Close
Link Copied

How the Corvette went from America's sports car to a competitor that could take on the world

Kristen LeeMay 5, 2020, 22:41 IST
How the Corvette went from America's sports car to a competitor that could take on the world

All eight generations of the Chevrolet Corvette.Chevrolet

  • For almost 70 years, the Chevrolet Corvette was a front-engined sports car.
  • It was a great performer, but was missing that one last element that'd make it competitive in the global sports-car market.
  • The 2020 Corvette is now mid-engined and a worthy international competitor.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories

Despite the generous offering of American muscle cars available to buyers today, there's only one considered to be America's sports car. That car is the Chevrolet Corvette.

The Corvette is currently in its eighth generation — and for the first time in its 67-year history, it finally has the setup that makes it competitive with the likes of the European supercars.

See, for the first seven generations, the Corvette stuck with a very traditional, front-engine layout, meaning its engine was located in front of the driver. Of course, there's nothing inherently wrong with a front-engine setup, but it's also a setup that very pedestrian cars like Toyota Camry also have.

In racing and with supercars, a mid-engine layout is generally much more preferred. A mid-engine layout is when the engine is located behind the driver and between the car's front and rear axles. Generally, mid-engine cars offer improved balance and handling because the heaviest part of the car — its engine — isn't located on only one end.

For decades, talk of a mid-engine Corvette flitted about the automotive industry. Years went by and nothing concrete ever came of it. The "mid-engine Corvette" sort of became an automotive tall tale.

Those rumors were finally laid to rest with the eight-generation Corvette, also known as the "C8" generation: the mid-engine Corvette, actualized. America's sports car had finally grown up and was ready to take on the global performance segment.

How did we get here? Why does the C8 matter? Dear reader, keep scrolling to find out.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The Z06 and ZR1 offerings haven't been officially announced yet. But if or when they come out, they'll probably make more than 1,000 horsepower.

The Z06 and ZR1 offerings haven't been officially announced yet. But if or when they come out, they'll probably make more than 1,000 horsepower.
2020 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

That angered many purists.

That angered many purists.
2020 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Unfortunately, none of the C8 Corvettes will be offered with a manual transmission.

Unfortunately, none of the C8 Corvettes will be offered with a manual transmission.
2020 Corvette. Chevrolet

This is because, according to Car and Driver, people just didn't buy enough manual C7 for GM to see a business case in offering manual C8s.

Advertisement
Advertisement

A V8 that makes about 500 horsepower in a mid-engine car that can be had for less than $60,000.

A V8 that makes about 500 horsepower in a mid-engine car that can be had for less than $60,000.
2020 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

But it’s real, and it has a naturally aspirated V8 between its axles.

But it’s real, and it has a naturally aspirated V8 between its axles.
2020 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The 2020 C8 is sleek. Pointy faced. A little ungainly looking in profile, perhaps.

The 2020 C8 is sleek. Pointy faced. A little ungainly looking in profile, perhaps.
2020 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

More than six decades after the overheating race car and all of Zora Arkus-Duntov's dreaming, the car is real at last.

More than six decades after the overheating race car and all of Zora Arkus-Duntov's dreaming, the car is real at last.
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Chevrolet
Advertisement

And in 2020, the world saw the first and official mid-engine Corvette.

And in 2020, the world saw the first and official mid-engine Corvette.
2020 Corvette logo. Chevrolet

Finally.

Advertisement

It is currently the most powerful Corvette ever built from the factory.

It is currently the most powerful Corvette ever built from the factory.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 convertible. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The car made 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque from its supercharged, 6.2-liter LT5 V8.

The car made 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque from its supercharged, 6.2-liter LT5 V8.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet
Advertisement

I’d think 638 horsepower from the C6 was already enough, but clearly I don’t know anything.

I’d think 638 horsepower from the C6 was already enough, but clearly I don’t know anything.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet
Advertisement

And then came the C7 ZR1.

And then came the C7 ZR1.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet
Advertisement

It produced 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.

It produced 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.
2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Chevrolet

Unfortunately, the Z06 also apparently had some overheating issues. A class-action lawsuit filed by Z06 owners claimed the car had a cooling system defect that forced it to go into limp mode after 15 minutes of track use.

Advertisement

But this time it had a supercharged LT4 V8 engine.

But this time it had a supercharged LT4 V8 engine.
2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The Z06 also appeared once more as a track weapon.

The Z06 also appeared once more as a track weapon.
2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C7 Stingrays had LT1 V8 engines that produced 460 horsepower.

