After all of the
excitement and anticipation surrounding the release of the C8, one of the few
remaining mysteries about the 2020 Chevy Corvette
was the model's top speed, which has now been answered. It can hit 194 miles
per hour, which is mightily impressive for a vehicle with its starting price.
The Z51 Performance Package actually boosts the engine output to 495
horsepower, but it is not a worry that the car's maximum velocity falls
slightly. This reduction takes place for the most part due to the more
aggressive aerodynamics that includes a front splitter, rear wing, and
diffuser.
The pieces add a
bit more drag, but there are plenty of great benefits including the performance
exhaust, more aggressive suspension setup, electronic limited-slip rear
differential, improved powertrain cooling, and bigger brakes. Even though the
top speed with this package is reduced, it is by no means going to deter many
from getting it: you would quite frankly be risking a hefty ticket to get the
C8 up to top speed anywhere besides a long straight. So many great features
have been published this month about the science of the C8's 0-60 speed, the
years behind full conceptualization, and just what can be expected from the new
car with the engine in a different location.
Since the
Corvette was introduced in 1953, this is the very first variant with a
mid-engine. On the same day as the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11
mission, the C8 debuted in California this July, to the immediate amazement of
many. Re-positioning of the engine has provided an intense focus now on cooling
and aerodynamics, and the passenger cell has been shifted forward by 16.5
inches. Numerous controls have now been mounted for convenience on the center
console, and a unique Z button on the steering wheel is there to quickly fire
up customized performance settings.
The three current
available trim levels are 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT, characterized by three suspension
setups. FE1, FE3, and FE4 all correspond with the two available Z51 Performance
packages. The interior is upholstered in performance textile with carbon fiber
or aluminum trims, microsuede, or leather, and the Performance Data Recorder
has been upgraded with a brand new interface and higher-resolution camera.
The base model of
the new Stingray comes with unequal length double wishbone suspension at the
front and rear axles, constructed from forged aluminum. It also can be equipped
with a front-axle lifting system that can add 2 inches of ground clearance
during slower speeds of under 25 mph. We will keep you updated here on the Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis
Blog about more happenings, specs, and performance-based news blasts regarding
the C8, which is a modern engineering marvel and track-conquering success!