Dissecting The Mid-Engine Corvette's Dominance: Motor1.com Discusses 0 to 60 in Under Three Seconds

The good folks on staff at Motor1.com insinuated in an article this week that they wondered if it was sheer witchcraft that allowed the 2020 Corvette Stingray to get to 60 mph in under three seconds and if any of our most prominent design team members were sitting on the roof of the Renaissance Center conjuring spirits. The current ZR1 and McLaren 720S are two cars that can pull off the same feat: the C7 needs 755 horsepower to get there in 2.95 seconds, and the Mclaren calls for 710 hp to nail down a 2.8 – second run.

 Many out there are wondering just how the well-received and long-awaited Corvette can accomplish a similar feat while having 200 less horsepower than either of these two cars, and Engineering Explained's Jason Fenske descended upon his dry-erase board and camera to explain to the masses just how the new 'Vette pulls it off. Surprisingly enough there was no witch's brew or powerful spells involved in the process, but the first element that helps greatly is the aggressive gearing and intelligent design of the Corvette's first dual-clutch transmission.

The new Dual-clutch transmission ensures continuous torque through each ultra-quick gear change, and applies the 6.2-liter V8's 470 lb-ft of torque repeatedly across two gears. In the video shown here, the all-important weight distribution factor is discussed: the 2018 Corvette had a 50/50 weight distribution, whereas the new mid-engined model has a 40/60 distribution level. A great attempt at simplifying the math regarding max acceleration G's is carried out here: 1.3 Gs is the frictional coefficient in regards to this year's new Corvette. Based on where the engine lies and its weight distribution, it is shown in detail here how the last Corvette model could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds.

Some other math is presented that leads up to the conclusion that with every favorable element there is possible to fight the acceleration battle, the new Corvette could have a 0-60 mph time of just 2.76 seconds. The last ZR1 model's supercharger contributed greatly to its center of gravity, which may have added the very slightest factor of lag, and our educator excitedly shares with us just how awesome it is that the new mid-engined 'Vette is only half the price of some of its souped-up predecessors. 

As far as tires, all of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis were watching closely as the ZR1 and Z06 had grip levels around 1.4 for the frictional coefficient, and this was another additive that helped immensely with the lightening-fast 0 – 60 time. The Corvette is one of the best vehicles in existence in terms of braking, another true asset when you are out on the track in a blaze of glory. The science behind speed is quite fascinating, and this feature was an eye-opening lesson in the various means that are used to assure the new Stingray is the undisputed leader of the pack!