM offering around 600 horsepower, as well as a twin-turbo version with 800 horsepower. The most exciting news gleaned from these tidbits is regarding the addition of 200 horsepower by surprisingly adding an electric motor to the mix: this mid-engined and front-motor Corvette will now boast a horsepower stat in the ballpark of the mind-boggling 1,000 mark!
The front of the car will be designed to handle maximum air intake, providing the ability to cool down the necessary elements that will no doubt be in high-performance mode in this savage and sleek new 'Vette. Car and Driver also claim that the mid-engine Corvette will be revealed sometime during the upcoming spring, and will be available alongside the existing C7 for a brief amount of time. A powered spoiler will also be located on the rear decklid, and tailpipes are relocated to the edges of the rear fascia, instead of the typical central location. Sources also say that the production car will most likely have a glass rear-window panel that is fastback-style, to properly show off the flex and prowess of the mid-mounted engine.
The new model will have a roof panel that is removable, and the steering wheel is of the “Squircle” type, with a much more flattened top and bottom. This is definitely going to be one of the most significant events in the history of Chevy, and all of us here at Jim Butler are eagerly waiting to hear about any updates regarding this groundbreaking piece of news. One interesting direct quote from the original article is “Those expecting a carbon-fiber spaceship powered by an antimatter machine will be somewhat disappointed”; but we fully expect that this will remain a very attainable sports car, boasting abundance in the excitement of supercar performance.
Images courtesy of Car & Driver