The C7 Stingrays had LT1 V8 engines that produced 460 horsepower.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Also, with the C7, GM brought back the "Stingray" designation for the base model.

Also, with the C7, GM brought back the "Stingray" designation for the base model.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C7 also used an aluminum frame.

The C7 also used an aluminum frame.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet

But the base model was 60% stiffer than the performance-focused Z06 and ZR1 from the previous C6 generation.

Advertisement

The rounded aesthetic it carried from the ‘50s was gone.

The rounded aesthetic it carried from the ‘50s was gone.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Its looks noticeably sharpened up.

Its looks noticeably sharpened up.
2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C7 Corvette spanned from 2014 to 2019.

The C7 Corvette spanned from 2014 to 2019.
2014 Corvette logo. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Production of the C6 officially stopped on February 28, 2013.

Production of the C6 officially stopped on February 28, 2013.
2013 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

It's two generations old, but it's aged very well.

It's two generations old, but it's aged very well.
2013 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The car is particularly striking in yellow.

The car is particularly striking in yellow.
2011 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

There was also the Corvette C6.R, built for endurance racing.

There was also the Corvette C6.R, built for endurance racing.
2011 C6R race car. Chevrolet

Here's one in 2009.

Advertisement

Here are some Corvettes celebrating the brand's 50th anniversary of running at Le Mans at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Here are some Corvettes celebrating the brand's 50th anniversary of running at Le Mans at Laguna Seca Raceway.
2010 Corvette Racing Le Mans 50th Anniversary. Chevrolet

(Now called WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.)

Advertisement

It was so cool.

It was so cool.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The car produced 638 horsepower and had a top speed of 205 mph.

The car produced 638 horsepower and had a top speed of 205 mph.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The ZR1 had the same aluminum chassis structure found in the Z06 but also used more carbon-fiber body parts, including the roof panel.

The ZR1 had the same aluminum chassis structure found in the Z06 but also used more carbon-fiber body parts, including the roof panel.
2008 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet
Advertisement

In 2009 came the C6 ZR1 — a fire-breathing, supercharged monster.

In 2009 came the C6 ZR1 — a fire-breathing, supercharged monster.
2008 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet
Advertisement

It also weighed less than 3,200 pounds, so its power-to-weight ratio was excellent.

It also weighed less than 3,200 pounds, so its power-to-weight ratio was excellent.
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Chevrolet

It might have looked similar to regular C6s, but underneath, the Z06 was anything but. It had an aluminum frame, a magnesium engine cradle, and carbon-fiber front fenders, front wheel houses, and rear fenders.

Advertisement

But the 2006 C6 Z06 was truly one of the coolest Corvettes ever made.

But the 2006 C6 Z06 was truly one of the coolest Corvettes ever made.
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Chevrolet

Powered by a massive, naturally aspirated 7.0-liter LS7 V8, the Z06 produced 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It made a noise like metal being torn apart.

Advertisement

It was also the first Corvette to offer navigation.

It was also the first Corvette to offer navigation.
2005 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Chevrolet
Advertisement

It made 400 horsepower.

It made 400 horsepower.
2005 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C6 was powered by a 6.0-liter V8.

The C6 was powered by a 6.0-liter V8.
2005 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

GM got with the times here and did away with the raised headlights.

GM got with the times here and did away with the raised headlights.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet

It wasn't a bad move.

Advertisement

The C6 generation spanned from 2005 to 2013.

The C6 generation spanned from 2005 to 2013.
2005 Corvette logo. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The 2002 Z06 increased power to make a respectable 405 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The 2002 Z06 increased power to make a respectable 405 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Chevrolet

Even by today's standards, that's a lot.

Advertisement

The 2001 C5 Z06 was a performance variant that had a 385-horsepower LS6 V8.

The 2001 C5 Z06 was a performance variant that had a 385-horsepower LS6 V8.
2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Chevrolet

It had a top speed of more than 170 mph.

Advertisement

You can decide for yourself if that’s a good or bad thing.

You can decide for yourself if that’s a good or bad thing.
2001 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

This was because the C5 used way more plastic in its construction.

This was because the C5 used way more plastic in its construction.
1997 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Despite it being larger than the C4, it was actually 100 pounds lighter than the car it replaced.

Despite it being larger than the C4, it was actually 100 pounds lighter than the car it replaced.
1997 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C5 generation ran from 1997 to 2004.

The C5 generation ran from 1997 to 2004.
1997 Corvette logo. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C4 Corvette was also incredibly aerodynamic.

