With the introduction of the first mid-engine Corvette, Chevrolet wants to take its share of the European market.
The eight-generation (C8) Stingray, the most fastest and most powerful entry-level ‘Vette ever, aims to accomplish this on both the road and the track.
New LT2 6.2-liter V8 roars to life at the push of a button, putting 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque (when equipped with the Z51 Performance Package) on tap. Transferring the output to the rear wheels is Chevy’s first dual-clutch transmission—developed for this car specifically—with eight speeds in two shafts: one for even gears, one for odd gears. It’s conceptually the same as the Lamborghini Huracan Evo’s or Aston Martin DB11’s, promising to shift quicker than humanly possible via electronically-controlled actuation, as well as continuous torque delivery.
The C8 rips off zero-to-60-mph runs in 2.8 seconds. That’s 1.1 seconds quicker than the last C7 Z51. The C8 even betters the zero-to-60-mph runs of the quickest 650-hp C7 Z06 and 755-hp C7 ZR1, both of which lose the struggle with grip in low gears. But, they are traveling faster than the new Vette by the end of the quarter-mile, which the C8 does in 11.2 seconds at 122 mph, but the point is made: The mid-engine configuration pays off from a standing start.
In the cabin, a slot between the seats can hold your smartphone neatly, while the center console has a small bin for keys and change and doubles as a drinks storage too. A small glovebox is supplemented by shallow door pockets. Overall, the C8 may seem impractical, but it’s actually more usable than expected.
The C8 ‘Vette’s interior features perforated leather upholstery as standard, with Jet Black, Sky Cool Gray and Adrenaline Red as your color choices. Opting for Competition Sport bucket seats automatically selects Jet Black faux suede instead. On the 2LT, you get more options. The leather here is genuine Nappa, and can be had in the same three colors as well as a tan shade. In addition, various two-tone combinations of the color options can be had. The 3LT also has access to a Tension/Twilight Blue combination, while all trims have access to seatbelt color choice too. Black, orange, tan, red, blue, and yellow can all be chosen. On the top two trims, the standard brushed metal look can be swapped out for carbon fiber.
While all previous Corvettes have offered a convertible version, the 2020 ‘Vette is the first with a retractable hardtop.
