The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette (C8 body) is the eighth generation of Corvette sports cars produced by the American automobile concern Chevrolet. After several experimental prototype cars of the CERV series, this is the first Chevrolet Corvette with a mid-engined layout, launched since the model was introduced in 1953. It also became General Motors' debut mid-engined sports car following the 1988 Pontiac Fiero.
The C8 design was unveiled in April 2019, and the finished coupe officially debuted on July 18, 2019 during a presentation at the Space Center. Kennedy dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. The convertible debuted in October 2019 along with a racing version called the C8 R. Official production began on February 3, 2020, but was delayed due to a General Motors strike in 2019.
The first production model of the C8 Corvette was the Stingray with the new 6, 2-liter V8 LT2 engine. A 2-door targa or convertible with retractable roof is available as versions.
Design
The C8 retains some of the C7's body design, but much of the exterior has been completely redesigned. Moving the engine behind the cockpit required more attention to aerodynamics and cooling. The large side air intakes are complemented by smaller vents under the taillights. The trunk is located at the back. There is an additional storage compartment in the front of the vehicle. Together they provide 370 liters of cargo space, 57 liters less than the C7.
Moving to a mid-engined layout has shifted the interior by 420 mm forward. The C8 series will be offered in left-hand and right-hand drive configurations, another novelty for the Corvette. The cab has been designed to be driver-centered. The instrument cluster with multiple controls mounted on the center console features a new hexagonal steering wheel.
The 12-inch (30.5 cm) digital screen replaces the instrument cluster and can display one of six selected driving modes. It is complemented by an 8-inch (20.3 cm) touchscreen. A dedicated Z button (a tribute to the Z06, ZR1 and Z51) is reproduced on the steering wheel. It serves to quickly activate individual settings for the engine, transmission and suspension. Models equipped with magnetorheological dampers have adjustable suspension settings.
Equipment levels and options
Three trim levels are currently available: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT, complemented by three suspension settings FE1, FE3 and FE4, which correspond to the two Z51 Performance packages. In addition, there are three seat options available: GT1, GT2 and Competition Sport. The interior of the seats is upholstered in leather, micro-suede or high-quality fabrics with carbon fiber or aluminum trim. The rear view camera now has a higher resolution and a new interface. It can project video both on the display and on the rear-view mirrors.
Engine
The new Chevrolet Corvette uses a new version of the engine developed from the LT1 powertrain used in the Chevrolet Corvette C7. It was given a new designation LT2. It is a naturally aspirated V8 with a rated power of 490 hp. (365 kW) at 6450 rpm and a torque of 630 Nm at 5150 rpm. Compared to the C7 version, an improvement of 40 hp has been achieved. (30 kW) and 14 Nm. The engine uses a dry sump lubrication system. Like the previous version, the new engine has the function of active fuel control or cylinder shutdown. It is used when the vehicle is subject to low traffic loads such as smooth highway driving.
The optional Z51 Performance Package includes a sports exhaust system for a total power output of 495 hp. (369 kW), and the torque reaches 637 Nm. The manufacturer claims that the new Chevrolet Corvette can accelerate to 100 km / h in less than 3 seconds, and with the Z51 package - in 2.8 seconds.
Transmission
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette is only offered with an 8-speed robotic dual-clutch transmission made by Tremec. It has a function of semi-automatic gear shifting by means of switches on the steering wheel. There is no manual transmission version.
Suspension
The base 2020 Chevrolet Corvette features double wishbone suspension at the front and rear. Levers are made of forged aluminum. Monotube dampers are standard on all four wheels. The car can be equipped with a suspension system with an adjustable front axle clearance, which can increase the ground clearance by 40 mm at a speed of 40 km / h.
The Z51 package adds a customizable, customizable suspension and an electronic limited-slip rear cross-axle differential. The top-of-the-range FE4 includes a fourth-generation GM-fourth-generation adaptive suspension system with magnetorheological dampers.
Wheels
"Corvette" is equipped with alloy wheels with a diameter of 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. The standard tires are Michelin Pilot Sport ALS and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is available as part of the Z51 kit. On base models, all season tires are recommended for better grip. The exact tire sizes are 245/35 ZR 19 at the front and 305/30 ZR-20 at the rear.
Standard brake mechanisms are Brembo four-piston ventilated discs with a diameter of 320 mm at the front and 345 mm at the rear. The Z51 package features redesigned and extended brake discs measuring 338mm at the front and 351mm at the rear.
Awards
The Chevrolet Corvette C8 was named the Car of the Year by Motor Trend Magazine and has been named one of the Top 10 Cars of 2020. The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette has won the 2020 North American Car of the Year and 2020 Car of the Year awards from the Detroit Free Press.