The C4 Corvette was also incredibly aerodynamic.
1990 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet

It had a 0.34 coefficient of drag, which was almost 25% less than the outgoing C3.

Advertisement

The C4 ZR1's run spanned from 1990 to 1995.

The C4 ZR1's run spanned from 1990 to 1995.
1990 Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Then came the ZR1, a Corvette made to take on the European sports cars.

Then came the ZR1, a Corvette made to take on the European sports cars.
1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Chevrolet

It was wider, had better tires, and, as noted by Road & Track, the LT5 5.7-liter V8 engine was unique to the ZR1. The LT5 was jointly developed with Lotus and boat-motor company Mercury Marine. The car made an impressive 380 horsepower and could hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.9 seconds.

Advertisement

These, according to GM, really "captured the zeitgeist of the circuit board era."

These, according to GM, really "captured the zeitgeist of the circuit board era."
1987 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet

Source: General Motors

Advertisement

The car got an electroluminescent instrument panel with digital readouts.

The car got an electroluminescent instrument panel with digital readouts.
1984 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The ‘80s and ‘90s signified the Corvette’s technology era.

The ‘80s and ‘90s signified the Corvette’s technology era.
1984 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C4 generation ran from 1983 to 1996.

The C4 generation ran from 1983 to 1996.
1984 Corvette logo. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Still, something about the C3 worked.

Still, something about the C3 worked.
1979 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet

A total of 58,307 Corvettes were sold in 1979, which, in 2013, was still the highest they'd ever been.

Advertisement

Edmunds said it "overstayed its welcome by at least five years."

Edmunds said it "overstayed its welcome by at least five years."
1978 Chevrolet Corvette Silver Anniversary Edition. Chevrolet

Source: Edmunds

Advertisement

Maybe it's because the C3 was around for so long, but it's probably the least-liked generation by fans.

Maybe it's because the C3 was around for so long, but it's probably the least-liked generation by fans.
1978 Chevrolet Corvette pace car. Chevrolet
Advertisement

In 1981, GM moved Corvette production to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where it remains today.

In 1981, GM moved Corvette production to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where it remains today.
1977 Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Corvette production had moved from Flint, Michigan, to St. Louis, Missouri in the 1950s.

Corvette production had moved from Flint, Michigan, to St. Louis, Missouri in the 1950s.
1973 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The name was also slightly changed from “Sting Ray” to “Stingray,” but Corvette fans preferred to call the C3 a “shark.”

The name was also slightly changed from “Sting Ray” to “Stingray,” but Corvette fans preferred to call the C3 a “shark.”
1973 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Regardless, the C3 was still cool, with its aggressive styling, long hood, and retractable headlights.

Regardless, the C3 was still cool, with its aggressive styling, long hood, and retractable headlights.
1972 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet

It had industry-first "T-top" removable roof panels!

Advertisement

Industry changes and tightening emissions resulted in 165-horsepower small-block engines in 1975.

Industry changes and tightening emissions resulted in 165-horsepower small-block engines in 1975.
1968 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Early C3s came with powerful, ozone-destroying, 435-horsepower big-block engines.

Early C3s came with powerful, ozone-destroying, 435-horsepower big-block engines.
1968 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

This is also the Corvette that weathered the oil crisis in the 1970s, which devastated the muscle-car industry.

This is also the Corvette that weathered the oil crisis in the 1970s, which devastated the muscle-car industry.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C3 is currently the Corvette's longest-running generation, spanning from 1968 to 1982.

The C3 is currently the Corvette's longest-running generation, spanning from 1968 to 1982.
1972 Corvette logo Chevrolet
Advertisement

Because the Corvette was now offered as a coupe, GM was able to nearly double its sales.

Because the Corvette was now offered as a coupe, GM was able to nearly double its sales.
1965 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Chevrolet
Advertisement

Ultimately, the split-window design was abandoned after a time because it resulted in poor visibility.

Ultimately, the split-window design was abandoned after a time because it resulted in poor visibility.
1963 Corvette. Chevrolet

Sad.

Advertisement

It also had one of the most beautiful Corvette designs in history: the split rear window.

It also had one of the most beautiful Corvette designs in history: the split rear window.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet

The Corvette Sting Ray "Split Window" Coupe had a sort of "spine" that ran down the length of its body and manifested in a sectioned rear window.

Advertisement

Whereas the C1 used a modified passenger-sedan platform, the C2 was built on a completely new and dedicated platform.

