The new Corvette reveal is nigh. Here's what you need to know.
More anticipated than the Toyota Supra, Ford Bronco, and every new Star Wars film combined, Chevrolet will soon debut its long-awaited mid-engine Corvette after more than a half-century of teasing and empty promises. The big reveal is just around the corner, and to make sure you're up-to-speed on what's to come, here's a primer for what you can expect in the all-new C8 Corvette.
The Latest Official C8 Corvette News:
What Is It?
It all started with a prototype. In 1964, Zora Arkus-Duntov (father of the Corvette) built the XP-819, a mid-engined vision of what the front-engined Corvette could be. Multiple mid-engined Corvette prototypes followed, and more than 50 years later, we're finally about to see the first production model. Chevrolet will initially offer the 2020 C8 Corvette in base-model trim, with higher-performance models coming in later years.
Our first look at the mid-engined C8 Corvette came in 2016. Soon after that, it seemed like photos and videos of the vehicle popped up monthly. Now with hundreds of spy photos, artist renderings, and multiple videos, we're closer than ever to the production model.
C8 Corvette Spy Photos Galore:
By all accounts, it will be the most hardcore Corvette ever. In base trim, it will slot well against vehicles such as the Audi R8 and Porsche 911, but as it evolves, the American supercar could battle tough competitors like the McLaren 720S and Ferrari F8 Tributo, not to mention the Ford GT.
What's The Corvette's Price?
There have been some wild rumors regarding C8 pricing, with some saying it will extend beyond $150,000. Logic tells us GM will need to keep the base Corvette reasonably close to the current C7's entry-level figure, which is $55,900. $60,000 to $70,000 is a very sound estimate based on other reports we've heard, though higher-spec models will almost certainly go well beyond $100,000. The current Corvette ZR1 is close to $160,000 fully optioned.
What About The Corvette's Engine And Transmission?
Nothing is confirmed, but the C8 will likely launch with a tweaked version of the familiar 6.2-liter LT1 V8 found in the current C7 Corvette. It won't be exactly the same, as it will be modified to fit in the C8's mid-engine architecture. Because of the changes, it could be named LT2.
Beyond that, engines are a bit of a mystery. We've heard persistent rumors that the C8 will eventually offer new DOHC engines ranging from 4.2 liters to 5.5 liters in size, with twin turbos and high-revving flat-plane crank designs also in the mix. An ultimate Corvette with an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain has also been strongly hinted at. These engines will almost certainly have ties to the new Cadillac Blackwing V8, though a recent report claims the Blackwing mill hasn't been fitted to the C8. Also, don't expect a manual transmission. GM's patent for a new clutch-by-wire system means the Corvette should get a fancy new dual-clutch gearbox exclusively.
Tons Of Performance Tech:
How Much Horsepower Will The Corvette Have?
The base model C8 should have somewhere between 460 and 500 horsepower when it launches. That power should go up significantly with the eventual debut of higher-trim models, with 650 and 800 hp being figures we've heard most often. At the top of the Corvette range, we could see a bonkers hybrid with over 1,000-hp driving all four wheels.
What Will The C8 Corvette Be Called?
On July 15th, Chevrolet confirmed publicly for the first time that the 2020 C8 Corvette will debut as a Stingray. With the presumed entry-level mid-engine Corvette retaining the Stingray moniker, that leaves future C8 iterations in question, as to whether or not Z06/ZR1 badges will stick around. The name "Zora" has also been tossed around as a potential name, perhaps for the most extreme version of the C8.
The C8 Name Game:
What Does the C8 Corvette Look Like?
The renderings above from our friends at MidEngineCorvetteForum.com are based on numerous spy shots of prototypes, and though details might vary, it should look a lot like what you see here. It could even have a targa top, and a convertible is expected at some point as well. But just because the engine is moving behind the cockpit, don't expect a huge departure from the current design language, outside of proportions. These renderings, along with many others, borrow heavily from the current C7 and suggest the Corvette's signature shape with swooping lines will endure. Sharper headlights, square taillights and boxy exhaust tips should help separate it from the current model.
More C8 Corvette Renderings:
In addition to renderings, there have been a couple alleged C8 Corvette leaks recently. One claims to show the uncovered backside of the car with impressively clear photos, apparently snapped at the Corvette assembly plant. The other is from a YouTube video that featured a blurry photo allegedly showing the entire car.
See The C8 Corvette Leaked Photos:
How Fast Is The C8 Corvette?
Performance data isn't available at this time. A good 0-60 mph estimate for the base model C8 would be in the high three-second to the low four-second range. Top speed could be close to 200 mph unless Chevrolet uses an electronic limiter.
When Will The C8 Corvette Be Revealed?
July 18, 2019 is the magic date revealed by GM for when the covers officially disappear. As for the location, media and VIP invitations went out at the beginning of May for a series of special events in Tustin, California. Unless you're on this short list of attendees you'll have to wait a bit longer to see the new supercar in person, but Chevrolet will have a live stream of the big event that you can watch at the link below. Motor1.com will also be there to bring you fresh photos and video. Production of the C8 Corvette should then kick off late in 2019, with customers receiving their cars sometime early to mid-2020.
Watch The C8 Corvette Livestream:
