As the scorching months of summer are absolutely
upon us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis, many of us are reveling in what
is the biggest automotive event in years. The staff on duty at Autoblog were surely right when they
heralded the coming of the new C8 by saying that “few things in the automotive
landscape have been as long-awaited as the mid-engine Chevy Corvette”. After
many long years of illustrations, covers, dreams, and deep speculation, the C8
is finally a reality.
Introduced in a large hanger in California last
week by astronauts Scott Kelly and Mae Jemison, the 2020 Chevy Corvette
receives a 6.2-liter LT2 naturally aspirated V8 engine that makes 495
horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque with the optional exhaust. Minus the sport
exhaust, you are still looking at 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, and
all C8's operate by use of a dry-sump oil system. You can see the motor through
a 3.2-mm glass pane, and the 8-speed dual-clutch Tremec Transmission is the
choice for resident gear duty. The unofficial word for most in the auto world
is that the 0-60 mph time is under 3 seconds, no surprise for a menacing and
track-hungry contender such as the C8.
Addition of the Z51 package adds a suspension that
can adjust ride height and stiffness. There is now also Magnetic Ride Control
4.0 as an option with the C8, and the same Z51 package also adds a splitter and
large rear spoiler, which brings to the plate an additional 400 pounds of
downforce. The Z51's added aero also contributes to a very aggressive look, and
many have been happy that in a sense it still has some basic similarities to
the C7.
Most important of all is the actual structure of
the C8: to assure the price remained on the low end, a carbon-fiber tub was
scrapped in favor of aluminum. Everything is constructed from aluminum except
for two carbon pieces for the rear bumper beam and an underbody panel that runs
along the bottom of the center tunnel. A GPS-enabled nose-lift feature can now
be programmed to automatically lift, and we're excited about the trunk space
that can contain a TSA-approved carry-on bag as well as laptop bag.
Since there is not a longer hood out front
anymore, the cockpit has been scooted forward 16.5 inches further than the C7,
and there will be a right-hand drive model for the diehard fans outside of the
States. Carbon fiber and aluminum trims are now available, as well as six
different interior color choices. The C8 is now slated to go into full
production at the Bowling Green plant later this year, and we'll keep you
posted right here on any additional pricing as well as other details!