Whereas the C1 used a modified passenger-sedan platform, the C2 was built on a completely new and dedicated platform.
1966 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

It was nicknamed “Sting Ray” after the influential concept car.

It was nicknamed “Sting Ray” after the influential concept car.
1963 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The C2 Corvette lasted from 1963 to 1967.

The C2 Corvette lasted from 1963 to 1967.
1962 Corvette logo. Chevrolet
Advertisement

At the race's end, only one Corvette was still running and finished 8th overall.

At the race's end, only one Corvette was still running and finished 8th overall.
1960 Corvette Racer 1 at Le Mans. Chevrolet

You can see a documentary of the race here. It's pretty neat.

Advertisement

Also in 1960, the model made its debut at the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France with three race-prepped Corvettes.

Also in 1960, the model made its debut at the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France with three race-prepped Corvettes.
1960 Corvette at Le Mans. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The 1960 Corvette was the last Corvette to feature the "teeth" looking front grille.

The 1960 Corvette was the last Corvette to feature the "teeth" looking front grille.
1960 Chevy Corvette convertible Chevrolet

The C1 Corvette lasted from 1953 through 1962.

Advertisement

The 1959 Sting Ray Racer was a concept that embodied the aesthetics of speed in its day.

The 1959 Sting Ray Racer was a concept that embodied the aesthetics of speed in its day.
1959 Corvette Stingray racer. Chevrolet

It went on to inspire the looks of the next-gen C2 Corvette.

Advertisement

But no mid-engine car came.

But no mid-engine car came.
1958 Corvette convertible. Chevrolet

Instead, in 1958, Chevrolet introduced a slight design refresh for dual headlights.

Advertisement

The year the C1 Corvette came out, a Belgian engineer named Zora Arkus-Duntov began trying to shape it into something much more performance oriented.

The year the C1 Corvette came out, a Belgian engineer named Zora Arkus-Duntov began trying to shape it into something much more performance oriented.
1966 Corvette wtih Zora Arkus-Duntov. Chevrolet.

Ultimately, Arkus-Dontov was the one who pushed hardest for a mid-engine Corvette. During the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1957, a front-engine Corvette race car recorded a DNF — a "did not finish" in racing speak. What was more, the driver's feet were burning because of the engine's placement.

This race convinced Arkus-Dontov that the engine had to be behind the driver. It sparked years of mid-engine concepts and experiments that never panned out, but always seemed to be tantalizingly close production wise.

Advertisement

All first-generation Corvettes were convertibles.

All first-generation Corvettes were convertibles.
1957 Corvette. Chevrolet

And the first generation established styling elements that would become staples of Corvettes to come: the iconic dual-round tail lights and cockpit-style interior.

Advertisement

As of 1955, the car was available with a 265 cubic-inch small-block V8 and a three-speed manual transmission.

As of 1955, the car was available with a 265 cubic-inch small-block V8 and a three-speed manual transmission.
1954 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

In those days, fiberglass was also more flexible than something that could be stamped out in a steel press, so the resulting Corvette's body was curvier than most had ever seen before.

In those days, fiberglass was also more flexible than something that could be stamped out in a steel press, so the resulting Corvette's body was curvier than most had ever seen before.
1953 Chevrolet Corvette sketch. Chevrolet
Advertisement

It was the first mass-produced car to have an all-fiberglass body, making it very light.

It was the first mass-produced car to have an all-fiberglass body, making it very light.
1953 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

On June 30, the first production-ready Corvette was built at an assembly plant in Flint, Michigan.

On June 30, the first production-ready Corvette was built at an assembly plant in Flint, Michigan.
1953 Chevrolet Corvette. Chevrolet
Advertisement

The Corvette logo bore two crossed flags: a checkered one and one with the Chevrolet bow-tie and a fleur-de-lis — a French symbol for purity.

The Corvette logo bore two crossed flags: a checkered one and one with the Chevrolet bow-tie and a fleur-de-lis — a French symbol for purity.
1953 Corvette logo. Chevrolet
Advertisement

On January 17, 1953, the Chevrolet C1 Corvette was displayed as a "dream car" at the General Motors Motorama exposition at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City.

On January 17, 1953, the Chevrolet C1 Corvette was displayed as a "dream car" at the General Motors Motorama exposition at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City.
1953 Corvette Motorama show car. Chevrolet

It was a futuristic-looking sports car, with an engine mounted in the front. That layout would persevere for the next six decades.

Advertisement
Next StoryCashmere sweats for lounging and $18,000 silk gow...
Popular on BI
Latest Stories
Trending News
More from our Partners